It’s reported that 1 in 4 people will experience mental health problems in the UK every year. Whilst there are a number of fantastic causes specialising in mental health support and awareness has grown, there is often still a stigma attached to the illness, which can discourage many from speaking out and seeking help.
Issues with mental health differ from person to person – our brains all work differently – however there are a number of things you can do to help ease your mind, particularly if you are feeling additionally stressed, anxious, panicked or depressed.
1.Understand your triggers
We all have different triggers for our mental health: from relationships, work, people who don’t make us feel good about ourselves, uncomfortable environments and more. In understanding what your triggers are, you’re able to pre-empt and manage the situation, preparing yourself to maintain control.
To pinpoint your triggers begin by asking yourself a series of questions:
- Is there a common theme between times my mental health feels delicate?
- Is there a change coming in life which I’m worried about?
- Is something at work making me worry?
- Am I happy in my relationships?
- Is there anything that could be making me feel stressed?
- When was the last time I felt like this? What had happened beforehand?
You may find themes in these responses that can help you to further understand what triggers your well being.
2.Try to be more active
Exercise and physical activity releases endorphins, which are proven to have a significant impact of our well-being and self esteem. At times going to the gym may feel like the last thing we want to do, however physical activity doesn’t need to revolve around a gym or exercise class.
There are many exercise videos available on Youtube and other streaming providers, which you can partake in at home. If you have a dog, taking your fur friend for a walk can help to clear your mind and reset your mental health. Or simply a brisk walk or jog around the streets or park can do the trick.
Listening to music that your enjoy also releases dopamine that is proven to enhance moods and stimulate a positive state of mind. It’s great for stress relief and when you’re feeling a little overwhelmed can help to improve your well being.
3.Detail your worries
Worry plays a large part in our mental health, as often we worry about things which are out of our control, or think of the worst case scenario in events.
If you find yourself worrying throughout the night in particular and it’s preventing you from sleeping, jot your worries down – they’ll tend to fall into hypothetical situations and current problems.
In the morning you can then read back your concerns and divide them into those you can resolve (and aim to get them resolved) and those out of your control. Those out of your control (or hypothetical) you want to forget by changing your mentality to focus on those your can resolve and doing so.
The more you participate in the worry tree and jotting those concerns down, the more you’ll come to see that they’re mainly hypothetical .
4.Consider your social media exposure
More and more social media is being linked with mental well being and self esteem. It’s extremely easy to look at the life of another how it’s portrayed on social media and feel that you lack. This could be lacking the latest outfits, designer goods, holidays, money, relationships etc. It’s important to remember that this image is a tiny snapshot into that person’s life and it’s often not a true representation of their life.
Focus on following social media accounts that increase you self esteem and make you feel good about yourself: from inspirational quotes, to photos of animals, and more.
Stop comparing your life to that of others.
5. Remember it’s okay not to be okay.
There’s absolutely no shame in admitting that you’re not okay and that you’re struggling with your mental health. Acknowledging is the first step to acceptance and management.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a mental health illness and you need support, speak to our team today. The news may be life changing, but you don’t need to lose your independence. Our dedicated carers are available to support you and your family in the comfort of your home, with live in care or homecare services. Contact us today to find out which is best for your needs.
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