The Importance of Mental Health: How to Take Care

The Importance of Mental Health: How to Take Care
The Importance of Mental Health: How to Take Care. Image source: Supplied

Mental health is as important as physical wellness. It is crucial at every phase of life, from childhood and adolescence, until the end of life. In today’s fast-paced world, mental health issues are pervasive. According to research, 20 percent of the population across the globe is suffering from one or other forms of mental illness.

There are various NGOs and organizations that support the government and promote mental health policies. WHO (World Health Organization) also recommends and aims to strengthen mental health policies across the globe. 

Mental health is our emotional and psychological well-being. It affects how an individual acts and how that person thinks. It includes: 

  • Emotional feelings: For instance, a person feeling helpless or hopeless
  • Psychological feelings: For example, a person hearing voices or believing things that are not true
  • Social well-being or anxiety

Mood swings, behavioral changes, overthinking, excessive fears are some of the common signs and symptoms of mental health. If a person is suffering from mental health, there may be some change in their behavior or mood. If you see someone dealing with such issues, you must communicate with them and ask them to share their problems. Try to recognize the reason why they are feeling low. Dealing with mental health issues is not easy. There can be many factors which contribute to mental health complications, including:

  • Biological factors – It can be genetic, or because of hormonal levels change or brain chemistry. 
  •  Life experiences – Any lousy experience, such as trauma or abuse, can also cause mental issues. 
  • Family history of mental health problems – Such disorders include autism or significant depression.

Why is it important to care for your Mental health?

Mental health is essential because it is a vital part of life. It also impacts our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Mental wellness is as necessary as physical wellness. If a person is healthy and feeling good emotionally, that feeling of happiness will reflect in their job, or schooling, productivity. 

Health plays an integral part in personal as well as professional relationship satisfaction. It allows you to adapt to changes in your life from time to time and cope with adversity. 

According to a new study by the Mental Health Foundation, unhealthy eating also plays a significant role and contributes to mental health problems. According to the study, the mental illness cases due to an unhealthy diet has increased over the past 50 years. 

Many mental conditions can be treated with one or other therapies. If you are suffering from mental health or someone you know is diagnosed with psychological issues, the first thing that you have to ensure is that you’re feeling fit mentally. 

Make an exercise schedule, take a breathing space when you need to, remembering something you are thankful for or ensure that you’re sleeping well. These are some of the activities that can help you in boosting your inner peace and will provide you with emotional support. 

How can you take care of your mental health day-to-day? 

Various things can be done to cure mental health. Following are some of the therapies you can try to improve your mental health every day.

 

  • Eat a healthy and balanced diet.

Making the right nutritional choices materials is significant. It is more important than finding the right fit for our clothes. Proper nutrition is one of the keys to an active and healthier lifestyle. To optimize our brain function, we must eat healthy and nutritious foods. Include the following in your diet:

  • Fresh fruits and green vegetables
  • Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (spinach, chia seeds, walnuts, dry fruits, nuts, fish, seeds, and eggs)
  • Protein-rich foods
  • Whole grains
  • Dairy or dairy alternatives

 

  • Manage stress

Stress is unavoidable. However, there are various things you can do to manage stress. Dealing with stress is not easy. But you can control it and live a relaxed life. 

Here are some tips for triggering the relaxation response and dealing with the stress:

  • Practicing good breathing habits 
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes
  • Sleep for 8 hours
  • Do some form of physical activity
  • Take time for your favorite hobby 

 

  • Meditation

The benefits of meditation are unbeatable. Meditation is one of the best ways to relax or calm the disturbed mind. It reduces stress and also helps to control anxiety. It is one of the best ways to reduce stress levels and improve your emotional well-being. 

It increases positive sentiments and has been linked to reducing depression, anxiety levels, and post-traumatic stress. Meditation is the key to real healing. It improves both mental health as well as physical health.

It also ensures better oxygenation of the blood circulating in our arteries. 

 

  • Exercise regularly

It is crucial to do some form of physical activity or exercise to keep your body healthy mentally. Physical exercise helps in reducing the feelings of hopelessness that promotes depression. Exercise is beneficial and has physical, mental, and psychological benefits. 

It is reported that people who exercise regularly feel a little less stressed. Therapists also emphasize the fact that individuals diagnosed with mental health should do indulge in some form of physical activity daily and avoid overeating. Even ten minutes of aerobic exercise such as a step class, swimming, walking can benefit you in reducing anxiety and depression.  

 

  •  Talk to a professional 

If you feel that your mental health problems are taking over you, the best would be to talk with someone. Talk to a friend or a relative. If you are not comfortable talking with them, seek professional help, and speak to a doctor. BetterHelp offers good solutions for stress-related mental health issues. 

Get professional medical advice from a psychologist or a psychiatrist and find the personalized support you want to stay positive. 

Remember, mental illness is common, and it can be treated. Don’t hesitate. Try to share your problems with your known ones first. Do not let the stigma pause you from asking for help or seeking treatment for your illness. Good mental health is essential, and it results in better physical health and improves productivity. It plays a crucial role in attaining a healthy and better lifestyle. Try the above things and cope with mental health struggles that you’re facing. 

Haifa Aboobacker – Author Bio

Haifa.jpg
Haifa is a growth assistant at  AirTract.Com, a go-to place for all expert advice wherein people ask questions, write articles, share and learn from paid and free online courses.
She is a communication engineering graduate but a digital marketing buff who is fascinated by the best SEO practices and content strategies. She loves to make friends and explore places, and she chooses reading in her time off.