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I wrote this four years ago for #BellLetsTalk 
. It still stands. https://theathletic.com/35405/2017/01/25/koreen-why-it-is-paramount-to-talk-about-mental-health-today-and-every-day/
. It still stands. https://theathletic.com/35405/2017/01/25/koreen-why-it-is-paramount-to-talk-about-mental-health-today-and-every-day/
It’s been a really tough year for a lot of people, and it’s been a lot of people’s first interaction with sustained mental health issues. I’m hesitant to say too much more, so I’ll just share a few basic things I think are important. #BellLetsTalk
First off, @BlakeMurphyODC’s thread here is thorough and thoughtful. So much helpful information here. #BellLetsTalk https://twitter.com/BlakeMurphyODC/status/1354793504820572163
https://twitter.com/BlakeMurphyODC/status/1354793504820572163
One of the most important things for me was/is having a GP. In Toronto, that can be really tough. I imagine it’s harder during the pandemic. Go find one anyway. You need someone in the system on your side. https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-family-doctor-or-nurse-practitioner
#BellLetsTalk
#BellLetsTalk
The first thing my GP did when I came to him with my issues was point me to a psychiatrist. He was cover by OHIP. Felt like I was being looked after. Incredibly important.
#BellLetsTalk
#BellLetsTalk
I do two things every day, and if nothing else, they give me some structure and signposts for my day: some sort of exercise and 10 minutes of meditation. #BellLetsTalk
I use Headspace for meditation, but honestly you can go on youtube, type in “guided mindfulness meditation” and try it out. I used this one at some point.
#BellLetsTalk
#BellLetsTalk
For exercise, it doesn’t have to be elaborate. A friend sent me this stretching routine for my back. I do some weight stuff and some stretching. Again, its most important quality is that it’s something productive to do that is good for me. #BellLetsTalk
Finally, guilt and shame are MF’ing monsters. Fuck ‘em. Do something for yourself everyday, and if it’s indulgent, fine. Have a chocolate bar. Watch six episodes of The Office. Getting through the day right now is tough, and it’s OK to treat yourself.
#BellLetsTalk
#BellLetsTalk
I hope everybody is OK out there. My email is in my bio. People have reached out of the blue before, and I’m glad to read anything people are going through. Can’t promise I’ll have the answers, but do reach out — to me, to anybody. It’s important.
#BellLetsTalk
#BellLetsTalk
