422 Mental Health
Helping
Yourself
and
Helping
Others
➤ For severe
problems, medicines
may be necessary.
Try to talk to a health
worker who knows
about medicines
for mental health
problems.
A person suffering from mental health problems can begin to
feel better with treatment. Although most communities lack
mental health services, there are things a woman can do on her
own, with very few resources (personal coping skills). Or she
can form a ‘helping relationship’ with another person or group.
The suggestions that follow are just a few of the many
ways a person can work toward better mental health. These
suggestions will be most effective if they are adapted to a
community’s needs and traditions.
Personal coping skills
Women do not often take time out of their busy day to do
something for themselves. But every woman needs to put her
problems aside sometimes and do what she likes. Simple things
that you may not do very often—like spending time alone, or
shopping, gardening, or cooking with a friend—can all be helpful.
Anna, could
you watch the
children please?
I just need
some time to
think.
Activities to let your feelings out. If you are angry, do some
hard physical work. Making up poems, songs, and stories can be
helpful when you have trouble saying things to others. Or you
can draw your feelings without using words—you do not have
to be an artist.
Creating pleasing surroundings. Try to fix your living space so
that it feels right to you. No matter how small it is, you will feel
more order and control when it is arranged the way you like.
Try to have as much light and fresh air as possible.
Try to have some beauty around you. This could mean
putting some flowers in the room, playing music, or going where
there is a nice view.
Where Women Have No Doctor 2012