As recently as a decade or two ago, you didn’t hear a lot about mental health, but these days, it gets lots of attention. That’s for good reason: We now know just how important it is.
You may hear about people taking “mental health days” or simply paying more attention to their mental health and what’s needed to keep themselves healthy. But what exactly is mental health, and how can you stay mentally healthy? Keep reading for some insight.
The Facts About Mental Health
Mental health probably touches more of your daily life than you’d think. The National Institute of Mental Health defines mental health as “emotional, psychological, and social well-being [that] affects how we think, feel, act, make choices, and relate to others.”
The World Health Organization elaborates on that definition, noting that it’s “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn and work well, and contribute to their community.”
In other words, steady mental health is what allows a person to make the most of life. Paired with good physical health, good mental health can help you handle life’s stresses and find success personally, in relationships, and at work.
While we know this to be true, we also know that maintaining strong mental health can be a challenge these days. In recent years, the number of people experiencing mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, has reached an all-time high. More than 20% of U.S. adults experience some type of mental health issue in a given year.
That’s around 54 million people. So, if you find yourself experiencing problems with your mental health, such as frequent sadness, worrying, and other symptoms, know that you aren’t alone. Help is available to get you feeling more like yourself again.
What You Can Do to Support Your Mental Health
If you’re experiencing symptoms that may be related to your mental health, speak up. Though society has sometimes tried to attach a stigma to seeking mental health care, we all have ups and downs in life. There’s no shame in seeking help and support.
If you felt pain in your ankle, you’d see a medical provider to find out what’s wrong and be treated. The same should be true if you feel sadness or anxiety — see a provider to get back to your best.
A medical provider, such as the behavioral health specialists at Cempa Community Care, can listen to how you’re feeling, determine what’s causing your symptoms, and help you decide how best to fix the problem. Treatment may include therapy, medications, or both.
In addition to seeking care for mental health struggles, you can also take steps to keep your mental health strong. These tips are a good place to begin:
- Take good care of your body. The same lifestyle habits that are good for your physical health are also good for your mental health. Be physically active for at least 30 minutes most days, eat a diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, and get plenty of quality sleep each night.
- Find healthy coping mechanisms. We all experience stress at some time or another, and it isn’t always bad for us. But too much stress can be harmful, so it’s important to find ways to manage stress. Try incorporating meditation, mindfulness, prayer, or another habit that’s calming into your daily routine.
- Spend time with others. Studies have found that loneliness can be as dangerous for our health as smoking, especially among older adults. Build relationships with others, and spend time talking and interacting with them regularly.
- Don’t suffer in silence. If you’re feeling sad, anxious, or otherwise unsteady, talk with a trusted friend or family member. Your loved ones can be a source of mental health support, but only if they know what you’re going through.
- Focus on gratitude. Try writing a list each day of things you are thankful for, or simply including them in a prayer. Gratitude can help you refocus your mind, and it’s been shown to trigger positive endorphins, reduce stress hormones in the body, and minimize mental health symptoms such as sadness.
Whether you’re experiencing mental health symptoms or looking for ways to cope with stress and other feelings, Cempa’s behavioral health specialists are here to help. We offer a full range of services, including individual counseling and group therapy.
