Mental health is something that is often overlooked. It’s not something that we like to talk about, and it can be hard to admit that we need help. But the fact of the matter is, 1 in 5 people in the United States suffer from a mental illness, and most of those people never get the help they need. That is why it is important for all of us to learn more about mental health and how we can build better mental health for ourselves and those around us. In this blog post, we will discuss all things mental health, from symptoms of common mental illnesses to ways to get help. We hope that by reading this post, you will become more informed about mental health and feel more comfortable talking about it.
Contents
What Is Better Mental Health?
Mental Health is often viewed as a spectrum with “mental illness” at one end and “mental wellness” at the other. Better mental health is often described as being closer to the “mental wellness” end of the spectrum. There are many things that you can do to promote better mental health. It can also be helpful to think of this in terms of different domains, such as emotional well-being, social well-being, and psychological well-being.
Sometimes there are specific things that you can do to improve your health in each of these domains. For example, if you are struggling with emotional well-being, working on building healthy coping skills might be helpful. If you are struggling with social well-being, working on developing and maintaining supportive relationships might be helpful. And if you are struggling with psychological well-being, working on increasing self-awareness and improving self-acceptance might be helpful.
Of course, it is also important to remember that everyone is different and what works for one person might not work for another. If you are not sure where to start, talking to a professional can be a great way to get some guidance on how to promote better mental health in your life.
Factors Contributing To Better Mental Health
Many factors may contribute to someone’s mental health. Some of these include:
Genetics
Genetics are thought to play a role in mental health. Mental disorders can run in families, but the specific genes that contribute to these disorders have not been identified. There can be many different genes that contribute to a person’s mental health. It may be that a person has a higher risk for mental illness if they have certain genes, but environmental factors are also thought to play a role.
Brain Chemistry
Brain chemistry may contribute to mental health. Mental disorders can be caused by changes in the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that help communicate messages between nerve cells. A disruption in the way these chemicals work can lead to symptoms of mental illness.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors such as stress, trauma, or abuse can trigger mental illness. These experiences may cause changes in the brain that lead to mental illness. It is important to note that not everyone who experiences these things will develop a mental disorder. Many people experience difficult life events but do not develop a mental illness. This is likely due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Tips For Building Better Health
There are many things that people can do to build better mental health. Some of these are things that you have control over, and others are things that you may not have control over. Here are some tips for building better mental health:
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is one of the most important things for mental health. Most people need around eight hours of sleep per night. If you are not getting enough sleep, it can impact your mood and make it more difficult to cope with stress. Sometimes there maybe be things that make it difficult to get enough sleep, such as a new baby or shift work. If this is the case, try to find ways to make sleep a priority. There maybe be things that you can do to make it easier to fall asleep, such as avoiding caffeine in the afternoon or evening. Sometimes, it may be necessary to see a doctor if you are having difficulty sleeping.
Try To Exercise
Exercise is also important for mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. It can also help reduce stress and improve sleep. Even moderate exercise can make a difference. A good goal is to get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. If you are not used to exercising, start slowly and gradually increase your activity level. There are many different types of exercise that you can do, so find something that you enjoy and stick with it. There are may also be benefits to exercises that are specifically designed to reduce stress, such as yoga or Tai Chi.
Eat Healthy Diet
What you eat can also impact your mental health. Eating a healthy diet is important for physical and mental health. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. It is also important to limit processed foods, sugar, and saturated fat. Eating a healthy diet can help improve mood and energy levels. It can also help reduce the risk of developing physical health problems, such as heart disease or diabetes.
When you eat good food it can improve your mood and energy levels. A good diet is important for physical and mental health. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. It is also important to limit processed foods, sugar, and saturated fat.
Manage Stress
Stress can impact mental health. It is important to find ways to manage stress healthily. Some people use relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. Others may exercise or spend time with friends or family members to reduce stress. If you are having difficulty managing stress, it may be helpful to talk to a doctor or therapist. There can be many different causes of stress, so it is important to find the source of your stress and find healthy ways to deal with it.
Build Support System
It can be helpful to have a support system when you are dealing with mental illness. A support system can include family members, friends, or a support group for people with mental illness. Having people to talk to who understand what you are going through can be very helpful. A support system can also provide practical assistance, such as help with childcare or transportation. If you do not have a support system, many community resources can help.
Get Help When Needed
There is no shame in seeking help for mental health problems. Mental illness is a real and serious issue. If you are having difficulty coping, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you learn healthy ways to deal with stress and manage your symptoms. There are also many hotlines and online resources that can provide support and information. Do not hesitate to reach out for help if you need it. There can be many different causes of mental illness, so it is important to find the source of your stress and seek professional help.
Be Supportive
You should always have an open mind when it comes to mental health. Mental illness is a real and serious issue. If you know someone who is dealing with mental health problems, be supportive and understanding. Listen to what they have to say and offer help if you can. Do not hesitate to reach out for help if you need it. One should always have an open mind when it comes to mental health.
Practice Acceptance
Acceptance is important to mental health. You cannot always control what happens in life, but you can control how you react to it. Acceptance does not mean that you are happy with what has happened, but it does mean that you are accepting of the situation and can move on. Practice acceptance in your own life and be accepting of others who may be dealing with mental health problems.
Conclusion
Better mental health is something we all strive for. It’s important to remember that it’s a process, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person may not work for another. The most important thing is to keep trying until you find what works for you.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available, and the sooner you seek help, the sooner you can start on the path to recovery. Thanks for reading.
A Word From Therapy Mantra
Your mental health — Your psychological, emotional, and social well-being — has an impact on every aspect of your life. Positive mental health essentially allows you to effectively deal with life’s everyday challenges.
At TherapyMantra, we have a team of therapists who provide affordable online therapy to assist you with issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, workplace Issues, addiction, relationship, OCD, LGBTQ, and PTSD. You can book a free therapy or download our free Android or iOS app.
