Mental Health Month Day 3

Mental Health Month has entered its third day – what have you done thus far to further educate yourself about mental health and related issues?

Today, I’m going to pass along a tool to help you further educate yourself about yourself. It’s called Trigger Tracker, and it hails from the Depression and Bipolar Alliance. (Don’t let the name fool you – this great mental health site deals with a plethora of conditions beyond depression and BP.)

The Trigger Tracker is a worksheet of sorts. You track “triggers” (hence the name) that cause both negative and positive effects on your mood. Then, you jot down what you can do regarding the trigger.

Did an argument with your mother about your love life send you into a funk? Consider avoiding the subject with her and finding another family member or friend to vent to. Did going to bed at a decent hour and waking up at a decent hour leave you feeling refreshed and able to think more clearly? Follow suit and do it again!

Regardless of the effect, we don’t always take action to keep, or avoid, the trigger. Maybe we’re just not in the mood, or maybe we aren’t consiously aware of the trigger/effect relationship. It’s easier to take action once you have your triggers and plans in writing, and by taking action you’re breaking the chain the negative triggers – and avoidiance of positive triggers – have on you.

As you get to know me, you’ll realize I’m an advocate of self-help. No one knows you better than you, and once you’re given the knowledge and understand your condition (that is, assuming you have a condition and not just a regular case of the blues – which I’m sure is the case for some readers), you will become your strongest anchor.

Let me know how it works!