Today is World Mental Health Day. A day recognized by many that is designed to raise awareness around mental health and promote mental wellness. This day provides an opportunity to start the conversation and discuss ways in which we can support and advocate for mental health because whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, everyone has mental health.
What is mental health?
Mental health is a broad wellness spectrum, including emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Our mental health influences how we think, act, and interact with the people and the world around us. It’s an integral part of who we are and how we function. Many things have the potential to negatively affect our mental health, including life circumstances such as poverty, physical illness, loss, trauma, abuse, stress, and biological factors. Many of these factors are beyond our control; however, there are also many things that are within our control that can positively influence our mental health. It’s important to note that our mental health can and will change over the course of our lives as we face the inevitable ups and downs, changes, and challenges in life.
Ways to care for your mental health
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Believe it or not, our mental and physical health influence each other in more ways than not. Mental health allows us to navigate life’s challenges, connect with others and the world around us, and lead a happy and healthy life. Here are a few simple ways to take care of your mental health.
Move your body
Incorporating movement into your routine can greatly improve your physical and mental health. Exercise releases endorphins that can boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve energy levels. Movement can take many forms, including yoga, walking, running, dancing, and weightlifting.
Prioritize sleep
According to the Sleep Foundation, quality sleep is crucial for mental health. Poor sleep or lack of sleep has been shown to affect our ability to focus and hold on to positive experiences, which can lead to an overall decline in our mental health. Remember, sleep deprivation is considered torture! It is recommended that adults get at least 7 hours of sleep per night. For children, this number can vary depending on their age.
Reach out to a friend
Connecting with others is a great way to boost your mood. Whether it’s a quick phone call with a friend or family member or quality time spent catching up on life, socializing has many benefits for our mental health. Knowing you are not alone taps into our core human need to feel like we belong.
Practice self-care
Practicing self-care is a great way to take care of your physical and mental health. Self-care can look different for everyone because it is not a “one size fits all.” It doesn’t have to look like bubble baths and face masks. Self-care could be as simple as cooking a good meal for yourself or limiting screen time before bed. Take a mental health day from work and binge on Netflix. Maybe even watch your favorite show while sipping hot tea. These activities can be a great way to decrease your stress and improve your overall mood.
Set boundaries for yourself and others
Boundaries are ways for you to establish a healthy way to engage with your environment and those around you. They help protect us physically and emotionally, prevent burnout, and assist us in maintaining healthy relationships. Saying “no” or maybe “next time” to offerings is an essential skill for mental wellness.
Seek professional help
If you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or unable to complete daily life functions, it may be a good idea to seek professional help. Professionally trained counselors and therapists can provide psychoeducation, resources, and support to improve your mental health. Some of the benefits of therapy can include increased self-esteem, having a safe space to talk to someone you trust, setting and achieving goals, and learning new coping strategies/skills. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength.
Children’s Mental Health
While children are naturally resilient, they can also struggle with their mental health for various reasons. Statistics show that the number of children and adolescents struggling with their mental health has been on the rise in the past few years. Recognizing mental health struggles in children may be different than in adults due to barriers in expressing or verbalizing how they feel, the stigma surrounding mental health, or changes that come along with natural development in children. Children as young as 2 experience sadness, depression, and anxiety and naturally have poor emotional control due to their age. Which means we need to manage it like we would an illness. This is true for teens as well.
Mental health issues left untreated can negatively impact children's development and interfere with socializing and learning. By knowing the signs to look out for and providing support for children, we can help them cope with challenges, build healthy relationships, and feel safe and secure in their environment. Here are a few signs and symptoms to look for in children, adolescents, and teens if you are concerned about their mental health:
Changes in behavior such as persistent feelings of sadness or worry
Changes in appetite or sleep
Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy
Not wanting to be around people or changes in levels of socializing
Conclusion
World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity to discuss mental health and ways to promote mental well-being. Whether it's reaching out to a friend, practicing self-care, or seeking professional help, it's crucial to prioritize your mental well-being. Let's work together to break the stigma surrounding mental health and create a world where everyone feels comfortable seeking the support they need. Remember, you are not alone.
For more information about mental health and support, please visit www.olympiatherapy.com.
By Kendall Fox
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