Mental health is an important and often overlooked aspect of our complete wellbeing. It can be difficult to know when to look inward and assess your own wellness. And even after you’ve taken that step, it can be even harder to know where to begin working on yourself. In honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10, we’ve gathered a few key tips to help you understand your own mental health and what you can do to make sure you’re functioning the best you can.
It’s more than just happy and sad
Mental health is complex, encompassing your emotional, social, and psychological wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and influences our behavior and relationships with others. When we’re struggling with our mental health, it hinders our thinking ability, behavior, and mood, which could lead to difficulties in other areas of our lives.
Thankfully, there are plenty of resources available to those who are struggling, and we’ve got tips to help you navigate the complexities of mental health, as well.
The key to positive mental health
Nobody has good days all the time, but what’s important is maintaining a positive outlook no matter how your day is going. A positive mental attitude will greatly influence your mental health and will encourage you to look on the bright side more often, which leads to less negative thinking and a more positive overall mental wellness.
Other ways to keep your mental health in tip-top shape include:
Keep a journal. If you’re struggling with your mental health, writing things down and getting all your feelings out on paper will help you organize your thoughts and think about things rationally.
Take time to laugh. Watch a comedy movie, hang out with a fun friend, or just find something to laugh and smile about each day. Laughing is proven to help reduce anxiety and stress.
Nurture your relationships. Hang out with a friend you haven’t seen in a while or connect with family members. Do something nice for somebody in your life. Paying attention to your relationships and working to help them thrive will support your overall mental health. Take the 30-day mental health challenge. Hancock Health developed this fun challenge to encourage others to pick up new habits while working toward better mental health. How many challenge items can you cross off?
You are not alone
No matter what you may be struggling with, Hancock Health is here for you. We offer counseling opportunities for a variety of mental health concerns, and we will be happy to serve you. The Hancock Health Foundation is also working on raising awareness for mental health issues faced by our community. Plus, our Healthy365 center offers free and confidential service for those struggling with mental health or addiction.
This World Mental Health Day, take time to look inward and check in with yourself. Remember, you are not alone, and there are many resources available to help you no matter what you may be struggling with.
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