When we talk about health, we often concentrate on our bodies. The definition of health covers physical, mental and social well-being. As mental health becomes an increasingly important subject of conversation, it’s beneficial to be proactive in managing psychological well-being. In this guide, we’ll offer advice to help you look after your mind as well as your body.
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Reducing the risks of mental illness
Studies suggest that 1 in 5 Americans live with symptoms of mental illness. Mental health problems are common, but you don’t have to have symptoms or a diagnosis to take steps to reduce risks or protect yourself. Everyone can adopt measures to lower the chances of developing a mental illness or experiencing more severe signs. Examples include managing and avoiding stress, doing regular exercise, ensuring you get enough sleep and forming and maintaining positive relationships.
Try to identify triggers if you are prone to stress, anxiety, or periods of feeling low, angry, or exhausted. Take good care of yourself. Rest and recharge your batteries and devote time to things that make you happy. Remember, it’s important to Talk to a Mental Health Professional if you find yourself struggling to cope with these feelings. This may be spending time with your closest friends or family members, going for a hike, traveling or reading a book. It’s also beneficial to give yourself a break. Many of us can be harsh critics when it comes to self-appraisal. Treat yourself in the same way you treat your best friends and relatives. Nobody is perfect, and you can only do your best.
Understanding the difference between natural emotions and mental illness
Mental health conditions are often harder to spot and diagnose because the symptoms are not as obvious as physical illnesses and injuries. Anxiety, for example, is a natural human response to scenarios that make us fearful or uneasy. Feeling sad is understandable if you receive bad news. It’s so important when taking care of your mental health to understand the difference between going through natural emotional processes and responses and experiencing symptoms of mental illness.
If you endure prolonged periods of feeling low or lethargic or you feel out of sorts without being able to identify an apparent cause or reason, seek advice. Other signs to look out for include drinking or taking medication or drugs to get by or cope with difficult days and feeling anxious in scenarios where you would ordinarily feel relaxed or comfortable. Sleep troubles, heart palpitations, sweating and butterflies in your tummy can all be physical signs of mental illness.
If you are struggling to cope, or your symptoms persist or get worse, there is help available. Treatment options range from medication, talking therapies and group support to help with behaviors linked to mental illnesses, including addiction. Some drugs like benzodiazepines are highly addictive. If you take medication to ease anxiety, for example, there is a risk of becoming addicted. Taking the first step and seeking help can be the hardest part of the recovery process if you have a mental illness. If you feel apprehensive or scared, you can make use of phone lines or virtual consultations or take a friend or relative to an appointment with you.
Talking about mental health
Most of us wouldn’t think twice about telling colleagues or friends that we had back pain or a headache. When it comes to mental health, we are more reluctant to share information. It can be embarrassing to talk about mental illness, especially if you don’t know people well, but talking can be so beneficial. When you feel ready and able, speak to somebody you trust about how you feel. You might want to open up to a friend or a family member, for example. If you feel more comfortable talking to people you don’t know, you could see a therapist or contact charities that offer mental health support. Some people feel that they can be more honest and open if they don’t know the person they are talking to. It can also be helpful if you are worried about being a burden to loved ones. Many of us are apprehensive about offloading problems and feelings because we don’t want those we know to judge us and we don’t want to add to issues they may have. Research therapists, ask for recommendations and explore online options if you feel more confident talking on the phone or via video chat.
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Mental health is as important as physical well-being, but many of us neglect our minds. To manage mental health, be proactive in protecting your mind and body, try to identify triggers and seek advice if you have symptoms or you feel unwell or out of sorts. Talk about how you feel and try to be open and honest. Reaching out will enable you to access the help and support you need.
