So, World Mental Health Day in the midst of a pandemic.
It’s been a tough year for everyone, but that goes without saying, but when people talk about those with underlying health conditions few people mention the way this pandemic could exacerbate those suffering with a variety of mental health issues.
There are people far more qualified to talk about that than me, so instead I want to talk about what’s kept me going through all of this. For this year’s #WorldMentalHealthDay, Mind is running a campaign titled Do One Thing, and I hope people can take something from this.
Family
It would be remiss of me to not talk about the importance of family. I’m always reluctant to say too much, as I know I’m incredibly fortunate and not everyone has the same loving home I do but I can’t downplay the important role they’ve had. For months, there were five of us in this house almost 24 hours a day, each having to work and relax under the same roof. I couldn’t have got through it without all of them being wonderful and respecting the time and space each of us needed.
Do one thing – call someone you love and see how they are, let them ask about how you are. Talk, laugh, love.
Headspace
As wonderful as my family are, my mind has needed time to escape. I’ve really benefitted from the little things – an hour long walk often listening to music or the fantastic Stadio podcast. I won’t bang on too much about it, it’s worth a post of its own, but Ryan and Musa make me laugh, make me think and give me hope. I’m indebted to them.
I’ve also spent a lot of time this year with my head in a book – 34 in total. I started the year with Ann Patchett’s moving The Dutch House and am just finishing Supper Club by Lara Williams. In between I’ve read books on race, the Tories’ ‘hostile environment’ and James Acaster’s tribute to the music of 2016, among many others.
One of the things I wouldn’t have predicted pre-lockdown is how much time I spent playing NBA2K20. For those who don’t know, it’s a basketball game on the Xbox and the first of its type I’ve played since the 1993 classic NBA Jam. Inspired in part by the brilliant Netflix documentary The Last Dance, I started to pay more attention to basketball in it’s ‘bubble’ restart and was entranced by a sport I hadn’t seen for years. Peace and enjoyment often comes from the places you least expect it.
Do one thing – take time for yourself. An hour, an afternoon, a day. Read a book, dance around your lounge, go for a walk. Put yourself first for a bit.
Hope
In a difficult year, I’ve found hope incredibly easy to come by. I’m not talking about clap for the NHS hope or Elton John singing I’M DILL DANDIN’ at the One World concert. Certainly not a fist-shaking, world-beating Boris Johnson kind of hope.
I mean a very personal hope. I’ve been a minor part in the formation of Talking Cherries, a mental health initiative run by AFC Bournemouth fans (some of whom I knew, some I didn’t). They’ve not only encouraged me to talk more openly about things, but it’s given me a real joy to see people come together and do what they can do to help others.
I’ve also tried to get more involved with my CLP. Being a Labour member in the 23rd safest Tory seat in Britain isn’t always a cause of optimism, but there are a great bunch of people who want to make the area better. Alongside that, few people outside of my family have given me more cause for hope this year than Zarah Sultana. She gives me hope for a better Britain and a better world. I realise we’re not all the same, but it’s so uplifting to see her fold the government to account, be it on test and trace, lobbying or statues of slave owners or Universal Credit.
Do one thing – find something that inspires you. What is so heart-warming about all of these examples is that they’re focused on making life better for those in need. Actions are important. Support a local foodbank, check in on those you know who are more vulnerable than you.
Listen to the experts
We’re heard a lot about experts and following the science. These few words are what worked for me, but don’t take my word for it. Mind has produced a brilliant ‘Do one thing’ calendar, with room for your own ideas alongside simple things like ‘go for a walk at lunchtime’ and ‘thank someone’. You can download it here.
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