Mental health is becoming a subject that is gaining a lot more popularity these days. Unfortunately, many people still don’t know much about this subject. It is important to look after our mental health and, last but not least, always to ask our loved ones about their mental health. It is almost impossible to tell if a person is suffering deep down, although mental health can influence the way people think, feel and behave in certain situations, producing symptoms you should be wary of and notice.
It is vital to keep in mind that mental health is important at any stage of our life. People can suffer from anxiety and depression from the early stages of childhood through adolescence and adulthood. Some of the main factors that could trigger mental health problems include certain life experiences or biological factors. Regardless of those factors and the possible symptoms that a person can experience, it is good to remember that mental health problems can be cured over time. All you need to do is find the right support system.
Keep active
People who suffer from mental health issues are advised to keep active as much as they can. Research proves that thirty minutes of exercise a day can make a huge difference both for our mental and physical health. Although in certain situations it can be quite difficult to leave the house or engage with other individuals, it is good to remember that there are plenty of alternatives to going to the gym. A good way of exercising could be a walk in the park, at the beach or a short hike. Some of the most important benefits of keeping active include reducing the level of stress, improving the mood and last but not least, boosting the energy levels. People who feel at ease around other individuals could sign up for different sports classes such as football, dance, swimming or boxing. If you need some help in getting active, enlist the help of a close and trusted friend or even hire the services of a personal trainer who can keep you accountable for your actions.
Distinguish triggers
When you’re feeling down, it is easy to get distracted from certain activities, and before you know it, you might end up in a situation that might harm your mental health and increase your stress levels. Many people include multitasking in their daily routine. Even though multitasking might not seem a bad thing, it has been proven that to decrease stress levels people should focus on doing one thing at a time. They could also enjoy some extra stress-free time if they decide to take some time off the “virtual world”. Smartphones or tablets can overstimulate people’s brains and create bad vibes that are not necessarily wanted or needed. Social media is also prone to making people feel bad about their lives as we continue to compare ourselves, whether it’s looks or lifestyle, with other.
Another means of low mood, increased stress and poor mental health is the use of drugs and alcohol dependence. Such abuse can either cause or is a coping mechanism for those who suffer from mental health issues, but either way, it needs to stop. If you’re finding yourself dependent on drugs and alcohol, or if you know a loved one is, then BCBS mental health coverage offers different coverage plans for mental health treatment or substance abuse.
Maintain face-to-face connections
Nowadays people live in an era where internet connections and technology are taking over their lives. Even though they have an important role in our day to life and they are a great way of communicating with people who aren’t that close to us, to keep a good mental health it is important to maintain good face-to-face connections with our relatives, close ones or even a support group. Loneliness is a major factor that could lead to anxiety and depression. For that reason, people are advised to spend some quality time with either their friends or loved ones. Even if you don’t have many friends close by, you could always interact with people around you through social media. Creating connections is vital for a healthy life; both mentally and physically. Don’t be afraid to share a smile with a stranger or start a conversation with your neighbors. You can never know what the future holds when it comes to making new friends.
Try new things
Time goes by so quickly when doing an enjoyable activity. There can be named so many activities that are meant to relax and create a stress-free environment for your mental health. Meditation is a good example in this case. These days, meditation is a practice that is not intimidating to try; maybe that’s why many people are not reluctant when it comes to meditation anymore. It can improve your overall mental well-being, reduce stress and help you concentrate and focus on the main aspects in life. A few other activities that could reduce stress and improve the mental health are trying a new recipe, drawing or writing a poem. Furthermore, a lot of people claim that writing their thoughts down on a piece of paper or keeping a diary helps them forget about their concerns and day to day problems for a while.
Forget about bad habits
Many people who suffer from mental health problems might think that a certain habit might help them deal with their problems. Moreover, some of them consider that alcohol is a good alternative to seeking professional help or that smoking can “magically” decrease their stress levels. In reality, this is not true. People who drink might end up even more depressed after the short-term pleasure wears off. On the other hand, smoking is bad both for the physical and mental health. Quitting those bad habits can be a tough task, but with the right determination, it can be accomplished.
Sleeping might sound like a good plan if you’re trying to forget about your problems. Many specialists and doctors tell their patients to relax as much as possible, but spending too much time in bed can quickly become a factor that leads to sadness, loneliness and isolation. Even if you feel like having a day off from everything, you should at least consider going for a short walk or talking to a friend on the phone.
In conclusion, it can be said that mental health is a serious issue that might affect anyone at any stage of their life. No matter what the factors that trigger those feelings are, people need to realize the importance of seeking help. In other words, mental health problems can be compared to physical pain (e.g. a sprained ankle). Just because people don’t experience physical pain, it doesn’t mean that they don’t need to seek medical help. It’s time for people to realize that mental health is just as detrimental to a person’s health, and just because it isn’t a physical illness, it isn’t important; it’s time to make a change when it comes to the stigma of mental health.