An inclusive mental health toolkit
Something without tokenism for World Mental Health Day
The start of this week marked World Mental Health Day - a time each year when we think about mental health, why it matters, and what can be done to support those who live with a mental health condition. It’s also a time that you may see well meaning, loving platitudes posted on Instagram - those in the cursive fonts, oftentimes with a floral print background, with a phrase such as ‘Be Kind’ or ‘It’s Okay Not To Be Okay’. You might also see a lot of emphasis on wellness practices such as mindfulness, positivity, and other things.
Mental health rarely gets talked about, let alone a look in, when it comes to disability. And the statistics across this multi faceted demographic are scary at the best of times.
Like what you have read so far? Click the button below to share this newsletter with your social media network.
What about if we talked about mental health in a way that was inclusive, and not expectant of all-out resilience? Here is a small toolkit that we have put together. While this is not in any way advice - you should always seek advice from a medical professional - this is just a small pool of recommendations we have pulled together here at AccessAble. Because we are of the view that this goes beyond one awareness day once a year - and ought to be focused on all year round.
Make sure you’re read up
Sometimes we forget how books hold an unrequited power to them - and they can also be key if you find yourself in the position of needing to support someone, like if there is a new diagnosis. Here is an access point into a wealth of different experiences - and we have a few recommendations:
- Jog On by Bella Mackie. The first book by the Sunday Times bestselling author, Jog On details how Mackie - who struggled with a multitude of conditions such as OCD and anxiety, found a release in running. It is a comprehensive investigation and the breakdown of how exercise can have mental health benefits - at a time when access to spaces and facilities is being curtailed.
- Totally Fine by Tiffany Philippou. What do you do in the aftermath of a shock death of a loved one? This is a memoir that is so very human, touching - and an analysis, something of a blueprint, in answering this question.
- You Are The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread by Samantha Renke. We’re always *here* for anything pink, leopard print - and just living your best life. Another memoir, this is about disability and the toll it can take - and how to inject a little bit more pizazz into your life.
Access the right information on accessibility
Let’s just be honest about this: navigating a world that is built for the non-disabled body is downright exhausting at the best of times. And we’re allowed to feel sadness about that sometimes - like when it comes to yet again being left on a train due to being a wheelchair user, or having to yet again act as an educative resource for the ‘curious’ person who thinks their unwarranted help is ‘kindness’.
Having access to the right information - that is detailed, accurate, and based upon lived experience - is an absolute *must*. And it can help with navigating around this world before you leave your home. You can always have a look at our Access Guides as a starting place.
Speak kindly to yourself
There’s a voice inside everyone’s head - check in with yourself every so often to make sure you’re speaking to yourself kindly. And if you need a quick reminder - the podcast How To Fail by Elizabeth Day had an episode all about the power of thoughts and how to speak to yourself. Here’s the link.
Make sure your self regulation is working
If you look at all the examples of self care, the principle underlying cause is to increase self regulation - the state where you’re at your best self. But this does not always take into account disability - and how physical issues can sometimes be a barrier to this. As an example: an autistic person may have trouble with interoception issues - which can have a knock on impact, like knowing whether or not you are hungry or thirsty.
Check in with yourself every so often - and first, start with a drink and maybe a snack of some sort. It’s self regulation in practice.
Know when it’s time to talk
It’s hard to admit - but talking to a medical professional is often the first step, and it can be the hardest step. The author of this newsletter speaks from experience - in that they have started a programme in helping with their anxiety and other conditions.
Forget the background noise of well meaning plaudits of Instagram - and take that first step.
What would you add to this list? You can always reply to this email - or comment on the website!