Mental Health Awareness Week 2023

The past week has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness week, and this year the key theme is Anxiety.

Experiencing anxiety can be a normal response to uncertain and stressful situations. We can all feel anxious sometimes, however, anxiety can become disruptive to our general wellbeing. It can affect people’s personal lives, their work and can be isolating. Although anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions, anxiety can manifest in various ways, and there is no singular approach to experiencing it. It can range from a mild uneasiness to a panic attack, and to a wide range of feelings in-between. As a result, the methods people use to cope with anxiety will vary based on their unique circumstances.

In one of our more recent scripture readings, we heard Jesus tell his disciples, "do not let your heart be troubled". For us Christians, it is so important that in times of stress, that we do not give up hope and give in to our feelings of anxiety.

In her blog post on Anxiety, Iliyana says:

- Anxiety can be a powerful emotion that causes excessive worry, sometimes to the point where it interferes with our daily lives. While its natural to feel anxious at times, frequent episodes can be concerning and require attention;

- The symptoms of anxiety can manifest in various ways, affecting our thoughts, emotions and physical sensations. You might feel nervous, tense, or restless and have difficulty concentrating. Negative thoughts can become overwhelming. Anxiety can also manifest in the form of gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain and nausea.

You can read the rest of her blog post here

Many of us have used the term “I am feeling anxious” but have we ever considered:

- Where does anxiety come from?

- When does stress turn into anxiety?

- And, most importantly, how can we reduce the symptoms and support those around us?

In addition to feeling anxiety about our own personal circumstances, with all the talk about climate change and its impact on those of us in the Caribbean, some of us may harbor feelings of anxiety about our countries especially when it comes to hurricane season and the devastation that we experience every year. With the increased costs of insurance for our homes, we are understandably anxious about how climate change impacts our lives.

Here are some tips to help manage eco-anxiety and indeed anxiety in general:

1. Watch your thoughts and feed the positive ones

Your thoughts can have a significant impact on how you feel. It's essential to monitor your thoughts and feed the positive ones. Try to create a balance of at least three positive thoughts for every negative one.

2. Focus on what you can do

It's easy to get overwhelmed by the enormity of the climate crisis. However, focusing on what you can do rather than what you can't can be empowering. Identify three key areas where you can make a difference and take action.

‍ 3. Celebrate successes

It's important to celebrate successes and good news stories, no matter how small. This will help you stay positive and motivated.

4. Limit your news intake and research

While it's essential to stay informed, it's equally important to limit your news intake and research. Be selective about your sources, and take regular breaks from technology.

5. Get moving and stay active

Regular exercise can help improve your mood and reduce stress. Make sure to keep your body moving and stay active.

6. Spend time in nature

Spending time in nature can help reduce stress and anxiety. Take a walk in the park, go for a hike, or simply sit in the garden and appreciate the beauty of nature.

7. Practise mindfulness, prayer and meditation

Mindfulness and meditation can help calm your mind and reduce stress. There are many apps and resources available to help you get started. It is also important to spend time in quiet reflection and prayer. As Christians the world and its troubles have a tendency to overwhelm us and leave us feeling hopeless, but it is so important for us to not ever give up hope and give in to our feelings of Anxiety.

8. Find joy in relationships and activities

Make time for the people and activities that bring you happiness. It's important to find joy in life, in the face of any crisis, including climate crisis.

Feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, and hopelessness are often fueled by the voice of our inner saboteur or critic. This voice judges us and others, tells us we're not doing enough, and make situations appear catastrophic. Speak to someone who can help guide you in quieting those voices as well as help you to develop practical strategies to help calm your anxiety and create feelings of hope and positivity.

Finally, a reminder that self-care is not being selfish. Take time for yourself. If you enjoy a particular activity, make time to do it. If you have been meaning to learn a new skill, focus on the joy of that skill rather than whether you will be good at it or not. Do things that are guaranteed to boost your mood and help to ease those stressful moments by encouraging you to take a pause and be present in the moment.