Taking care of your mental health is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your holistic wellness. Sometimes, though, it can feel difficult to know where to start.
Our answer? Start here.
We’re breaking down the first steps you should take if you feel like your mental health is not where you want it to be. Remember: Just because it feels impossible today doesn’t mean that better days aren’t in the future.
Give Yourself Space To Feel
Do you ever feel like you constantly fight to keep negative emotions at bay? Maybe you overwork yourself just to stay busy. Maybe you avoid being alone because you don’t want to be left with your thoughts.
These coping mechanisms may feel like they are working for short periods. The problem is that they are short-term solutions that will cause more problems in the long run.
A pot that cooks on high heat for too long will inevitably boil over. The same concept applies to your feelings.
The trick is to be proactive about checking in with yourself. For many people, this comes in the form of a mindfulness practice. When a strong emotion comes up, they take a moment to check in with themselves. What caused this feeling? What exactly am I feeling? Am I reacting to the actual situation, or is it subconsciously reminding me of a different negative experience in my life?
Assessing your emotions and giving yourself the space to feel them is a significant first step. This will help you identify how to best support yourself going forward.
Learn How To Express That in A Healthy Way
Once you’ve identified what you are feeling and why it’s important to practice healthily expressing those feelings.
This can come in a variety of forms. The most obvious one is to talk about how you feel with someone you trust. Having a conversation with a close friend or family member is a great way to express your thoughts in a safe environment. People who know you well can also be valuable resources. They can offer perspective and advice.
If you aren’t ready to have a conversation, there are other ways to deal with your emotions. Journaling is a popular option for those who are looking to organize their thoughts. Writing what you are feeling helps free up mental space. Additionally, regular journaling can help you become aware of emotional triggers and patterns in your behavior.
Others find great success in using a more physical outlet, like exercise. Moving your body can help regulate anxiety symptoms, like shortness of breath or a racing heart.
It may take some practice to find a solution that works for you. However, with time, you will build up an arsenal of tools to help you express and deal with your emotions.
Seek Professional Help
Having a strong network of friends and family to support you is wonderful. When it comes to mental illness, though, sometimes our loved ones are out of their depth. They may not fully understand what you are going through or be unsure of the best way to help.
This is why it is important to make sure that you have a qualified professional in your corner. Medical professionals are all trained to identify symptoms of mental illness. They can help you create a plan to live a healthy, fulfilling life. This may include medication, therapy, or other diet and lifestyle changes.
We know that it can be overwhelming to find the support you need. We recommend looking at websites like Psychology Today that can help you find a qualified therapist in your area. Your primary care doctor may also be able to offer local resources for you to look into. Take it one step at a time, and trust that you will find the right person to help you get through this.
Educate Yourself
One of the best things you can do to support your own mental health journey is to educate yourself on the topic. One of the best ways to do that? Reading!
There are thousands of books about mental health on the market. Here’s a short list of some of our favorites.
- The Body Keeps The Score – This wildly popular bestseller will encourage you to look at trauma differently. Written by a leading expert in his field, this book examines how trauma affects not just our minds but also our physical bodies.
- Unwinding Anxiety – In this bestselling book, author Judson Brewer examines why more people than ever are dealing with anxiety disorders. He also explains how untreated anxiety can lead to addictive behaviors and other negative consequences in our lives. He then offers a clinically proven technique to help you identify triggers and retrain your brain.
- Why Has Nobody told Me This Before? – Psychologist Dr. Julie Smith created this revolutionary book to be a guide when you are going through tough times mentally. Designed to be read in short bursts when you need it, the book offers tips and coping techniques to help you strengthen your mental health over time.
What steps do you take to work on your Mental Health? Share in the comments below!
