Mental Health in 2023: Steps to Ensure Sanity

Mental Health in 2023: Steps to Ensure Sanity : We’ve talked about mental health in different places and various contexts. From the school lecture hall to office break rooms, it’s a topic of conversation that isn’t going away anytime soon. And why would it, when about 58 million US adults deal with mental health issues?

But doesn’t it make you think that when mental health is finally getting attention, why are the numbers only piling up?

It’s because we have new players on the field. It’s no longer just domestic and family violence or poverty that are the primary causes of psychological distress. We are dealing with a lot more. What’s worse is that these factors are so subtle in doing their damage that it’s hard to pinpoint.

But all’s not lost. You still have control over your mental health. So, if you feel more anxious than usual, here are some tips to help keep your mental sanity intact.

Know Where to Get Help

First, you must know that help is only a call away. Mental health conditions like depression can make you feel detached. You want to be alone and cut off from the world. But it’s not what you need. And when it comes to need vs. want, the latter must take a backseat.

It’s best to find the right person to talk to. It could be your best friend or your mom. Let them know what you’re going through. Sometimes, just unbottling the emotions helps.

If things are way out of proportion, turn to a professional. These humanitarians are here, and they are dedicated. With universities now offering online master’s of counseling degrees, there are more qualified counselors than before who can help you battle any mental health issue. So, don’t hesitate to seek help when you need it.

Journaling and Writing Down Your Thoughts

You have a whirlpool of ifs, buts, and maybes in your head. You might often think about how you could’ve done something differently for a better outcome. You ruthlessly blame yourself for the battles you lost because your judgment was so clouded. You question yourself for making the choices that have you in the spot you’re in.

All for what? Is it helping you?

No! It’s only making you want to pull your hair out.

So, stop the blame game and let your thoughts flow out of your system. Write down your anguish on paper. It’ll help you put things in perspective. Include the things you’re grateful for at the end; there has to be something you are content with.

Trust us; you’ll feel like you lifted a heavy weight off your shoulders.

Cut Short on the News Overdose

It’s no secret that news consumption has skyrocketed since the pandemic started. We are informed about cases, hospitalizations, and deaths every day. And then there are economic crises, political drama, and other tragedies making headlines.

It’s overwhelming! And it can put you in an endless spiral of anxiety if you don’t know when to stop.

So, it’s best to limit your news consumption and set a duration for it. Maybe watch the news for 30 minutes in the morning and then filter out anything else throughout the day.

Also, unfollow the numerous social media groups you may have been following. Not every news article needs your attention.

Give Yourself a Break from Social Media

An average social media user spends about two and a half hours scrolling through their accounts. And there are 4.76 billion users. Can you imagine the amount of desire, stress, and unhappiness you’re exposing yourself to?

You’ll naturally feel envious if you’re between jobs and see your friend vacationing. Similarly, if you just suffered a heartbreak, seeing happy couples everywhere will only fuel your sorrow. If you’re struggling with body image issues, seeing other people with perfect figures on Instagram will make you feel worse.

You know your feelings are wrong, but you can’t help it. And that’ll trigger your anxiety.

So, treat social media as a choice and not an obligation. Scale down the time you spend on it. Unfollow anything that doesn’t bring joy to your life. Don’t be driven by FOMO (fear of missing out).

Take Time to Recharge and Reconnect

We are not wired to always be in the race. So, stop and smell the roses. Head out and walk in the park when you feel like everything is getting too much. Feel the grass beneath your feet, watch the birds build their nests, and appreciate the beauty around you.

Clear your head and stare at the vastness of the sky. Your problems will seem so small and insignificant in the grand scheme.

Take up gardening and start growing your plants. Take care of them, watch them grow and blossom, and let it take away your stress.

Get in touch with your creative side; paint something, or play music. It’ll help clear the noise in your head and bring back peace.

Make Better Choices

After the pandemic, we are all too conscious of our choices. And it’s understandable because you want to ensure your safety and well-being. But don’t let it get the best of you. Make informed decisions based on your judgment, not the fear driving you.

You don’t have to avoid hugging your friend when you feel sad. Touch is a powerful thing, and it can work wonders for your mental wellness. Studies show that hugs can reduce stress and lower your heart rate.

If you’re a fast-food fanatic, try and break the habit. Fast food has a lot of saturated fats and omega-6 fatty acids. While we need some of these fats in our diet for brain function, too much can cause inflammation. It is linked to anxiety and depression, according to past research. So, pick better (and healthier) foods.

Also, alcohol and drugs shouldn’t be your fallback options whenever you feel overwhelmed. Focus on healthier coping mechanisms like yoga and meditation instead.

Conclusion

Anxiety and panic attacks are real. They can be debilitating. But you don’t have to give up control of your life. You can always take a step back, create a strategy, and manage it.

Try not to get too worked up over things you can’t change, and try to accept them. And if you find yourself stuck in a loop of anxious thoughts, seek professional help.

Remember, every lock comes with a key. And you are the only one who can find yours and unlock the doors to a content life.