Mental Health Crisis: How Do We Protect Ourselves?
By Genevieve Cunningham
Mental health is a real concern. We should all be making our own personal mental health a priority. It's something that seriously affects our overall quality of life, and it truly matters in our day to day existence. But for many, knowing how to take care of mental health is the real challenge. We're willing, but what do we do? Where do we begin? Is it difficult? If you're interested in protecting yourself and your mental health, take a look at these tips to add to your routine starting today.
Start With a Baseline
It's hard to see a change in the way you feel if you don't ever pay attention to your normal mental and emotional state. Are you generally stable? Or is it normal to experience a few mood swings? To figure this out, you'll just need to pay attention. Pay attention to how you feel throughout the day -- and then how you feel from day to day. Write it down in a journal. Once you establish a baseline for your own feelings, you can begin to look for changes that occur too frequently or for long periods of time.
Focus on Regular Checks
There's nothing wrong with checking in on your own mental health. Ask yourself a series of questions on a regular basis. They might include questions such as: How am I feeling today? Are my emotions stable or swinging? Are my thoughts positive or negative? Figure out which kinds of questions work best for you, and then make these self-checks a regular part of your routine.
Friends, Family, and Professional Care
It's important to include others in our lives and health. Family and friends are great for mental support. They can help point out any changes in behavior. They can ask questions and check on us. They can keep us engaged in life -- which is better for overall mental well-being. Let your friends and family know that mental health is a top priority, and they may be able to help you keep it as a priority. And of course, never be afraid to reach out for professional help. There's no shame in getting the help you need, so keep professional care in mind and use it at any moment you need it.
Your mental health affects everything. And even small slips in our mental well-being can impact our life. Use these tips to protect your mental health. With the right self-care and a willingness to reach out for help when needed, you can keep your mental health in the best condition starting now and moving into the future.
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