My car broke down the other day — in the middle of a turning lane. I had been driving it hard and I can’t remember the last time I took it for maintenance. After the tow truck came and I was out of that horrid turning lane, I was reminded of how we often treat our cars like our health. We try to push them too hard, forget to fill up the gas, and then they tend to give out on us. It can feel difficult, however, to justify taking your car off the road when the problem’s not something as obvious as a blown tire. So we wait until the inner issues start manifesting themselves externally before we pull the car (or ourselves) in for a tune-up. Usually, however, at that point, it is already too late and we experience a total breakdown.
Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, over the past two years sick days have become much more socially acceptable. Whether at school or in the workplace, we’ve recognized that it’s not only better for the individual to take the day off when they are sick, but that the decision to stay home protects and benefits the rest of the group. This same logic applies to a more holistic view of our health. The Canadian Mental Health Association reports that one in five Canadians will struggle with their mental health in any given year. Our collectively depleted mental health is a pandemic of a different sort. It is, as experts say, often the trigger for poor physical health.
When we have time to pull over and refuel, we can more fully engage the rest of the time we are on the road. In 2001, Stephens and Joubert published an article on the negative economic effect of poor mental health in the Canadian population. Though 20 years old now, the data they presented is still relevant in current conversations of mental health. They reported that “the value of reduced productivity associated with depression and distress over the short term was $6 billion [in 1998].” That’s a lot of zeroes.
Contrary to the prevailing narrative that taking time off for mental wellness signals laziness or irresponsibility, these findings suggest when we invest in our mental health, we are investing in our future productivity and success. The conclusion seems simple: when we take care of our mental health and pay attention to what and how we are feeling, it is better for everyone, even for the economy. If I had paid closer attention to the warning signs that my car was giving me, maybe I wouldn’t have ended up stuck in that turning lane.
Let’s face it — we all drive our cars too hard sometimes, but how to tell when you’re in need of a tune up? Here are a few warning lights to watch out for:
- Sluggish brakes:
Are you finding it hard to slow down? Is your to-do list’s momentum carrying you past your typical stop signs? - Interminable Tunnel:
You’re developing tunnel vision. You haven’t seen anything but the same walls for a long time and it is getting pretty dark in there. - Road rage: Every little thing sets you off, be it your neighbour’s cat or the line up at the drive-thru.
What can you do when these warning signs pop up?
- Gauge your gas:
Check in with yourself. Are you hydrated? Are you eating and sleeping enough?
- Check the GPS:
Where are you on your map right now? Are you holding the course or getting stuck? Look ahead to your next destination and, if needed, “recalculate” your route.
- Carpool:
If you can’t get there on your own steam right now, it is okay. Whether you need to vent with the speakers on full blast, or just have a quiet drive and chat, reach out to a friend and ask for a ride.
When we take steps toward making space for mental recovery, we are really making room for increased productivity, fulfillment, and greater joy in our day to day. This benefits not only us as individuals, but all those around us. So stop for gas when you need it and help others do the same. And if you can feel a breakdown coming on, get to the side of the road… and avoid turning lanes.
Image: Danyka Van Santen/The Cascade
