Commit to Your Mental Health This Year
More than just the presence or absence of mental illness, mental health is a person's emotional, social, and psychological well-being. It affects how we relate to others, make choices, think, feel, and act – critical to our overall quality of life. One way to help improve your mental health is to engage in self-care regularly. Self-care is self-love; it means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve your physical, mental, and emotional health. Even small acts of self-love can help increase your energy, manage stress, and lower your risk of illness.
Ways to Take Care of Yourself
First off, a healthy body leads to a healthy mind. When you exercise, the chemical's endorphins are released. Endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to morphine. Often described as "euphoric," this feeling is positive and energizing – key emotions to improving your mental health. Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet improves your focus and energy, which wonders for your mental well-being.
Staying connected to friends and family is something else you should do. Communicating effectively and often with loved ones is essential to maintaining those personal relationships and helping you work through complex moods. Identifying problems and troubling signs becomes easier when you consistently talk about your emotions and feelings.
A key aspect to remember is that self-care looks different for everyone, and finding out what works best for you is crucial. If something feels like a chore, you're not only less likely to make a habit out of it, and it will not be as effective for you. There will be some trial and error as you figure out what works and doesn't, but this is normal. Lastly, self-care is not the cure for mental illness but rather a highly effective way to help you manage your overall mental health.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you have been experiencing severe, distressing, or debilitating symptoms that have lasted two weeks or more, this is when to seek out professional help. An example of severe symptoms to watch out for are:
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty sleeping
Inability to perform usual daily functions and responsibilities
Appetite changes that result in unwanted weight changes
Loss of interest in things you usually find enjoyable or exciting
Struggling to get out of bed in the morning because of mood
Talk about your concerns with your primary healthcare provider or medical professional. They can then refer you to a mental health specialist or psychologist to schedule an appointment.
What to do in a Crisis
If you are thinking about harming yourself or considering suicide, tell someone who can help immediately or dial 911 in an emergency. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or message the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are available 24/7, are entirely free to use, and all calls and/or texts are confidential. For more information about suicide prevention and additional resources, please see NIMH’s Suicide Prevention page.
