We are whole beings, and many times when we talk about health, we focus on physical health. However, there is another very important area to pay attention to: mental health. Mental health encompasses our mood, emotions, and psychological well-being. It is important to pay attention to our mental health because when that is not well, many other problems can arise, as it could affect our physical and overall health status. Mental health can change over time due to different situations, which is why it is important to assess it and seek help when something seems to be out of balance or when you do not feel like your usual self.
Many different factors can increase the chances of suffering from a mental imbalance, such as having a traumatic experience, the stress related to dealing with chronic medical conditions, the use of alcohol or drugs, having feelings of loneliness and isolation, biological factors, and hormonal dysregulation. About 46% of Americans will meet the criteria for suffering a mental health condition sometime in their lifetime. There are different diagnosable mental health conditions: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), among many others. Some signs that indicate mental health issues include feeling anxious or worried constantly, having sleep issues, experiencing emotional outbursts, changes in appetite or weight, feelings of worthlessness, substance abuse, and behavior changes. There are specific signs and symptoms for each of these conditions, and in order to be diagnosed, a number of different criteria need to be met. If you think you might suffer from any of these, seek medical attention; there are many treatments and therapies that can help you regain your mental health.
How to foster your mental health:
- Learn how to deal with stress – Stress is part of our everyday lives. Turning to strategies that help us manage it is important, for example: practicing breathing exercises, doing yoga or tai chi, walking in nature, journaling, or doing things that make you laugh.
- Quiet your mind – Reduce the noise in your head by using different practices such as meditation, prayer, relaxation exercises, or mindfulness.
- Value yourself – Recognize your worth by treating yourself with kindness and respect. Your thoughts are with you all the time, and if you talk positively to yourself, you’ll feel better and empowered.
- Take care of your body – Eat nutritious foods, drink plenty of water, move and exercise to release endorphins and boost mood, avoid smoking and drugs, and try to get enough sleep.
- Break up the routine – Try new things every couple of days that are exciting, such as trying a new exercise class, going to a new place with a friend, trying a new coffee drink in the morning, or planning a trip somewhere you have never been. Keep life exciting!
“So, what steps will you take this week to contribute to your mental health?”