4 minute read
Mental Health Check
Do you ever feel mentally and emotinally devoid after interacting with a friend, family member or co-worker? Some interactions can be at times overwhelming and emotionally/physically exhausting. More so if you happen to be a highly sensitive person who tends to feel or absorb the emotions in a room. When someone shares trauma frequently, how do you cope with the indirect negative emotions? Are you supposed to always be okay or open to others emotionally hijacking (with or without knowledge of doing so?) you to provide comfort and support. My first thought is no: it’s not about being supportive and comforting at the price of your own mental wellbeing. My second thought: at some point you’ll encounter someone who feels emotionally exhausting. Who also due to uncontrollable circumstances you cannot remove from your life. These are some tips to handle yourself in these situations:
ONE: FIND YOU PEACE
Firstly being in a calm emotional state is vital, or you may find it difficult to cope with the emotions of others. Creating a space of calm/peace/tranquility is not necessarily easy, it is however important to try. Do your best to take care of yourself mentally, physically and emotionally so that if in whatever moment you want to be there for someone you’re capable of doing so without giving up your wellbeing. You matter too. TWO: SET BOUNDARIES
When it comes to those you care alot about or those you cannot avoid establishing boundaries can be a difficult task. What will you want and what wont you allow to come between you and your peace. It’s good to set boundaries early on and to be consistent with making sure you don’t allow them to be crossed. starting small isn’t a bad idea if introducing many may be too stressful or overwhelming. Whatever you feel most comfortable with doing. If you feel the need to add more later on that’s okay! Communication is key, talking about your concerns doesn’t need to be confrontational. To have a strong foudation for your boundaries, showing yourself a bit of love is really good. Be patient with yourself, give yourself where credit is due. For setting boundaries like anything there is such thing as too much. Be mindful, overthinking can impact wellbeing. Additionally it’s important to appreciate and respect the boundaries of others. No matter if they differ from your own. Limit the time you spend with them. THREE: BE DIRECT AND HONEST
Communicating your boundaries to others can be challenging, doing so is important because they cannot be expected to know nor read your mind. They may not even be aware they’re negatively influencing your emotional state. You may feel vulnerable or even possibly selfish expressing your feelings, it’s worth it to maintain your own mental health. Which can help you to be a better friend/ coworker/partner/ect. You can be firm while still being polite.
FOUR: PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE
After being open about your feelings it may be helpful to offer an alternative. Some topics may be to raw/real/difficult for you personally to cope with. After explaining that it’s too much of a burden emotionally for you, you could offer informational assistance if you decide to research it, or suggest a professional who is better equipped to help them with what they are going through. You can be a good listener and an empathetic friend, if the emotional stress is too deep the best thing they can do is seek the quidance of a professional. Our friends are not our therapists. Avoid fixing their problems, let them fix it. FIVE: NEUTRALIZE THE IMPACT
If you have no choice but to interact with someone you find to be a emotionally draining person despite all your efforts, you can try counteracting the impact with positive experiences. Said activities don’t have to follow a strict guideline. It can be anything that helps you, uplifts you, makes you smile. You can do this before, after or before & after something you find to be difficult for you SIX: CONSIDER DISTANCING YOURSELF
