Day 16 of the Blogtober challenge, is about mental health awareness. At some stage in our lives we all suffer with our mental health. Which is why looking after your mental health is important. Sometimes, we are aware of things ourselves, other times it takes someone close to us to tell us. Having family and friends around you, who you can talk to and have their support is important. Here we look at How To Look After Your Mental Health.
So what can we do to help ourselves or our loved ones. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Below are a few ways for looking after your mental well-being. Years ago mental health was a taboo subject that was kept behind closed doors within the family. Luckily, we are now living in an age, where it is nothing to be ashamed of and there are resources to help you.
Table of Contents
Self-awareness
The first part is recognising and acknowledging your emotions. We all feel emotions whether good or bad. Understand that it’s okay to feel a wide range of emotions, and that they do not define you.
Seek Professional Help
If you are struggling with your mental health. Speak to your GP, they can help you, they do not always hand out prescriptions for medication. They can refer you to a professional, such as Therapist, Counsellor, or Psychiatrist. Or you can self refer via iCope.
Build A Support System
Having a support system is important. Surround yourself with people who care about you and can provide emotional support. Talk to friends and family about your feelings, fears, and worries.
Practice Self-Compassion
One of the main things to remember is be kind to yourself. Avoid self-criticism and negative self-talk. Treat yourself as you would a good friend in times of distress. Look at ways you can give yourself a bit of tlc.
Physical Health
There is a strong link between physical and mental health. No one is saying you have to get out there and do the next marathon. Bt exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting a good nights sleep. You will find that this will have a positive effect on your mental health. Look for classes locally, or go for a swim.
Set Boundaries
I have spoken about this in previous posts. By Learning to say no when you need to, really is important for your mental health. Setting boundaries can help reduce stress and prevent burnout.
Hobbies
Having a hobby, will give you that time for some tlc. Look for things that you enjoy. Hobbies can provide a sense of purpose and satisfaction.
- Try some new recipes for dinner
- Baking
- Learn to play an instrument
- An art class
It really can be anything, that you enjoy
Seek Social Connections
One of the hardest things to do, if you suffer with mental health is going out. You feel miserable and it is too much of an effort. Maintaining social connections is crucial. Loneliness can have a detrimental impact on mental health.
Remember that everyone’s mental health journey is unique. It is okay to seek help, and it is okay to prioritise self-care. Do not hesitate to seek professional help if you are struggling, as they can provide tailored advice and support based on your specific situation.
Find it more difficult at this time of year – focus and determination and don’t be afraid to ask for help
Never be afraid to ask for help
We need to start viewing mental illness like a physical illness and respond to it like we do if we had caught a bad virus. If we did catch a bad cold we would tell our manger, take time off work, seek help maybe and get medication etc. So why would we not do the same if we were mentally unwell?
I totally agree, it seems my kids generation seem to be more open about it so hopefully this is the move forward to supporting mental health
Thank you so much for writing this – mental health is so important. Having hobbies and mindfullness has really helped me.
We all suffer at some point with our mental health, knowing there is support and finding things that help and work for you is important
Looking after your mental health is so important. Thank you for some great tips. I think it’s important that there are posts like this as there is still a taboo connected to mental health.
Your mental health is imporrtant and it is a shame it is still a taboo subject. I was talking to C about this and she says most of her friends talk openly about it which is lovely to hear
Looking after your mental health is so important. I do find that doing exercise does help my mental health and make me feel better. We need to continue to talk about this kind of thing so people feel they can reach out to their support network more x
I agree we do need to talk about it more, and get support when we need it. Also finding coping strategies does help
Really great read! I think it’s important to keep the conversation open about mental health and let people know that it’s ok to reach out for help! Thank you for sharing about this important topic.
It is important to talk about it, and reach out and ask for help, or be there if someone reaches out
Great advice! Many people concentrate on just their physical health but neglect their mental health, it is so important to have a healthy balance between the two.
It should be a healthy balance between the two, and something we all seem to neglect
Mental health awareness is crucial, and it’s heartening to see it as a topic in the Blogtober challenge. We all face moments when our mental health needs attention, and having a support system of family and friends who can recognize when we need help is invaluable. Let’s continue to promote open conversations and support for mental well-being.
We do all suffer with our mental health at some point in our lives. Having the support we need is crucial
Looking after our mental health is very important. Sometimes we need to recognise that we need to ask for help. Having a support system in place can benefit us all.
The hardest part is admitting your mental health is suffering and reaching out for help and support.
You are so right about all this. Mental health is not a joke we don’t know how they feel until where in it. So we need to be sensitive to all the people we know that suffering.
So many people suffer with mental health and suffer alone, they should not feel ashamed but proud they can realise and speak out
I agree, having a support system is so useful. Even if it just a friend who you can talk to or go for a walk with. I find taking myself out with my music on always helps me.
It is important to have a support system and someone you can open up and talk with
Great post. Connection is a great way to interrupt negative feelings or a bad mental health day. #Blogtober
Thank you, it is finding what works for you
I think it’s far too easy to forget to take care of our mental health as much as we do our physical health. Thanks for these tips!
I am terrible for putting my mental health first, luckily my husband picks up on it and makes me take a step back
This is so important for everyone to read. We live in a time where mental health is still such a stigma. We have to be vigilant.
It is hard to admit your mental health is suffering, it should not be a stigma but I agree although it is getting better still a long way to go
Great tips for sure!!! Especially setting boundaries, that is something I definitely need to learn how to do without feeling so bad about it.
It took me a long time to start saying no,it does get easier
These are all so many important and helpful tips! Thank you for sharing.
The haardest part is admitting you are suffering
really is so important – sometimes you need to be tough on yourself – the rewars speak for themselves
It is hard to admit you need help, but there is so much support out there now