Managing mental health is one of the most challenging things an individual can do. This is because the experience of mental health and wellness is so profoundly different for every single person.
If you are trying to work on yourself more to be happier, healthier, and with better mental health, we’ve provided a few tips that could help below. Read below for more information about mental health management.
1. Consult A Mental Health Professional
As you look into professional mental health help, there are several ways you can go about this process.
The first, for example, is through a primary care provider or DPC practice, or you can search directly for therapists in your area that are accepted by your insurance.
Reaching out and sending a quick email to your potential provider is an excellent way to see if they’re a good match for you. Some professionals will even offer a quick call or consultation to ensure they’re the right fit.
2. Drink Water and Eat Healthily
You’ve probably heard it a million times to drink water, but it is so important! Consuming plenty of water each day helps prevent migraines, keep your immune system up, alleviate physical pains like cramps and keep your body healthier.
As you make your body healthier, your mental health will likely improve as well.
There are even theories that if you eat (mostly) healthy diets with plenty of vegetables and good fats, your gastrointestinal health will get better and could improve the effectiveness of neurotransmitters in your brain. Generally, drinking water and keeping a mostly healthy diet will make it easier to maintain your mental health.
3. Prioritise Your Self Care
Taking care of yourself is another way to alleviate mental health struggles. It can help you relax on an anxious day or feel more hopeful during a depressive episode. Self-care can be as simple as making yourself a hot drink or as elaborate as a spa day.
For some, self-care is doing a sport or meditation. For others, it can be taking an afternoon off to watch a film or meet friends. Loving yourself can look different to everyone, and that’s okay as long as it helps you to feel better.
4. Write In a Journal
Keeping track of your thoughts with paper and pen can help reduce and prevent spiralling and racing thoughts that sometimes lead to panic attacks. It can help you slow down and rationalise your feelings and thoughts when you feel out of control.
Having a record of your thoughts is also helpful if you are trying to look for patterns in your experience of mental health. It can also be good in combination with professional therapy because it can help you get an idea of what to ask and discuss at your next appointment.
Sometimes, you might have a difficult week and need to talk with your therapist about it, but on the day of therapy, you feel fine and don’t know what to talk about. Looking back and seeing your thoughts on a bad day will give you that starting point if you’re unsure what to talk about in therapy.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your mental health is complex. Especially with how chaotic and scary the world is right now, we could all use some extra help to cope. The first thing to do is to ask your primary care for a referral or to go to private practice and reach out to someone.
When you combine professional help with healthy habits and a lifestyle, you will have the best chance of success and seeing your mood balance out and improve over time.
