May is National Mental Health Month and a good time to talk about you and how important it is that you take care of your mental health.
Mental health is our emotional, psychological, and social well-being that affects how we feel, think, and act. Troubles with your mental health could be due to any number of reasons including family issues, trauma from divorce, the pandemic, loss of a loved one, or even your own genetic make-up.
Symptoms of mental health problems can range from frequent feelings of sadness to withdrawing from family, friends, and activities you once enjoyed to intense mood swings and unjustified fears, worries, or feelings of guilt. If this sounds like you, don’t worry, we know a few ways to help you achieve and maintain positive mental health.
Keep talking. It’s very important to discuss your feelings. You can talk with a family member, friends, a counselor - it doesn’t matter, just as long as you don’t bottle up your thoughts. Opening up about what you’re thinking and feeling can help you cope when you feel troubled, hence, preserving your mental health.
Get back to doing things you enjoy - it can enhance your self-esteem. If you love crafting, pick up some supplies and get to work. If music brings you joy, turn it on or get to playing. Any activity that helps reduce stress and creates a positive head space is a good thing!
Keep healthy habits. Eating right and feeling good about you go hand-in-hand. When you indulge in high sugar and high fat foods, you are setting your body up for a crash - both physically and mentally. Vitamin-rich foods will boost your energy, your mood, and more importantly, your brain power.
Pay attention to your alcohol consumption. Don’t turn to drinking as a coping mechanism for stress, fear, or grief as the effect is only temporary. Drinking to survive your feelings can weaken your mental health and cause physical health problems as well.
Allow yourself time to reboot. Sometimes taking a break is what you need. Whether it’s five minutes, an hour, or a weekend getaway; this time will give your mind an opportunity to decompress. Mental overloads are very real and happen all the time. Instead of fretting, give yourself some time.
Ask for help. Probably the hardest thing for each of us to do is ask for help. We’d rather be tired and overwhelmed with juggling tasks, than ask someone to help us. This can result in a mental meltdown. There are plenty of people, organizations, and services available to help you when and how you need it. Your mental health is worth asking and you are not alone.
At Touchette Regional Hospital, our compassionate behavioral health care staff is available when you need us. Maintaining your mental health is critically important to your overall wellbeing. Mental health problems touch everyone in all walks of life - it doesn’t discriminate. We can help. To learn more about our behavioral health and wellness services, click here.
###