After 5 months of furlough and 6 weeks of redundancy, my mental health is really taking a hit - anyone else?
I would really really appreciate if anyone could send some advice on ways you have coped or are coping with redundancy. Also, if anyone in the London or Essex area knows of any jobs available, please send them my way! Thank you!
Replies14
- Sorry to hear that Emily, this post was a long time ago but I thought I'd reach out. Vikki spoke about professional mental health support - I was hestitant to get help myself, but I'm so glad I did. My counsellor recommended mindfullness, again I was hestitant (there's a pattern arising here, right?) but again, so glad I gave it a go. I was able to increase my peace of mind, and compassion for others and myself. The Compassionate Mind by Paul Gilbert is a terrific book I reccomend too. Remember however overwhleming things get, there are ways through. All the best, Sean x
- @Vikki Ross Hi Vikki, thank you so much! I love Happiful, I should definitely resubscribe :)
- @Javier Navarro Hi Javier, thank you for sharing those very helpful points. It's really appreciated! :)
- Hey Emily,Don't hesitate in getting professional help - there are plenty of free options available online and through the NHS.And keep feeding yourself with good stuff - not just food, but vibes. Happiful is a great magazine you can subscribe to for free access to each digital issue. Fearne Cotton, Jay Shetty, Gywneth Paltrow and so many many many more people share podcasts each week talking about various aspects of mental health or interviewing people who share their experiences so you'll know you're not alone and can learn from others who discuss how they deal with tough times.Little things help too - take yourself for a walk to get fresh air and a fresh perspective. And try to get a change of scenery too - walk in the woods rather than along the high street.I hope some of this helps. Do look after yourself - it feels good to feel good.Best wishes,Vikki
- Hi Emily,First of all greet yourself for acknowleding and reaching out, it takes both courage and self-awareness.There is already really good advice here, I will only add a few points that will hopefully help:- Do not take it personal: I know this is challenging but bear in mind that any of this was your choice or is in anyway linked to your professional/personal skills. This is a globla situation and you are not alone on this one.- Perspective: focus on the areas you can do something about and break down your professional & practical worries. Our mind easily creates a huge block of thoughts and often these are not only exhausting but can easily paralise you from taking action. And again, this is a global issue so there are only certain areas you can do something about.- Take care of yourself: everything you do counts. From working out, diet, drink water or taking a nap. Please do listen to your body rather than your mind.- Do not compare with others: this is very tempting, specially on the social media realm where people seem to live in a parallel reality and keep emerging from tropical seas, go shopping, travel the world, etc.- Be vocal: sharing is the healthiest thing you can do at this moment but also listen carefully to what other people have to say. Otherwise you can get obssessed with your own inner speech.Hope this helps!
- @Allysa Marie Thank you for your kinda note Allysa, it's really appreciated :)
- @Minerva Freire Fab idea, thank you Minerva <3
- @Ramon Blake Guthrie They look like super interesting sites, thank you so much for sending those :)
- @Maria Cerrato Ayala I have done CBT previously so I definitely might try that out again & I have been going to the gym which has helped also. Thank you so much for your advice! :)
- Hi Emily, I'm on the same boat.I decided around a month ago to contact my GP, they referred me to an IAPT service, and have started Group CBT Therapy (1 to 1 was a long wait) and I think this is a good first step! This is for free.Also, I found going to the classes at the gym helped me a lot. Gave me an excuse to come out of the house and disconnect. I find harder to go running for example, when rainning and cold.Most importantly, talk it out. If you need to talk, please reach me or anyone around you. Talking about it and seeing many people on the same situation kind of helps.In terms of job and impostor syndrome (yes, me too)... I found that sometime "avoiding obsessing" over this helped me to go back to create again.Stay sane and safe! :)
- Also, give yourself a mini to-do checklist, like update CV, personal website, if you don't have a website is your work up on The-Dots, Behance or Instagram visibility and discoverability is important always make sure you are putting your best foot forwardHave are some useful links belowGoodbrief is good if you need to have much work http://goodbrief.io/Behance do tutorials, Creative challenges everyday https://www.behance.net/liveAgain continue chatting, connecting and reaching out to other creatives
- I would say you have come to the right place, and you are doing the right thing talking about, I was going through the same thing so check this link out it might help https://the-dots.com/asks/what-relaxing-and-mind-focus-techniques-are-you-using-to-combat-anxiety-17416
- Hi Emily,Yes, you are not alone. Try to work on your personal projects. What would be your dream job? Design something for them.Do something that makes you happy, now we have the time and I believe good things are coming, don't give up... Keep working! Sending lots of love xx
- Hi Emily,I wish I could help you. Please know that you are not alone in this. If it's okay, maybe you can take this as an opportunity to practice more on self-care (like enjoying a cup of coffee without interruptions or taking up a new hobby). For me, being in nature gives me solitude and inspiration or doing mindful meditation. Things have definitely taken a toll on people. My friend and I started a micro-business and is not performing well at the moment. Though, we will pursue this.I hope this would help.You got this! :)
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