5 Effective Tips for Tackling Mental Health Issues

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According to the National Institute of Mental Health Disorders, approximately 26% of Americans over 18 suffer from a treatable mental health disorder each year. That makes it one out of every four adults. Out of the several mental health concerns, anxiety disorders are by far the most common, affecting around 40 million people above 18.

Suffering from depression, stress, anxiety, or any other mental issue is paralyzing. It adversely affects your daily routine and hinders your activities. And not only that, but mental health concerns can also affect your overall physical health. When the brain suffers, the whole body takes a toll. If you have been diagnosed with a detrimental mental issue, your therapist or psychiatrist will assist you in dealing with the problem through therapy or medications. However, there are certain things that you can also do to tackle your mental health issues, or at least cope with the symptoms.

As you can take online depression test too, after going through this mentioned tool here we give five practical tips for tackling mental health issues and getting you up and running.

Seek The Right Help

You may feel comfortable talking to your best friend or maybe your parents. However, seeking the right help is as important as seeking help at all. When you suffer from a mental health concern, tackling issues the right way is critical. One wrong move and you could only worsen your mental state. And this is why getting help from professionals is essential while you ask for help from your family and friends.

Psychiatrists or therapists have studied the psychology field and know how to deal with people suffering from mental health issues. They put in extensive efforts to complete their degrees in the subject, such as a bachelors in psychology, which makes them an expert in the field. Through such degrees, they are better equipped at identifying potential issues and providing solutions to tackle them. You can count on a psychiatry specialist to help you along your healing journey.

Get Yourself Moving

We understand that this may be too much to ask when someone has a mental disorder. During the lows, it isn't easy to do even the simplest of tasks. However, on days when you feel a little better, you should incorporate working out as a part of your routine. It will help reduce the symptoms and provide you a coping mechanism.

Studies approve that at least 30 minutes of exercise three days a week can make a huge difference. And it does not have to be boring. You can pick and choose any psychical activity that interests you, such as swimming, dancing, tennis, biking, etc. Also, ask some of your friends to join you. They can convince you to get up and work out on days when you do not feel like exercising.

Eat Healthily

It is no rocket science. Whatever you eat directly affects your mental and physical health. For example, food items high in trans fats end up reducing serotonin levels in your body. These include potato chips, pizza, and most junk foods. If you do not already know, serotonin is the chemical in your brain that regulates mood, happiness, and anxiety. Low serotonin levels are known to increase depression.

It will help if you look into incorporating lots of vegetables and fruits into your diet. Also, focus on eating nuts, legumes, and seeds, which are excellent for your brain health. Food that is rich in omega-3 is also good for your health, such as salmon. In particular, adding dark green leafy vegetables to your diet will help you protect your brain and boost its health.

Connect With Your Friends and Family

Having a social circle and meeting family and friends frequently can be helpful for your mental health. Humans are social beings, which means we crave relationships and interactions. After a hectic day at work, staying in your apartment may seem like the most comfortable thing to do. But it is not the perfect choice for someone tackling mental concerns.

What is better is planning meet-outs with your friends, going out for dinner with your siblings, or simply hanging out at your parent's home. The more you avoid staying alone, the less you allow depression and anxiety to attack you.

Alternatively, you can order a mental health subscription box by Therabox, as each box is curated by therapists and includes a happiness activity inspired by neuroscience & positive psychology research in addition to full sized wellness items for the mind, body and soul! Go and check one for yourself.

Know Your Mental Concerns

One other practical way to manage your symptoms is to know what triggers them. Often people who suffer from mental health concerns have specific prompts that initiate a breakdown or an anxiety attack. Knowing these prompts will help you avoid them beforehand. For example, if spontaneous plans push you into an anxiety overdrive, try and schedule your day in advance. You can ask your close friends and family to inform you prior, rather than asking you out at the last minute.

Likewise, it is best if you list down all your triggers and manage them accordingly. This way, you can help your mind cope with the issues more effectively.

Conclusion

Just like most of the other physical medical concerns, mental health issues are also manageable. With the right professional help and medication, you can deal with any problems appropriately. However, apart from professional aid, there are also some simple ways that you can manage your mental condition yourself. We have listed a few methods above we believe can help tackle your mental health concerns. We are optimistic that these will help you cope with your symptoms better and help you experience a healthy and active life.