How Your Home Life Affects Your Mental Health
By Rachel Shouse
There are so many contributing factors to our mental health; going through them would be an exhausting endeavor. However, we all know someone who suffers from some form of mental illness or it could be yourself. Digging deeper into these type of topics can help us to not only learn, but sympathize with others as well. Educating yourself on mental illness, learning how to cope with the symptoms, and adding planning to your routine are all helpful in dealing with these types of conditions.
Mental Illness and What It Can Do
Mental illness is defined as a wide array of illnesses that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. Those who suffer with mental illness may have different definitions and symptoms as there are more than 200 types of conditions that are categorized as mental illness.
Some fling around words like depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) like they are blanket terms for each other. While they may share some symptoms, there's usually an underlying symptom that points healthcare professionals in a certain direction.
How to Cope With Mental Illness Symptoms
Some symptoms are easier to battle when compared to their counterparts. However, the following ideas could be helpful to you.
Finding motivation when you feel depleted - Life is taxing, no doubt about that. You are strong enough though. Post reminders around your home. Remind yourself of why you're doing what you do. If you're cleaning your home, write down why this is helping you and/or your family.
Tips to getting better sleep - There are a lot of home remedies available for this common problem. You could drink some caffeine-free tea, go for a walk, or take a bath with essential oils or bath salts -- whatever will help you relax and let your brain calm down.
Finding joy in life - This is so very important. Those who struggle with this will know. If you fall in this category, maybe you could try brainstorming what sounds good to you. If that doesn't work, think of why you're struggling to find something that you can enjoy. What's getting in the way? Sometimes just reflecting can be really helpful.
Changing Your Home Life With Your Mental Health in Mind
It's important that you live in an environment that you not only enjoy, but want to be in. Handling everything around your home may be a big piece of your stress. If you feel overwhelmed and on a constant time crunch, try planning your days the night before. It doesn't have to be a perfect display of creativity. I use lined paper and a pen, for example. It can help you see that you can, in fact, get your tasks done and where you may even have some extra time -- for you.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Tempe, Ariz.