Prepare yourself in advance to your troubles in life. You may not be able to predict if when it will occur but you can be prepared in the event it happens again. Keep lists, track your progress, and come up with a plan of action in case symptoms arise. Know yourself and your triggers. You’re not expected to stay well but there’s always opportunity to get well again even in the face of setback or difficulty.
Know that “Having a clear, structured plan reduces panic, ensures timely treatment” can help you “To handle unexpected health changes effectively.” [1]
You can even do simple things for yourself, like: (1) Drink a full glass of water. (2) Eat a grounding, healthy snack or meal. (3) Step away from screens or take a 10-minute media break. (4) Change your sensory environment (wash your face with cold water, take a warm shower, or step outside for fresh air. [2]
It’s important to build a support network for yourself of healthcare providers. Learn to lean on close family and friends when you’re experiencing difficult symptoms, try not to isolate that could only make things worse. There’s a difference between alone time to rest and recharge versus building a bunker for yourself hibernating from reality and not taking actionable steps to improve the way you’re feeling.
There may be times you might not be able to do this all by yourself and you’re not expected to know everything or know how to talk your way through every problem in life big or small. If possible have a crisis back up plan, list of hotlines to call or people you can talk to in crisis confidentially while you recover from what ails you, you’re not alone in this. When we lean on others for support we prevent the cycle of breaking ourselves down for it and work toward taking manageable steps toward improving again.
References:
[2] Managing Stress | Mental Health | CDC
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