What is Mental Health & How To Maintain It?
learn about mental health in detail
Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being contribute to our mental health. It has an impact on how we think, feels, and act. It also influences how we deal with stress, interact with others, and make decisions. Mental health is essential throughout life, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood.
Factors that Contribute to Mental Health Difficulties
If you have mental health difficulties, your thinking, mood, and behavior may affect your life. Many variables lead to mental health issues, such as:
• Genes and brain chemistry are examples of biological influences.
• Experiences in life, such as trauma or abuse
• There is a family history of mental health issues.
• Mental health issues are frequent, but assistance is accessible. People suffering from mental illnesses can recover, and many do.
Early Warning Symptoms
Not sure if you or someone you know is suffering from mental illness? One or more of the following feelings or behaviors may indicate the presence of a problem:
• Excessive or insufficient eating or sleeping Distancing from people and customary activities
• Having little to no energy
• Feeling numb or as though nothing is important
• Experiencing unexplainable aches and pains
• Helpless or hopeless feelings
• Excessive smoking, drinking, or drug use
• Feeling particularly confused, forgetful, agitated, concerned, or scared
• Fighting or yelling at family and friends
• Having significant mood swings that pose issues in relationships
• Having persistent ideas and memories that you can't shake Hearing voices or believing things that aren't true
• Consider harming yourself or others.
• Inability to accomplish daily duties such as caring for your children or getting to work or school
Strategies To Maintain Mental Health
Try these strategies to maintain your mental health
1. Value yourself: Be kind and respectful to yourself, and avoid self-criticism. Make time for your favorite hobbies and pursuits, or widen your horizons. Do a daily crossword puzzle, start a garden, learn to dance, play an instrument, or study another language.
2. Take care of your body: Taking care of your body might help your mental health. Make certain to:
o Consume healthful foods.
o Smoking and vaping should be avoided (see Cessation). Help
o Consume plenty of water.
o Exercise can help reduce depression and anxiety while also improving mood.
o Get enough rest. Sleep deprivation, according to researchers, leads to the high occurrence of sadness among college students.
3. Surround yourself with like-minded people
People who have strong family or social relationships are generally healthier than those who have not. Make arrangements with supportive family and friends, or look for activities that will allow you to meet new people, such as a club, class, or support group.
4. Give of yourself: Offer your time and efforts to assist others. You'll feel good knowing you've done something tangible to help someone in need, and it's a terrific way to meet new people.
5. Understand how to deal with stress: Whether we like it or not, stress is a part of life. Attempt One-Minute Stress Strategies, Tai Chi, exercise, go for a nature walk, play with your pet, or try journal writing as a stress reliever. Remember to laugh and see the humor in life. Study shows that laughter increases your immune system, relieve pain, relax your body, and reduce stress.
6. Calm your thoughts by meditating, practicing mindfulness, or praying. Relaxation techniques and prayer can help you enhance your mood and outlook on life. Indeed, studies show that meditation can help you feel peaceful and improve the effects of therapy. See Spiritual Resources for Students for further information on how to connect.
7. Establish realistic goals: Determine what you want to achieve academically, professionally, and personally, and write down the measures necessary to achieve your objectives. Aim high, but be realistic, and don't overbook yourself. As you work toward your goal, you'll feel a fantastic sense of accomplishment and self-worth. Wellness Coaching, free for U-M students, can assist you in developing objectives and staying on track.
8. Break up the monotony: While routines help us be more productive and increase our feelings of comfort and safety, a change of pace can liven up a dull schedule. Change your running route, go on a road trip, walk in a different park, hang some new art, or try a new restaurant. More suggestions can be found in Rejuvenation 101.
9. Avoid alcohol and other drugs: Limit your alcohol use and avoid other drugs. Alcohol and other drugs are sometimes used to "self-medicate," but they exacerbate problems. See Alcohol and Other Drugs for further details.
10. Seek assistance when necessary: Seeking assistance is a show of strength, not weakness. It's also vital to realize that treatment works. People who receive the proper care can recover from mental illness and addiction and live rewarding lives. For campus and community options, see Resources for Stress and Mental Health.
Wrap Up
People suffering from mental health issues frequently believe they are the only ones in the world who feel this way. Many people suffer from depression, and others may be unaware of it since they do not express their feelings.
Most people dislike talking about their problems since it is difficult to talk to other people because of the stigma associated with mental illness.
People with mental problems are often discriminated against.
That is why no one should make light of mental health. A person's mental health is defined as their psychological and emotional well-being.
Joking about suicidal ideas should not be taken lightly since you may be taken seriously. If a person overhears someone threatening to kill themselves, they may warn an adult and their parents because they believe they will endanger themselves.
Be careful what you say since people can misinterpret it. People can be harmed by jokes regarding their mental health. Jokes about depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts make those who experience them feel like an outcast or irrelevant.
If someone you care about is depressed or overwhelmed, reach out to them and assist them in seeking medical therapy. Mental illness is more common than people realize.
About the Creator
Ayesha Jawad
Freelance Content Writer
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