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Mental health is increasingly becoming a concern for many people around the world. It is one of the most ignored health conditions despite the fact that it affects millions of people. Most people don’t pay attention to mental health because it is not easily recognizable. Other people fear coming out because of the stigma associated with mental health.
However, mental health is a disease just like any other. You should not fear coming out or being diagnosed for whatever reasons. If you feel depressed or anxious for any reason, the best option is to speak and seek professional help.
Below are 10 Steps to Take if you Are Struggling with Mental Health Illness
1. Talk About How You Feel
It is not always easy to speak about how you feel. Opening up even to the closest family member or friend can be difficult for most people. Telling someone about your personal issues may sound like you are burdening them in one way or another. Or maybe you would not want to be judged or admit that you are struggling with something. As the old adage goes, a problem shared is a problem half solved. Talking to someone you trust can help lessen the burden and reduce stress and anxiety.
2. Value Yourself
It is important to build your self-esteem. This means learning to be confident and having the courage to do things. This is crucial when it comes to maintaining good mental health. Try to treat yourself with respect and kindness. Creating time for things you love doing is critical for your mental health. If there’s something you love doing that makes you happy, then making time for such activities is worth it. This will not only boost your confidence but also increase your self-worth.
3. Take Care of Your Body
You know the importance of exercise in maintaining your physical health. But exercise is also vital for the well-being of your mental health. Any physical activity has a positive effect on your overall wellbeing. Participating in physical activities has shown a significant increase in endorphins also known as the happy hormone. Exercise also helps in stimulating chemicals in the brain that help improve your mood. Whether it is on a football field, gym or jogging, the process helps you get into a new environment and reduce the feelings of sadness and loneliness.
4. Being Mindful
Mindfulness is also a great way of dealing with mental health issues. It uses popular methods like yoga, breathing, and meditation to help you become more aware of your feelings and thoughts. Rather than being overwhelmed by your thoughts, mindfulness help you manage them in a better way. Try to create time from your busy schedule to carry out some life-changing actions. Studies have shown that mindfulness can be achieved in various ways. For example, you can try out new things every day and perfect those that interest you most.
5. Online Therapy
Therapy is a professional way of dealing with mental health. Therapists are professionals trained to help people with mental health issues. They have a way of analyzing issues and getting to the root cause of issues affecting you. The good news is that technology has made it possible for people with mental issues to meet therapists virtually. Online therapy has become popular because most people prefer it provides they don’t have to physically meet with a therapist in order to receive the help that they need.
6. Learn How to Deal with Stress
Stress is one thing that can’t be avoided at times. It affects how you feel physically, emotionally, and mentally. The way you act is often impacted by stress levels. Extreme cases of stress can lead to depression and eventually mental issues. There are several things you can do to handle stress. Laughter is one of the best ways to manage stress. It also helps relieve pain, relaxes your body, and minimizes stress. Don’t take life so seriously. Find ways of making fun and whether it is a podcast, a film, or a comedy.
7. Get Enough Sleep
Good sleep is not just about sleeping for many hours. You need the right type of sleep. There’s a relationship between sleep and mental health. Having a mental health condition generally affects the quality of your sleep. Staying awake for many hours leads to overthinking, something that’s not good for your health. Attempt to write a note down your feelings in a notebook before retiring to bed. This can help get rid of things troubling you from the mind. you can start a routine a few minutes or hours before sleeping. This will send a signal to your brain that you are getting ready to rest.
8. Set Realistic Goals
Having goals is great. They are the ones that motivate you to pursue a dream that you really wish to achieve. It can be purchasing a new house, getting a job promotion, or accomplishing a simple task like losing a few pounds. But it is good to always set realistic goals. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to a lot of stress or even depression when you fail to meet them. This can eventually have a negative impact on your mental health. It would be good to focus on short-term goals which as easy to complete.
9. Avoid Alcohol and Drugs
Most people take alcohol to change their moods. It is true that alcohol can lessen the symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, regular intake of alcohol can alter the chemical balance of your brain and deplete it of serotine that usually makes one happy. The depletion of serotine leaves you feeling sadder and depressed.
10. Accept who You Are
People are different. Trying to be someone else can lead to feelings of rejection and unworthiness. Try to focus on your own strengths and abilities. Comparing yourself with others will only steal your joy.
Mental health has become a major concern in the past few years. The World Health Organization has in recent years raised concern about the increasing number of people suffering from mental health conditions. If you are struggling with mental health, it is important to open up and seek professional help.
