Writing on my blog for 12 years, I have seen many mental health changes, but I have never seen a change as I have in Covid-19. Emotions impact our thoughts, our mood, our ability to relate to others, our behaviour, and any decisions we go on  to make.

Mental Health needs addressing

Where mental health before the pandemic might have been bubbling below the surface, in the pandemic it has become evident it is no longer bubbling beneath the surface. There is no getting away from the fact we have all been affected by our mental health.

We assume we have 'good mental health'

Good mental health is assumed, but it's not a given. It’s not just how we may cope, life is stressful, it is also the external influences that have brought us to this place. But mental health can reduce if we're not keeping on top of it.

We're failing to deal with mental health

We're not dealing with mental health. It's not always a conscious decision, but it usually depends on where we are in our heads. As I continue to keep up with my own mental health, in the last two years, I hope, as I am sure others do too, we are able to see the good in humanity. It is there, but the pandemic has thrown in many surprises.

Paul Hollywood

I came across an article written by Paul Hollywood who echoes my sentiments on mental health, and who shines a light on his own mental health. In lockdown, “Lego,” he says. “I made a lot of Lego models in lockdown – that was my therapy.” (Source: https://www.thetimes.co.uk) Yes, everyone is affected.

Our mental health struggles

For many, they may look as if they have everything under control, but there is a continual mental struggle. We generally don't talk about mental health. Dealing with autism and anxiety, my realities are different, and as I continue to advocate my own mental health, helping to keep illness at bay, I also have my struggles.

Mental Health Books

Opening a book for mental health is nothing like opening an app; books are deliberate, deep, and reading the right book, purposeful. Books that deal with mental health encourage us to change the way we perceive the way we live our lives.

Make 'mental health' a priority

Now is the time to make mental health a priority. We all get one crack at 'life.' Without good mental health, it will be hard to live a life that is deliberate, deep or purposeful.

My books deal with mental health. You can grab paperback and Kindle copies on Amazon, or through the following link https://linktr.ee/Ilana_Estelle

Ilana Estelle is a mental health and wellbeing advocate who combines educational insight with her personal experience of living with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. She holds diplomas in Counselling, Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy, Psychotherapy and Counselling, and Stress Management. Through her writing, Ilana supports others in navigating their emotional, mental, and physical health challenges. In addition to writing for The CP Diary, her work has appeared in healthy lifestyle magazines. Ilana is also the author of three books: Cerebral Palsy: A Story – Finding the Calm After the Storm, Spirituality, Healing and Me, and Survival: The Covid Years – Time for Change.

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2 comments on “Making Mental Health a Priority”

  1. More than our physical health, our mental health affects everything - it impacts on all aspects of our lives.

    I come here for a mental health 'tune-up.' It reminds me of the need for good mental health and gives me the tools to care about my mental health.

    We can all look after our mental health and everyone should support you, your work, your network, and mental health charities and should have a copy of your books and hope they do.

    1. I agree, absolutely. It is the back bone to just about everything, but I'm not sure how many people want or get that? We tend to go with what we know and don't stop to question.

      The illusion keeps us protected, but you have to ask and question whether it really does. The past if not dealt with, can make you sick.

      It happened to someone close to me. She died too early.

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