Build Mental Health Coping Strategies

Sophia believes that the world is experiencing another pandemic: PTSD as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. When we were all sent home because of a global illness that was killing people, we had so little information. The lack of knowledge coupled with everyone avoiding closeness and physical touch has had a lasting impact that we might not be consciously thinking about. But we can sure see the effects of it in the amount of anger and emotion we see in the world right now.

In this episode of Ridiculously Happy Pplcast, we talk about the state of mental health in the world and bring some coping strategies to help you navigate your own struggles. We start off by opening up about our own challenges throughout the years, specifically with depression and postpartum depression, then move onto 6 strategies you can employ in your own life to get some relief from depression and anxiety.

Coping Strategies

1. Get Alone Time: Just like we mentioned in episode 2 on gratitude and mindfulness, sitting in silence, alone, can be very therapeutic. Meditate, read, sip your coffee slowly, listen to music, go for a walk, and take time off of work. Make sure you are taking time to yourself and not running yourself into the ground.

2. Set Boundaries: Sophia kicks this one off with a story of not having boundaries with her clients, and how that affected her, recently. Set boundaries in your personal and professional life that take into consideration what is best for your schedule, your physical health, and your mental health.

3. Exercise: This does not mean go to the gym 6 days a week and push yourself too hard. Do something you enjoy! Set some time aside, make plans with a friend, and just get started.

4. Spend Time With People: Bouncing off of #3, sign up for a team sport! You don’t have to be good. You can also go to a coffee shop and work in the bustle of the people around you. Make plans with friends, get out, and be around other people.

5. Get Off Social Media: Just like we discussed in our last episode on the dangers of social media, the highlight reel of the social world can often leave us feeling less than. Try deleting social media apps from your phone and spend less time socializing via the Internet. You might be surprised by the impact it has on you.

6. Get Professional Help: Seek therapy, work with your family doctor, talk to a naturopath, nutritionist, and/or Eastern Medicine Specialist, as well as to your spiritual leader. Someone who can, objectively, walk with you through your dark times can help take the stress out of going it alone.

Important Links

• Download Nikki’s Essential Tips for the Entrepreneur
• Get 10% off Sophia’s Anxiety Tracker with code MOODCAST
• The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture by Gabor Maté
• Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom by Rick Hanson PhD and Richard Mendius MD
• Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life’s Most Important Skill A Guide to Developing Life’s Most Important Skill by Matthieu Ricard
• The Social Dilemma documentary
• The Mom Room podcast
• For Crying Out Loud podcast
• Star Talk Radio with Neil Degrass Tyson

Share This With A Friend Who Is Struggling

Who do you know who you haven’t seen in a while? Maybe they’ve dropped off of social media or are cancelling last minute on a lot of social plans. They may very well be struggling with some mental health challenges themselves. But you know they’re not alone. Use the buttons below to share this episode with them and remind them of that important fact.