Taking Control Of Your Mental Health
In the US, more than 1 in 5 suffer with their mental health. And the good news is that more people are talking about it, which makes it easier to be upfront about mental health. But despite the fading taboo around mental health issues, it can still be difficult to admit your mental health is suffering and do something about it.
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so if you feel that things aren’t right, it’s time to do something about it. Here are some of the things you can do to take control of your mental health.
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Acknowledge that you’re struggling
One of the hardest things about dealing with your mental health is admitting that you have a problem. Many people try to carry on as though nothing’s wrong, but running away from the problem could make things worse. Some of the common signs that you may be struggling with your mental health include:
- Changes to your sleep quality, mood and appetite.
- Social withdrawal – avoiding people and activities you normally enjoy.
- Problems focusing or feeling motivated.
- Not taking good care of yourself.
There are a lot of different signs that your mental health isn’t where it should be, and if you start to recognize changes in yourself, it could be a sign of a problem.
Talk to someone about it
A problem shared is a problem halved, and it’s surprising how much of weight can be lifted once you open up to someone. Whether it’s your partner, a friend, or a relative, talking to someone about your problems can make a big difference. Open up about how you’re feeling – you don’t need to go through it alone.
Put a plan in place to help you find your balance
When you’ve got a problem, putting a plan in place can help you solve it, or at least manage it. The same goes for your mental health. Putting a plan in place to help you improve your mental health can help you take some positive action and teach you some ways to cope. From seeking therapy to leaving a toxic work environment, work out what you need to do to try and improve your situation.
Embrace mental health routines
Having a routine has been shown to improve mental health, helping you take care of the basics, such as your diet and sleep habits, and even helping you manage stress more effectively. Build your routine up gradually, taking things one step at a time. You can even create a routine to help you when you’re having a stressful day or feeling some anxiety, giving you coping mechanisms to turn to in difficult situations. Some people look at herbal remedies to help boost your mood. Some people find them to be a great alternative to traditional medication.
@journalbymoonfree serotonin routine 😍♬ original sound – Grace Moon
Check-in with yourself regularly
Even when you’re starting to feel better, checking in with yourself regularly is important. If your routine starts to slip or you’re noticing some signs that things aren’t quite right, you can take action to help you get back on track. Just as you spend time maintaining your physical health, maintaining your mental health is ongoing.
If things aren’t working, it may be time to get some professional help
Improving mental health can be challenging for a lot of people, who may not be able to do it alone. Seeking professional advice could be the step you need to boost your mental health, by giving you a diagnosis and a recommended treatment plan. Whether you speak to your doctor or enter a mental health facility, there are different routes to meet your needs. Just as you’d consult a physician for a physical problem, seeking professional help for your mental health can help your recovery, and even help you understand a little more about why you feel the way you do.
Mental health problems are more common than you might realize, which means you’re not alone in what you’re going through. Acknowledging your problem, getting support and building routines can help you take control of your mental health to help you enjoy a more positive future. Things may feel difficult now, but taking the right action can help you come out smiling on the other side.
