Mental health is not a destination 🚗, but a process.

It takes a lifetime to heal, to learn all the lessons personal to your journey and to evolve wonderfully into the person you want to be — fortunately for you, that’s exactly the amount of time you have ;)

As creatives, we're expected to use our minds to solve some of the world's BIGGEST problems, imagine solutions and inspire each other.

So, it only makes sense to do everything we can to keep a sound mind 🧘🏿‍♀️🧘🏾‍♂️🧘🏿‍♂️.

An INFRAOrdinary series first published by the founders of New Comma in 2017 which both explores and raises awareness of mental health issues faced by young adults.

Here at New Comma we solidly believe that even through the darkest of times in one’s life, there is always a way out and a way through 💡.

We also recognise how hard it is to see it all by yourself, so we’re continuing “those very important conversations [so others] can feel more comfortable talking about these issues and then ultimately, find more solutions with people they can relate to.” — Nigel Atta-Mensah

There’s no way we were going to leave you to fend for yourself.

You should know this; whatever it is we’ve got your back 🫡.

And friend? Best believe that you’re built for this!

1. Stay In The Company Of Those You Love ❤️

“Talking, writing … just anything to keep my mind busy. Hanging out with friends helped too”.

Some alone time here and there is perfectly healthy and even encouraged.

But completely isolating yourself from both those you love and the things you love to do are strong indications of something being wrong.

Unhealthy levels of social isolation can pave the way to emotional isolation where you have no one to validate your experiences, or emotions and offer you that much-needed support we all as humans need.

Loneliness makes it easier to detach from life around you and even those you love. In surrounding yourself with loved ones and their burst of energy, you ensure that you have a place to seek emotional validation, and you limit the chances of feeling alone in this sometimes very big and scary world.

1. Be Social 👯👯

“Getting my first job as a waitress was just a distraction initially but I enjoyed it, it encouraged me to start being more social and get out of my head.”

Sometimes it helps to simply be taken away from our thoughts and go with the momentum of the day.

Often you can find joy beneath the distractions provided by day-to-day tasks, where your thoughts aren’t left to wander or simply in snatches of conversation over the work counter.

Yes, it’s possible. A small conversation can be even a tiny building block in helping you re-discover your spark ⚡️as you find yourself being re-affirmed just through human connection.

Isn’t it wonderful how even the seemingly smallest of human interactions can play such a significant role in keeping all mankind pushing forwards? 😭😭😭

Keep on dear friend, keep on! 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿

1. Use (Creative) Mediums Of Expression 🎨

“I got back into writing poetry as it helped me to vent and get all my emotions out, I can articulate my thoughts more clearly through writing”

Often, especially as a creative, it can take sorting through your emotions on a page, on a stage, on a canvas, or in a photograph to inch closer to understanding and expressing your feelings and mindset 🧠.

The creative mediums we love can play a huge part in getting our mental health back on track.

“I keep myself busy with work. Theatre provides an escape.”

It can take being guided by your artistic instincts (among other things) to slowly manoeuvre out of a rut.

Who better to understand you than the mediums most sacred to your ability to share your story 📝?

And anyway, isn’t that what art and creating are all about? Authentically detailing your own unique story and experience?

1. Acceptance ✌🏾✌🏾✌🏾

“Accepting I had PTSD. With acceptance I was able to reach out and put myself in situations that would force me to take control of the situation. Seeking professional help played a large role in alleviating my issues”.

Acceptance can be a daunting step 🪜as a person comes to terms with what’s at hand and has to prepare themselves to face it. But it is also one of the most empowering acts when it comes to taking control of your mental health.

Acceptance is the first step to moving beyond the prison created by a person's mental health issues.

In accepting the situation, you allow yourself to move on to the next step ☺️. That is to decide that there ARE solutions available to you and that it IS possible to act when it comes to steering your wellness.

Remember, nothing worth having ever came easy, and friend the promise of good health is definitely worth having💐.

1. A Little Motivation 💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿

“I kind of worked through it by myself. It was a tough-love kind of thing. Get out there and stop secluding yourself. Singing to God at my Wednesday fellowship was my greatest motivation.”

It’s easy to spiral when life looks and feels hopeless and dull.

Sometimes it takes a reminder of some sort or some encouragement to remember that the hill you’re walking on leads upwards.

Top Tips –

• Consider what activities or practices spark that feeling of hope in you and how you can fit them into your routine to ensure you always have something to resurge those feelings of enthusiasm for life within you.

Keep the things that make you feel light and positive in your routine because you deserve to feel excited about your life🤪.

It’s what we’re all here for really.

Mental health issues are not particular to any “kind” of person. They affect us all in our lifetime. The best way we can deal with them is through being compassionate towards ourselves, deciding we are worthy of support and kind routines which prioritise our wellbeing.

As cliché as it sounds, you are truly never alone.

Use our tips as a starting point in getting yourself where you need to be.

Remember, over at New Comma we love you and support you wholeheartedly, you wonderful GENIUS! ❤️☺️

For more hard-hitting tips and posts tailored specifically for our creative geniuses be sure to head over to the New Comma page on Instagram @new.comma 🫶🏿🫶🏾🫶🏽

If you’ve come this far but have yet to sign up to New Comma what are you doing?!🤯

Get into it and sign up over on the New Comma site to become the latest newcomer at New Comma.

(See what we did there!😉😉😉)