• Maintaining Good Mental Health

     

    Our mental health is something that is often taken for granted. We focus so much of our energy on ways to take care of our physical help that we neglect something as important as our sanity. Most people think that mental health refers to those that are ‘off their rocker’ or ‘nuts’ but in truth, we are all at risk of suffering from some sort of a mental disorder. As a matter of fact, statistics show that almost 1 in every 4 adults suffers from some form of a mental disorder.

     

    Mental disorders can include anything from depression and anxiety to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. There is a misconception that these things happen only to those who are weak while some believe that there is nothing you can do to prevent or control mental disorders when that cannot be farther from the truth! As mentioned, NO ONE is immune to suffering some sort of a mental health crisis and while some things may be beyond your control, there are things that you can do in your life to help you maintain a good mental health.

     

    Taking care of your overall health is important since being ill can definitely impact your mental state. Exercise has also proven essential as a part of good mental health and in the treatment of depression, anxiety and stress because it releases serotonin—the ‘feel good’ hormone—into your system. That state that they call a ‘runner’s high’ actually refers to the euphoric effect that this process has on your mind and body. It is also a way that helps you gain control of your body which can really impact your self esteem and overall mood.

     

    One of the biggest problems when it comes to the most common mental disorder, depression, is our lack of knowledge. Most people don’t know what the signs are or how to spot the difference between a little case of the blues or clinical depression. Understanding the difference and knowing the red flags could save you or a loved one a lot of suffering! A constant feeling or sadness or hopelessness that lasts more than a few days needs to be taken seriously and looked into by a doctor. A loss of interest in the activities that you once loved is another red flag as is apathy and not wanting to get out of bed and face the day. There are even physical symptoms that could indicate a problem with your mental health. Panic and anxiety attacks have symptoms that closely mimic a heart attack; rapid heart rate, sweating, tightness in chest, the shakes.

     

    The stigma attached to mental health problems has a lot to do with why so many of us are in denial about the fact that it can happen to anyone of us at anytime and stops us from getting the help we need when it arises. Let go of your hang ups and misconceptions, get educated and know the signs so that you and your loved ones are better prepared for any challenges that may come your way.

     


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