Mental health issues and self-esteem problems can be a debilitating part of someone’s life and can start affecting the people around you. Recognizing the signs and understanding the root causes can help control these feelings and keep you on a path to better mental health. Seeking effective help and resources can also aid improved wellbeing and gives you one of the best chances of success. Getting the right support is vital in taking the next steps, and there are many options to consider, which with self-help and the assistance of family and friends can give you the best options for the road to a happier life.
Take a look at some of the ways you can maintain good mental health and wellbeing when taking the next steps to better overall health.
Get a good night’s sleep
Getting enough sleep each night is vital for keeping both your mental and physical health in top condition. Sleeping helps to regulate the chemicals produced in our brain and affect how it transmits information. By not getting enough rest you may start to feel differently including changes in your overall mood, tolerance levels and general emotions. Adequate sleep also helps to replenish your body resources and aids in feeling fresh and alert for the day ahead. When you feel down or stressed, sleep can be affected and this, in turn, can lead to other health issues such as insomnia, anxiety, fatigue, and low moods. There are many ways to ensure you get a good night’s sleep including cutting out caffeine before bed, turning off the television a little earlier to decrease distraction and talking over problems, so things are not constantly running through your mind. If you suffer from severe insomnia, speaking to a healthcare professional may help.
Avoid alcohol and smoking
Although you may enjoy the odd alcoholic drink or a social cigarette, cutting these out will see you reap the rewards in long-term health benefits. It is well known the excessive consumption can be attributed to some severe health conditions, but even small amounts can start to affect mental health and general wellbeing. The initial buzz from both alcohol and cigarettes is often met with regret the next day especially if you start feeling the effects of too many drinks. Alcohol can cause concentration issues, dehydration and excessive drinking is known to cause thiamine deficiency, which affects brain function such as memory and eye problems.
Cigarettes and most drugs are another health issue that can cause withdrawal symptoms. If you smoke or take drugs, these withdrawals can make you feel anxious and irritable with consequences on your overall mood, which could affect not only you but also the people around you.
Get outside
Some people suffer from seasonal disorders and find at some times of the year they may feel down or unhappy due to the temperature, weather and general mood of others around them. A great way to help relieve this is by simply going outside. Sunlight, even with cloud cover, releases Vitamin D that is important for both our bodies and brains. That instant feeling when the sun comes out brightens your mood and emphasizes the process of chemicals being released such as serotonin and endorphins into the body. These chemicals improve your mood and just getting out into the sun for 30 minutes can have benefits to your overall wellbeing.
Take up a hobby
Exercise is well known as a stress reliever and is very important in maintaining both physical and mental health. There are several benefits to exercising or taking part in activities including the sense of achievement, getting to know other people and reaping the rewards of cardiovascular health. Doing something you are good at and meeting people with similar interests helps to create connections and give you increased confidence in your skills and abilities. These connections can also be great for general social interactions, as it gives you the chance to get to know people you wouldn’t normally meet on a day-to-day basis.
Exercise is a huge mood booster and can help to eliminate the feeling of anxiety, stress, and fatigue, which can lead to low self-esteem and self-worth. If you’re feeling unfit, taking up exercise can feel like a hard task, but you don’t have to run a marathon to start feeling the benefits, something as simple as a gentle stroll in the park will be a great starting point.
Asking for help
Counseling is a great way to combat the emotional elements of a range of mental health issues and provide a much needed talking space for both the sufferer and family members that have been affected. Decreased self-esteem can wrap people up in a bubble of self-destruction and although patients feel alone and vulnerable, there is a huge amount of help available through supportive guidance and talking therapy. Counseling should not be perceived as a quick fix, and as with all treatments, the process is steady and dependent on the individual. These sessions will help to identify areas such as why people feel certain things, what situations make them feel vulnerable and what the underlying causes are. The latter part of counseling therapy considers eliminating these behaviors and finding coping strategies to deal with everyday situations.
As counseling is a lengthy process it is often not viewed with an endpoint as continued support, however little you need in the later stages, is still there if you need it. In extreme cases such as mental health issues due to addiction, rehab may be an option. There are many reputable drug rehab centers that provide specialist care for recovering addicts and can adapt treatments dependent on the circumstances.
Taking care of loved ones during a difficult mental health period can be a stressful and upsetting time. There is a host of resources and support that can be tailored to your family needs and experiences. Getting help and knowing where to turn to can help everyone get back on track and enjoy a healthy, happy lifestyle.
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