Five mental health tips to help you this Thanksgiving
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week. Every year, millions of Canadians face the reality of living with a mental health condition. Mental health is important to discuss all year round, but highlighting it during this week gives us a chance to come together to advocate for mental health awareness.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, family therapist Joe Rich is sharing five tips to help you protect your mental health this holiday season.
Adopt a position of non-confrontation
It's always best to adopt a position of "non-confrontation" or to avoid being oppositional in any way when dealing with difficult family members. Many of our difficult family members require a "foil" or opposing person. Think of this as avoiding a disaster that is about to take place by simply stepping aside. So, if you're already feeling oppositional before the event, make a decision now to not step in front of this, no matter what. Joe's tip here: Be proactive, not reactive.
Learn to speak in objective terms
If you feel you must speak up, Joe suggests learning to speak in objective terms. "That pisses me off" is quite different from "wow, that's quote a blanket statement." Saying nothing and moving along is best, but this is second best and a skill worth practicing for everyday life.
Have realistic expectations
When people tell you who they are, believe them. Thinking you can change someone else or believing that your expectations are to be met by everyone at a gathering is unrealistic and naive. Maturity is often formulating realistic expectations and avoiding creating one's own frustrations or disappointments.
Don't take everything personally
In all likelihood, whatever they do/say/is to everyone and everywhere they go. Don't make yourself the center of these events.
Create an Alliance with Others
Tell your ally, "If you see me trapped, in a room with my brother-in-law and I scratch my face, tell me I'm needed in the kitchen." Chances are that those you find difficult will also be for other like-minded friends and relatives in attendance. Team up with someone who has your back and can rescue you at a moment's notice. You'll likely have to repay the favour.
For more mental health resources, visit the Bell Let's Talk Day website.
