In the fast-paced world we live in today, focusing on mental health is crucial. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It has an impact on virtually every facet of our lives, and is critical to overall well being from childhood all the way through adulthood. Focusing on mental health can look different for different people, so everyone should make an effort to figure out the self-care practices that specifically work for them. However, some mental health issues, like depression, anxiety and mood disorders, usually require professional help.
Practicing self-care
Self-care methods can vary greatly from person to person, so it’s important to hone in on what might work best for you by making a self-care plan. Start by making a list about what you value most in your daily life. Next, write down your physical, mental, emotional, and professional needs. This will show where the gaps are and help you determine which self-care activities and methods will best help you meet your specific needs.
Here are some tips for general self-care and stress management:
- Take care of both your physical and psychological health.
- Focus on eating healthy and moving more.
- Prioritize sleep.
- Participate in activities that bring you joy and energize you.
- Pinpoint ways to manage and reduce stressors.
- Recognize your emotional and spiritual needs.
- Set and adhere to personal boundaries.
- Foster fulfilling relationships.
- Strive to achieve a balanced lifestyle.
Some alternative self-care methods, like acupuncture or massage, might even be covered by your insurance.
Recognizing mental illness
For some people with mental illness, regular self-care may not be enough. Nearly one in five U.S. adults lives with a mental illness. There are many different types and each can vary in its symptoms, but there are several common signs that may indicate the presence of a mental illness. Learning to recognize these signs can be the critical first step to recovery:
- Feeling sad
- Confusion or a reduced ability to focus
- Excessive fears or worries
- Extreme mood changes
- Withdrawal from friends and beloved activities
- Significant tiredness, low energy or sleeping problems
How to seek help
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s likely time to seek help from a professional. Repressing or self-medicating can exacerbate issues or make things worse, so finding the right help to address mental health issues is vital.
It can feel daunting to divulge private feelings and personal information about mental illness, but being open and honest with friends or family you can trust can have some enormous benefits. They can encourage you to get treatment and offer much-needed support. Here are some tips for disclosing personal mental health information to loved ones:
- Understand you don’t have to share everything.
- Set specific boundaries that make you feel safe.
- Focus on some positive things as well as negative.
- Instruct them on specific ways that can be supportive to you.
It’s important to ensure that you are regularly consulting your doctor by getting regular physicals or wellness exams. These appointments are critical to help identify the source of symptoms or for getting referrals to mental health specialists.
Although a doctor could recommend seeing a mental health provider, you typically don’t need a referral to do so. Therapists and counselors are mental health professionals who specialize in providing treatment and rehabilitation to those struggling with an aspect of their mental health. They can help you develop better cognitive and emotional skills and teach you practical methods to cope with various life challenges. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health that can provide a diagnosis, suggest treatment options and prescribe medication.
There’s no reason to go it alone
Self-assessment and self-care are important parts to the puzzle, but there’s no substitute for proper medical care if you need it.
There is no reason to deal with mental challenges on your own because help is readily available. It takes some effort, vulnerability and persistence, but finding the right treatment is well worth it to get you back enjoying a happy and healthy life.