Let’s face it; mental health is something we all often ignore. It’s easy to push aside when you are feeling good, but when your mental wellness takes a turn for the worse, you realize just how integral it is to your life. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, stress, or any other type of mental illness, it can be debilitating. The good news is that there are things you can do to improve your mental wellness. This article will explore what you should know about improving mental wellness.
1. Mental Wellness Is Just as Important as Physical Wellness
This is something that we often forget. We focus on our physical health and neglect our mental health. But the two exist heavily interconnected. You can’t have one without the other. When you are physically healthy, it’s easier to maintain good mental health. And vice versa. That’s why focusing on both your physical and mental wellness is important.
One of the best ways to improve your mental wellness is to exercise. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Just 30 minutes of exercise a day can significantly improve your mental wellbeing.
Another way to improve your mental wellness is to eat a healthy diet. Eating nutritious foods helps your body to function at its best. It also helps to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Finally, getting enough sleep is crucial for good mental health. Most adults need around eight hours of sleep per night. If you are not getting enough sleep, it can lead to problems such as anxiety, depression, and irritability.
2. Symptoms of Mental Illness Are Not Always Obvious
Just because someone looks happy on the outside doesn’t mean they are mentally well. Mental illness can often be disguised. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of mental illness.
Some common signs and symptoms include feeling sad or down, having low energy levels, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep patterns, and feeling anxious or stressed. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to reach out for help.
However, sometimes the symptoms of mental illness may be clear or extreme. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as suicidal thoughts, self-harming behaviors, or hallucinations, it’s important to seek professional help immediately.
Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s a real illness that requires treatment. There are many resources available to help you if you are struggling with your mental health.
3. Some Coping Mechanisms Can Make Things Worse
It’s important to find healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with mental illness. Some unhealthy coping mechanisms include self-medicating with drugs or alcohol, withdrawing from friends and family, or engaging in risky behaviors.
Some people, especially teens, may also engage in Trichotillomania, which affects roughly one in 50 individuals in their lifetime. This is when a person has a tendency or fixation to pull out their hair because of anxiety, worry, stress, and more.
While these coping mechanisms may provide short-term relief, they can actually make things worse in the long run. They can lead to addiction, financial problems, legal problems, and social isolation. It’s important to find healthy coping mechanisms that will help you in the long run.
4. A Lot of Stereotypes About Mental Illness Are Wrong
Humans develop prejudicial beliefs throughout their lives, and they develop them early on. Some of these prejudicial beliefs are about mental illness. This has led to the stigmatization of mental illness.
Mental illness can often be seen as a sign of weakness. It can be common to think that if you have a mental illness, there must be something wrong with you. This is simply not true. It’s not a choice, but a condition or chemical imbalance that can happen to anyone, regardless of perceived strength or character.
It’s important to educate yourself about mental illness and dispel any myths or stereotypes that you may believe. Only then can we break down the stigma and create a more accepting society.
5. Financial Hardship Can Make Mental Illness Worse
COVID-19 drove over 71 million people into extreme poverty, which is the first rise in global poverty in decades. This is an enormous problem because financial hardship can make mental illness worse.
People who are struggling financially are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. This is because they are under a lot of stress. Financial hardship can also lead to social isolation and economic insecurity, which can further exacerbate mental health problems. Luckily, with the right help, people can get through these tough times.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, remember that there is help available. There are many resources out there to help you understand and cope with mental illness. You are not alone.