Mental Health is an integral part of overall health, and it’s important to acknowledge, understand, and address mental health concerns. At some point in their lives, 46% of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health issue. 1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness in any given year.
The purpose of Mental Health Awareness Month is to educate, provide tools, and start a dialogue surrounding the realities and complexities of mental health in people of all ages in every community. Living well with mental health conditions is an ongoing process, and everyone has unique needs. Here, we’ve rounded up a list of tips that have proven to strengthen mental and emotional health:
Own Your Feelings
Allow yourself to feel, and don’t ignore those feelings! Surround yourself with people that can help you to talk through your emotions. Try to develop your emotional vocabulary, so you can begin to understand and express the nuances of the way you feel.
Give Back To Your Community
A sense of meaning and purpose helps to make one feel grounded. Knowing that others are depending on you and benefiting from your service will generate positive thoughts and help to build relationships!
Eat Well
Good nutrition is a mood stabilizer, and studies have shown that vitamins found in well-balanced diets can help with symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is as important to our bodies as drinking, eating, and breathing. We need sleep for our bodies to repair themselves and for our brains to consolidate our memories and process information. Poor sleep is linked to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, so it’s important to focus on getting 8 hours of sleep per night.
Be Physically Active
Regular exercise can have a positive impact on depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental conditions. It also relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better, and boosts your overall mood. It’s okay to start small – a simple 30 minute walk outside on a sunny day has significant benefits!
Seek Professional Help
Never hesitate to speak with a professional if you are struggling with symptoms of mental illness. At Family Healthcare of Siouxland, we feel strongly about including Social services as part of our primary care. To reduce barriers for our patients, we have Social Workers on staff with our clinics. Visit our website (link to social workers site) to learn more about speaking with someone as you navigate the challenges of life. Talk therapy and/or medications can treat mental conditions.
Mental Health conditions are common, and you are not alone if you or a loved one are currently experiencing symptoms of Mental Illness. We want to be your partners for physical, mental, and emotional health at every stage of your life. Reach out to our Social Work office today!