Finding stability during a time of global crisis

Generation Mental Health Team • Apr 05, 2020

At GenMH, we want to share our own stories with a hope to empower, provide hope and give courage to the global mental health community, especially through this difficult period due to COVID-19.



Jackee, the Founder of GenMH, bravely shares how she has been feeling, with a hope to break down stigma, and empower others to talk proudly about their experiences with mental illness.

I live with bipolar disorder. This has meant an odd and frustrating journey during COVID-19.


About a month ago I started feeling an irritability I couldn’t shake. No matter what I did, I couldn’t focus on anything. I constantly felt like crawling out of my skin. I couldn’t sit still but I couldn’t really do anything either. 


Turns out this has been tied to medication changes. I was too exhausted on my previous medication, so I switched to another one, which clearly wasn’t working. But this was not working at a new level. I generally tend towards depression, so this turn towards hypomania for weeks on end was odd. 

Now me and my psychiatrist seem to have figured out that coming off of migraine medication may have been the culprit and I am slowly feeling better going back on this medication. My last appointment made me feel like a puzzle my doctor had to figure out, all in an effort to keep me off of lithium. 



All I want to do is feel better, stable. I’ve known what stability feels like. With a combination of medication (which always made me too sleepy) and therapy, I’ve had bouts of stability. This is the most unstable I’ve felt in a long time.



But, then I remember what’s happening in our environment. I’ve been forced to move back home to the suburbs of New York City which is basically on lock down. We have no idea how long we’ll be self-isolating. We are all under incredibly stressful circumstances.

When I take a step back, I realize this is a time to breathe deeply and try to take some pressure off of myself. This looks different for everyone. But for me, this means not asking as much of myself on a daily basis… not expecting myself to get every single piece of work done, not expecting my normal level of “productivity”. 

I’m also trying to take care of myself with positive distractions and positive coping. The best thing I’ve been doing for myself right now is working out, even 15 minutes a day. This has been bringing my energy level to a manageable place in the afternoons when my new medication seems to wear off. 


So, GenMH community, I hope you are all doing well, and I hope you take a second to breathe and take some pressure off of yourself.


To all of our mental health in this tough time,

Jackee

Are you interested in writing for the GenMH Blog? Send an email to Jackee at jaclyn@generationmentalhealth.org for more details.

Session Attendees at the Egerton University Event

Fellowship Diaries: GULI Club at Egerton University, Kenya

By Lydia Bennett-Li • 03 Dec, 2023
On 11th November, GenMH University Mental Health Fellow, Gakii Mwithali, organised a hugely successful mental health training session attended by over 350 students of Egerton University in Kenya. The event was hosted by GULI Club and sponsored by GenMH, and focussed on the following topics: Mental Health Literacy; Sexual harassment and its implication on mental health among the youth; Contraception among the youth and its implications and; Effects of FGM on mental health among the youth.
People sitting in a park

Low cost ways to prioritise your mental health

By Lydia Bennett-Li • 01 Apr, 2023
The current economic climate has had a significant impact on mental health. Lasting impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, along with increasing global instability have exacerbated existing mental health inequalities, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. It's essential to prioritize mental health during these difficult times by seeking support, practicing self-care, and staying connected with others. However, looking after your mental health doesn't have to be expensive. Here are some low-cost or free ways to prioritize your mental well-being: Spend time in nature: From a short walk in your local park, to a weekend camping trip, taking a break from technology to spend some time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and promote feelings of wellbeing. Find new ways to be active: Exercise has numerous benefits for mental health, including reducing stress and anxiety. It can also be a great way to meet new people. You don't need an expensive gym membership; a simple walk, jog, or yoga session can make a significant difference. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help reduce stress and promote emotional refection. There are numerous free resources online, including guided meditation apps or videos on YouTube. Connect with others: Social connections are essential for mental health. It can be difficult to find time for friends and family in an increasingly online world. However, making time to go for a picnic with friends or joining a local social group can make a significant positive impact on your mental health. Prioritise sleep: Lack of sleep can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. Prioritize getting enough sleep each night by establishing a consistent sleep routine and limiting screen time before bed. Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to meet like-minded people, give you an feeling of purpose and meaning, and also increase your self confidence. Consider volunteering with an organisation in your local community or even starting your own organisation/initiative! Looking after your mental health doesn't have to be expensive. By prioritizing self-care and making small changes to your daily routine, you can improve your mental well-being without breaking the bank.
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