Maintaining your mental health is an integral part of living a well-balanced life. Although, sometimes it can be challenging to maintain and develop positive habits that support mental health. Therefore, it is essential to educate yourself about mental health to develop healthy habits to ensure your well-being comes first.
Mental health is about having a positive outlook on life; it is about being present, not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. It is also about living your life to the fullest. At the very least, good mental health is about having a clear line of thinking, one that is not guided by fear or insecurity.
In an article published in BMJ Open, mental health is defined as "the absence of mental disease, or a state of being that includes the biological, psychological or social factors which contribute to an individual’s mental state and ability to function within the environment.” That means that there are three key factors that dictate your mental well-being.
Biological factors can be seen in how you eat, and these can be small, healthy changes in your diet. The changes do not have to be drastic; you can make incremental changes over time, leading to long-term benefits to your mental health. You could start by cutting out fast food for one day and replacing the meal with something that has more fruits and vegetables. Then you can move towards cutting out two days of fast food and so on.
Exercise is another key to increasing mental health. Going to the gym can seem intimidating if you are not accustomed to regular exercise. Instead of going all out with the weights, you can try something less intense, like running. An activity as simple as running has been shown to increase mental health. According to a recent study, running can ease anxiety and depression and boost your self-esteem.
When it comes to the psychological factors, a variety of things can be done to improve your mental health. The most obvious is finding a therapist. This can sometimes be easier said than done. There are a lot of wonderful therapists out there. The important thing is to find the right one for you.
Sometimes there is not a connection with your therapist, and that is okay. Not every therapist is the same, just as not every patient is the same. You want to find someone you feel comfortable with and who will help dig into the deeper issues you may have.
Perhaps you want to improve mental health through medication. The important thing to keep in mind is that if you decide to go with medications, make sure to talk to a qualified professional to help you manage your medication. Much like with therapists, the first medication may not be the right fit. Sometimes there is a trial and error process to help you get on the correct medication and dosage.
Social factors can be difficult. While social interaction can help boost your mental health, you also do not want to put yourself in a situation that might be detrimental to your mental health. Depending on your personality, this might be a thin line to walk. If you are someone who is reclusive, social interactions can be intimidating.
Therefore, it can be hard to gauge how to push yourself to interact but not overdo it. If this applies to you, try virtual interactions first, like a Zoom call with your friends, then move to face-to-face interactions. Remember to make sure it is in a setting where you can leave if need be. Socializing can benefit your mental health but if you need to, take small steps to get to a comfortable social setting.
If you have a substance use disorder (SUD), you may be aware that substances are often used to create a false state of positive mental health. The substances act as a coping mechanism to alleviate symptoms stemming from an underlying mental health disorder. When this occurs, it is known as a co-occurring disorder which means that you will require care options that simultaneously address the SUD and mental health disorder.
Once you remove substances, you need to create alternatives that help you manage your mental health needs. This may include:
Developing healthy coping mechanisms will come with challenges, but it is necessary. With some persistence and support, you will be amazed at how wonderful life can be when you participate in health practices conducive to your overall well-being.
Creating and maintaining good mental health is not an easy path for everyone. It can be more difficult if you struggle with a substance use disorder. However, the ultimate goal is to attain a balanced and happy life. NorthStar Transitions can be the place to find help, health, and happiness. Our experienced staff can guide you and the ones you care about through this difficult period in life. We provide thorough diagnosis and conventional and holistic resources to ensure you get the care you need. Whether you are new to the treatment or trying to maintain recovery, we have resources for you. Whether you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use, it is important to seek help today. To learn more about our treatments and programs, reach out to NorthStar Transitions today and call us at (303) 558-6400.
