The Truth team’s reflections and tips on mental health
Part of our new Truth Transparency series
- Written by Shani Kaplan
In light of Mental Health Awareness Week, we wanted to share with you some of our own experiences with mental health and what we find work best for us when we're not feeling great, mentally.
I have encountered my share of life challenges, as we all have, and have had points in my life that have caused me to be in a funk. This dark funk can last a day, or sometimes be hiding under the surface unnamed for months. The thing about funks is that they can make you feel really alone and like nobody would understand, which then can continue into fighting the urge to avoid plans and people. It can also make you feel incredibly guilty for feeling this way when the Perspective Police interject with, “well at least you have ____” or “why would anyone want to be burdened with your issue when they’re dealing with ___ themselves?”.
Mental Health Awareness week is important. But so is the bigger conversation overall. We should all be more open and less ashamed of the topic of mental health. Because I can guarantee that if you have not personally suffered from mental health issues, either your neighbor, your family member, or your friend has. And because of the stigma that unfortunately still surrounds this topic, you just may not even know.
The thing is, I am lucky enough to be a bit of a communicator. Okay, a serious communicator. I am very open about some of my internal struggles with the people in my life that I am lucky enough to call friends and family. They also know they can come to me as a sounding board or a shoulder to cry on with any battles they are facing, without judgement, no matter how big or small their battle may be. This open platform, and some things I will discuss further into this piece, have always kept me from sinking too far into that ever-so-frightening dark hole of depression.
These conversations with loved ones (and sometimes strangers) have led me to hear about horrible traumas and tragedies; some of them including childhood abuse, family members with severe addictions, years of eating disorders, family suicides and deaths, family break ups, and many other horrible, horrible life challenges. Our problems may not seem as severe as those of someone next to us, but they can still affect us just the same. The older I get, the more I realise that despite that crippling inner dialogue that says otherwise, we are never alone. There are so many people that will not only understand but be fighting the same battle.
I have also realised that it’s not just a case of choosing happiness overall and “letting go” or being “positive” - for me anyway - but actually, it is a series of daily or weekly practices and lifestyle choices that lead to a happier headspace whenever the tougher times arise.
I understand now, for instance, that strong relationships - and nurturing these - is an absolute necessity for me. That is what I realised first and foremost when moving abroad. Growing up in a social household with family and friends dropping in constantly and trips overseas to visit relatives, drilled in the importance of relationships from a young age for me.
Although it is tempting at times to hermit away and binge the latest TV series through the weekend (especially in a climate like the UK), it does my mental health no good (most of the time). Instead, I had to be vulnerable and put myself out there to make friendships in this new city 24 hours across the world!
Secondly, I know that having a day job that provides me with a purpose is something of vital importance; and to feed my soul, it must be one that I am passionate about and one that means I am part of an awesome team (hey Truth team❤️). It isn’t just about chasing a monetary figure or status level, but about measuring the value I can provide for others and feeling like I am relied upon; mixed with the constant learning and evolving through challenges with this said team.
The times when I have been most unhappy are when I have not been happy in my job - and I know this is the same for many of my loved ones. Just think about the number of hours you spend working!
Lastly, from all the self-development books I’ve read and podcasts I’ve listened to based around mental health, it has only highlighted how amazing it is to notice when a change needs to be made, but it just isn’t enough to put a name to it. For example, I know now that to feel my best and show up for others, I need to move my body most days; go for walks in nature alone with a podcast or in the company of a friend; and bring more creativity into my life as it calms me and brings me closer to myself.
However, despite realising this, I often will say ‘yes’ to far too many plans, work a little bit too much over the weekends, spend just a smidge too much time on my phone, or numb emotions with a giant Thai feed followed by mindless munching on sweets.
Secondly, I know that having a day job that provides me with a purpose is something of vital importance; and to feed my soul, it must be one that I am passionate about and one that means I am part of an awesome team (hey Truth team❤️). It isn’t just about chasing a monetary figure or status level, but about measuring the value I can provide for others and feeling like I am relied upon; mixed with the constant learning and evolving through challenges with this said team.
The times when I have been most unhappy are when I have not been happy in my job - and I know this is the same for many of my loved ones. Just think about the number of hours you spend working!
Lastly, from all the self-development books I’ve read and podcasts I’ve listened to based around mental health, it has only highlighted how amazing it is to notice when a change needs to be made, but it just isn’t enough to put a name to it. For example, I know now that to feel my best and show up for others, I need to move my body most days; go for walks in nature alone with a podcast or in the company of a friend; and bring more creativity into my life as it calms me and brings me closer to myself.
However, despite realising this, I often will say ‘yes’ to far too many plans, work a little bit too much over the weekends, spend just a smidge too much time on my phone, or numb emotions with a giant Thai feed followed by mindless munching on sweets.
I know this combination is toxic for my happiness-dial, yet if I spiral further into this pattern and make excuses to stay there, I can’t expect to change that worsening mental state. So, I have to make daily little choices to perform these happiness boosters.
Alright, you have heard far too much from me. Let’s take it to the Truth team on how they deal with their mental health:
Trent, Truth Co-Founder
It has taken a pandemic for us to realise that we are all guided by this voice in our head that can be influenced and improved by correctly nurturing it for positivity and learning.
#1 Stoic Philosophy & Chess - have helped me. The power of these two mental pursuits that have withstood the test of time, both dating back thousands of years through countless translations.
#2 Audiobooks/ Podcasts - I try to mask boring parts of my day with learning something interesting. Whether it be Joe Rogan, Sam Harris, or Tim Ferris having long-form discussions with guests; or an audiobook to give me ideas. All of this helps me understand myself, the world, and find my way.
#3 Physical exercise and nutrition - of course, I would say that, owning a Gym and Nutrition company. However, I believe we directly control these two factors and often choose the laziness of the sofa, or the mouth pleasure of bad foods, then silently suffer the revenge of bad moods, unhealthy bodies, and increased worry.
We, humans, are fundamentally the same, we struggle with the same issues whether it’s with a Roman army, or glued to our phones. We are all trying to find our way. Good luck with your journey.
Nikita, Truth Social Media
As someone who has anxiety, the most important thing for me is to take time off when I feel overwhelmed. This can just be an evening or a weekend, but it makes a huge difference in my wellbeing and productivity. Calling a friend or family member or going on a long walk with my dog, Chiko, also does wonders for me.
One thing that I have underestimated for many years is getting enough sleep. I now try to switch off all technology for at least 30 minutes before bed and I have a chamomile teal to unwind. These little acts of self-care make a huge difference in the way I feel and how quickly I recover from stress.
Yoommy, Truth Copywriter
Talk, talk, talk about it. For me, growing up in an environment where vulnerability wasn't voluntarily on display - and consequently more often associated with weakness than strength, combined with an overwhelming (and completely irrational) fear of possibly 'burdening' someone I love with something I was sure would make them uncomfortable, wasn't exactly conducive to me opening up about my struggles.
What I’ve learned over the years – albeit the hard way - is that those who truly value you and have your best interests at heart will actually benefit from your honesty and vulnerability. It creates a safe space for them to open up about their own struggles as well as giving them an opportunity to help you; something that may actually help them feel better in the process. And even though at times I just wanted to be left alone but begrudgingly spoke to friends out of necessity or obligation, I always left the conversation feeling better.
Nikita, Truth Social Media
As someone who has anxiety, the most important thing for me is to take time off when I feel overwhelmed. This can just be an evening or a weekend, but it makes a huge difference in my wellbeing and productivity. Calling a friend or family member or going on a long walk with my dog, Chiko, also does wonders for me.
One thing that I have underestimated for many years is getting enough sleep. I now try to switch off all technology for at least 30 minutes before bed and I have a chamomile teal to unwind. These little acts of self-care make a huge difference in the way I feel and how quickly I recover from stress.
Yoommy, Truth Copywriter
Talk, talk, talk about it. For me, growing up in an environment where vulnerability wasn't voluntarily on display - and consequently more often associated with weakness than strength, combined with an overwhelming (and completely irrational) fear of possibly 'burdening' someone I love with something I was sure would make them uncomfortable, wasn't exactly conducive to me opening up about my struggles.
What I’ve learned over the years – albeit the hard way - is that those who truly value you and have your best interests at heart will actually benefit from your honesty and vulnerability. It creates a safe space for them to open up about their own struggles as well as giving them an opportunity to help you; something that may actually help them feel better in the process. And even though at times I just wanted to be left alone but begrudgingly spoke to friends out of necessity or obligation, I always left the conversation feeling better.
Along with many of the common (and undoubtedly invaluable!) remedies like exercise, meditation, and eating well, I also found that setting boundaries as a result of prioritising my mental health offered much-needed solace. This may sound contradictory to what I said above about talking to friends begrudgingly, but the point is to prioritise your mental health and actively do things you know will help, whilst also avoiding things you know will only exacerbate the issue – it’s important to know the difference.
So even if it meant my boundaries would initially upset people I care about, I realised that my ability to show up for them in the way they needed became increasingly difficult if I were at a low. Meaning that self-care was in fact caring for them too.
We hope by showing you some of our Truth teams' journey with mental health, we can help you with yours. Remember, we are all in this together. As always, if you're feeling particularly low, please reach out. Seek help here.
- Truth family ❤️
Shani Kaplan
Shani Kaplan is a contributing writer for Truth Origins. She combines her knowledge gained from working within the fitness/wellness industry in Sydney and London for the last seven years as a Personal Trainer, and class instructor, with her addiction to research as a result of her BA in Business Marketing. Shani loves martial arts, resistance training, dance and yoga, nutrition, travel, design, photography, and art.
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