Sunday night, Twitter user Amanda Stafford (@ShutUpAmanda) started the hashtag #MyTipsForMentalHealth. The hashtag became one of the top trending topics on Twitter. The response was massive (over 30k tweets by Monday morning,) and the advice was very earnest and helpful.
1. Some people talked about when to seek help.
#MyTipsForMentalHealth Don't wait for "rock bottom" it doesn't exist. Just dig your heels in and stop falling.
2. Others encouraged people to fight the instinct to be alone.
Also remember that even when it seems like the best idea self isolation is your worst enemy speaking from experience #MyTipsForMentalHealth
3. Patience is definitely a virtue.
Be patient with yourself. Believe that you deserve better. Remind yourself what's good in ur life. Sleep. Eat. Love. #MyTipsForMentalHealth
4. As is self care.
#MyTipsForMentalHealth be good to yourself. You should never make someone a priority who views you as an option. Maya Angelou
5. Some suggested fighting stigma with your own story.
#MyTipsForMentalHealth Share your story. Share it with anyone who will listen. When you reach someone who needs to hear it, it's magical.
6. A ton of people stressed the importance of not falling victim to shame over your illness.
Never be ashamed of needing help #MyTipsForMentalHealth
7. Others recognized that therapy isn't accessible for everyone.
@SethShaffer So true A good talk has gotten me thru really bad times Most of the time its been a kind stranger
8. You do not have to appear strong all the time.
#MyTipsForMentalHealth do not hold everything in trying to be strong all the time, have a safe outlet to use as release therapy
9. Some people just won't get it, and that's OK.
#MyTipsForMentalHealth don't be embarrassed by it. It's OK to cut people from your life that are detrimental to your mental health
10. Many wanted people to know mental illness is treatable.
#MyTipsForMentalHealth 1. It can be treated 2. Get information about it 3. Support people suffering from it 4. Inform others 5. End stigma
11. Knowing when to take a mental break from world events is key.
#MyTipsForMentalHealth It's okay to take a break from the news to preserve your sanity.
12. Your problems are your problems...
#MyTipsForMentalHealth Never let anyone invalidate your feelings. ESPECIALLY the ones who justify it with "worse things have happened"
13. Don't discount them.
#mytipsformentalhealth Don't discount your own pain by comparing it to other people who "have it worse." You deserve help too.
14. Routines were highly recommended.
#MyTipsForMentalHealth if you're having a depressive episode, sticking to a routine like clockwork can help you stay grounded.
15. Finding coping skills mid-episode can be hard, but all of these are worth a try.
#MyTipsForMentalHealth Find good coping skills music, reading, art, positive friends, writing, meditation, or something positive.
16. Get creative.
@KattFunny #MyTipsForMentalHealth #Stress less Painting by my late father.
17. Get philosophical.
⠀ there's a single light bulb hanging in the basement of my brain. permanently lit. sometimes fogged & far. but lit #mytipsformentalhealth
18. Sometimes you're your own harshest critic.
#MyTipsForMentalHealth The worst things I've heard about my disorder came from me. So don't be ashamed of it. By others... Or yourself.
19. Just...fight.
When dealing with anxiety, sometimes you just need to say f#%!it! I'm doing it anyway!!!#MyTipsForMentalHealth
20. And as many, many tweets reiterated, It's 100% OK to not be OK.
Remember: It's ok not to be ok. #MyTipsForMentalHealth National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255