World Mental Health Day gives us a chance to stop and question what kind of things we could be doing regularly to help spread kindness. Often, a person dealing with mental health issues finds themselves at a point where even a kind word or a smile can make a significant difference. Acts of kindness don’t have to be major, take a great deal of time, or cost you anything financially. Other acts of kindness might involve spending a few dollars, but they could make a big difference. Many times all that is required is your time. People seeking mental health treatment often state that it is the little, unexpected things like being acknowledged that mean the most. Here we will discuss five ways you can help spread kindness on World Mental Health Day. To learn more about mental health recovery, contact Memphis Recovery Centers at 901-272-7751.
1. Give Compliments
Have you ever seen the bright smile on an elderly lady’s face when you give her a genuine compliment on something she is wearing? A young person may feel lifted if you tell them their hair color is cool if it is dyed or notice something they are doing well. Try to be specific with your compliments. For example, instead of saying, “You look nice today,” pick out a piece of clothing or other personal items to mention.
2. Volunteer
Think outside the box here. Yes, you could volunteer to serve at the local food bank. However, you also may consider offering to help a neighbor move, mowing the lawn for the elderly couple down the block, or watching the kids so a single parent can have a few hours to themself. There are hundreds of little ways you can help make a task or a day just a bit easier for someone. Often, these are things that the person wouldn’t even think about asking you.
3. Take Time to Listen
Many people simply need a welcoming, nonjudgmental ear. Psychiatric counselors often say we all have the answers inside but need to have a sounding board so we can get the ideas out to examine them. If you see someone sitting alone at a park, join them on their bench and start a conversation. Ask the local homeless woman questions that get her to open up and tell you her story. That teen standing alone looking angry may have just had a serious fight with his parents and need to find a way to understand what happened. Your willingness to listen can make someone feel noticed and heard. These are things everyone needs.
4. Share a Meal
You could buy a meal for the person behind you or hand one to someone on the street. What would make it even better is to sit with that person and share a meal? This action could be as simple as packing a sandwich and bottled water and sitting on the sidewalk with a homeless person. Give someone a chance to connect and feel their company is essential to someone.
5. Ask What is Needed
If you don’t know what would work, ask. “What can I do to help make you feel loved?” could be the one thing that helps someone on the edge of giving up open up and talk.
Giving Hope With Memphis Recovery Centers
By contacting Memphis Recovery, you have a chance to give hope to yourself or a loved one that is fighting substance abuse. We believe kindness is something we should be giving others on World Mental Health Day. However, we think it is also essential to provide yourself with kindness any day of the year. Don’t allow your feelings of disappointment stop you from reaching out for the help that can get you started on the road to recovery. We offer a range of substance abuse treatment options, including:
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Heroin addiction treatment
- Cocaine addiction treatment
- Meth addiction treatment
- Opioid addiction treatment
To learn more about our treatment options, contact Memphis Recovery today at 901-272-7751.
