Knowing the Right Thing to Do for Your Mental Health

Knowing what to do for the best to help your mental health is as just as an important consideration as what to do to help your physical health. However within society it is not often see like that. Its seem like physical health is first and foremost in the eyes of of world and struggling with your mental health is shameful and there is something serious 'wrong' with you if you cant 'Handle' what ever life throws at you. I have been referred to as weak many a times all because i have had struggles with my mental health. Im here to tell you everyone struggles and those who tell you they dont by following some exercise routine or certain diet are not telling you the truth.   

So where does this image of bad mental health equals bad person come from? Why do we as human beings believe we are better or worse that someone else based on how we have managed a hard emotional  or physical time? Why do we always come out with the phrase there are people who are worse off than me i should feel the way i feel. its like we set ourselves up to be on the back foot before we have even started by trying to lessen our struggles, make them insignificant.  In my experience what this does is set you up to fall down hard and its a longer journey to get back up again. 

Of course each person's mental health journey is unique, influenced by personal experiences, emotions, and circumstances. Determining the right course of action for your mental health can be challenging. However, pretending there is not a problem and shoving you head in the sand is not only detrimental to you health both further impacting your mental health but also your physical health it can also impact you for many years to come contributing to more destress and a longer recovery.  

I am not going to get into the debate in this blog about mental health vs mental illness, i am just going to talk about some general reflections that has helped me to identify when i have been on the right path to taking care of my mental well-being whether successfully or not. 

The first thing i am going to talk about is self-awareness. i have found understanding your mental health needs begins with self-awareness. There are two things that i feel are quite important when trying to improve or protect your Mental well being. 

The first is: 

• Being able to Tune Into Your Feelings: For me this means paying attention to my emotions. Am i  consistently overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed? Identifying these feelings is the first step in addressing them. Its like when they say admitting there is a problem is the first step to solving it. 

The Second is:

• Reflect on Your Thought Pattens: Notice patterns in your thinking. Are there recurring negative or self-critical thoughts? Understanding these patterns can help you recognise when you need to take action.

Next is Recognising Symptoms whether Physical, Behavioural or Emotional.

Being aware of common symptoms of mental health issues can guide you in knowing when to seek help.

• Physical Symptoms: Unexplained aches, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep patterns can all be signs of mental health struggles. The list here could go on they are limited to the things mentioned above. Once i became almost unable to walk with a bad back and used a walking stick when i was depressed due to a past relationship life is challenging sometimes a deterioration in our mental well being show themselves in unexplainable ways. 

• Behavioural Changes: These can be things like withdrawal from social activities, changes in performance at work and a loss of interest in hobbies. These are all indicators that something might be wrong. 

• Emotional Indicators: Persistent sadness, irritability, or feelings of hopelessness are clear signs that you need to address your mental health. These can be the most hardest i have found as a society we are all to often use to say we are fine when that is far from the truth. Admitting we are struggling proves great strength and self awareness and sometimes we are not fine and its ok to say that out loud.

Seeking Professional Guidance is another avenue that is open to you. When in doubt, seeking the help of a mental health professional is always a good step. 

• Therapists and Counsellors: They can provide a safe space to talk about your feelings and develop strategies to cope with them. Unfortunately with this some are better than others like anything but finding a professional you can build a relationship with is for me the most important thing in finding what recovery is for you. 

• Psychiatrists: They can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, often through medication and other therapeutic techniques. Sometimes you have to try a few different medications until you find the right one for you but it is worth preserving, cause when its right it can be a significant help. 

• Support Groups: Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide valuable support and insights. This is something so worth while if you have a long term issues that might impact you mental health finding your tribe people who just get it, is really important to feel less alone. 

I am very lucky to have access to a wonderful psychiatrist attached to my diabeties clinic who has helped me identify when things are going off track, when i am being too hard on myself and when i need to take a step back from life to protect my mental health.  She also have been really helpful in finding the right medication that works for me even though at times i have been suborn about taking it. Find the right professional that gets you, and also calls out your crap cause it can be lifesaving. 

Evaluating Your Support System is also crucial. Having a good quality support system around you in your daily life can be hugely beneficial. It doesn't have to be just friends and family but it can be a support group, or being a part of a club. One size doesn't fit all.    

• Talk to Trusted Friends and Family: Sharing your feelings with people you trust can provide emotional support and practical advice. As well as let people know where you mental health is at and if you many need greater support. 

• Build a Support Network: If you feel isolated, try to expand your support network. This can include joining clubs, groups, or online communities related to your interests or experiences. It helps build confidence and you can find people like yourself you may be struggling with managing the day to day. 

Recognising When to Seek Help is Sometimes, knowing when you can't fix it yourself.

• Emergency Situations: If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek immediate help from a crisis hotline or emergency services.

• Persistent Issues: If your symptoms persist despite your efforts, it may be time to seek professional help.

Adopting Healthy Habits is something else worth consideration. Now i would like to say i am not one for saying more exercise will cure you mental destress, or eating a more balanced diet will make you better but a collection of some or all of these things can contibute to have a significant impact on your mental health. Things such as 

• Exercise Regularly: Physical activity releases endorphins, which can help reduce stress and improve mood.

• Eat a Balanced Diet: Proper nutrition can influence your overall well-being and mental health.

• Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Activities like meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises can help reduce stress and increase mental clarity.

There are many more things that can help to like getting more sleep, finding a new hobby you enjoy the most important message here is find what works for you. 

Setting Boundaries and knowing when to say no is essential for protecting your mental health.

• Personal Boundaries: Ensure you have time for yourself and your needs. Don’t overcommit to activities or responsibilities that overwhelm you.

• Professional Boundaries: Strive for a healthy work-life balance. Avoid taking work home and ensure you have time to recharge.

Finally Checking in with Yourself Regularly can help you stay on track.

Tasks such as: 

• Journaling: Writing about your feelings and experiences can help you track your mental health over time. This can be both long hand using a journal note book or using apps on your smart phone or table. 

• Self-Reflection: Periodically ask yourself how you're feeling and whether your current strategies are working.

Knowing the right thing to do for your mental health involves a combination of self-awareness, professional guidance, support from loved ones, and healthy habits. It's a continuous process of reflection, assessment, and adjustment. Remember, it's okay to seek help, and taking steps to care for your mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness. Everyone's journey is unique, so be patient with yourself and find what works best for you.