10 Questions on a Bad Mental Health Day

Claire Lafferty
2 min readOct 10, 2020

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Photo by Kristina Tripkovic on Unsplash

So you’re having a bad day?

Please take a deep breath, because it is going to be okay!

And remember, you are not alone; everybody has their low days.

When we find ourselves in a low spot all motivation seems to disappear, but it is important to do what we can to start moving (even just a little).

So here are a few questions to help you get on track to a better day.

  1. When was the last time you took a moment to breathe?
  • Taking a few minutes to refocus your breathing does wonders for the mind. So, set a timer and focus on deep breathing for a few minutes.

2. Have you eaten a real meal today?

  • Even if it is small, try eating some nutritional, substantial food. Maybe even ask a friend to join you!

3. How much water have you drunk?

  • Staying hydrated is always essential.

4. What is your favorite comfort drink; tea, coffee, hot chocolate?

  • Take a few minutes to enjoy a warm (or cold) drink that will bring you a little joy.

5. Have you had enough sleep?

  • If you can, try to take a short nap, or turn on some music or a podcast, and close your eyes for 20 min to help bring a little reset.

6. Have you moved today?

  • Take a walk around the neighborhood or visit a park or a trip to the gym.

7. How organized are your surroundings?

  • Take a few minutes to do a quick pick up around your room or office.

8. What do you need to get done today?

  • Sometimes writing it all out shows us how much more manageable it can be and maybe there are things that can wait an extra day.

9. What is something relaxing that you love to do?

  • Take some time to do something for you; maybe it is reading a book, drawing, gardening, or building a fence.
  • Try to choose something that requires enough focus to take your mind off of other things.

10. Who is someone you like to talk to?

  • Call up a friend or family member for a chat and to hear a familiar voice.
  • And if you don’t feel like talking about your mental health with them, that is okay; sometimes, it is just nice to talk with another human.

These are just a few tips that may help you regain some motivation for the day. If you continue to experience severe low days or thoughts of hurting yourself, please reach out for help. You are never alone, and you are needed here!

National Help Line: 1–800–662–4357

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1–800–273–8255

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Claire Lafferty

// the first question should not be the last question, neither should the first cup of coffee be the last cup //