This should go without saying that maintaining mental health is an important key in our overall well being. Yet we all seem to forget to take to care of this aspect, especially with mental illness still stigmatized.
However, we can’t let this get in our way of taking care of ourselves, so here are some tips in maintaining mental health.
Advisory: Not all of the advice suggested in this column will work for you. Ultimately you are in charge of what is beneficial for you or not, these tips are only a kickstarter.
The following steps are in no particular order, you choose which step takes precedence in your own journey. I simply put them in numerical order as it helps with organization.
Step 1: See a therapist.
Uh-oh, she said the “T-word,” don’t worry people, the days of, “I ain’t gonna see no head shrinker!” are over.
No one is going to think any less of you because you decide to see a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist.
Your welfare is the most important thing.
While we are on the subject, let’s break the common misconception that you have a mental illness just because you seek help from a professional.
It helps a heap to talk with someone who understands what you are going through.
However, if you are not ready to take this step, consider buying a journal and cataloging your thoughts and feelings.
Don’t like writing or keeping a journal? Find a confidant and talk about how you’re feeling, it’s unhealthy to keep all those negative feelings inside, vent them.
Also, don’t self-diagnose. If you think you have a mental health condition, then speak with a professional on the subject, don’t consult your psych 101 textbook and WebMD.
Step 2: Practice self-care.
Self-care isn’t all face masks and bath bombs, it’s whatever works for you. Whether that’s crying in the dark while listening to The Smiths or going for a run.
Self-care is whatever helps you relax and balance your mind and body.
It may not seem so for some people, but we use our brain 24/7 for the rest of our lives and just like any other muscle, the brain needs to rest and recuperate from all the exercise.
Step 3: Stay away from stressors.
Stressors are anything or anyone that cause you mental distress.
Beware of toxic people, people who dabble in manipulation and/or gaslighting, they should not be approached within the distance of a ten-foot-pole and then some.
Cut these people off and stay clear of toxic situations.
Your mind is not a toy and therefore, shouldn’t be treated as such.
You are a human person capable of complex emotions and you should never allow anyone to grab those emotions, stick them in a Coke bottle, toss a couple of Mentos in, sit back and enjoy the show.
It may seem hard at first to cut these people off, but if they are going to be assholes then let them know that you already have one of your own and it already meets your crap taking quota.
After you have them off, then begin to purge anything associated with them that can cause bad memories or stressors.
Step 4: Take a break.
Take a break from whatever is causing you negative stress, even social media.
It’s okay to cut of the umbilical cord and go offline for a bit.
The world is a cesspool at the moment and if the ever-constant dreary headlines are keeping you down or getting you anxious, then take a step back and recuperate.
Just remember to take a breather and whatever negative situation is going on in your life will blow over eventually.
Step 5: Take care of your physical health.
Physical and mental health go in hand, so make sure to schedule that physical and take any prescribed medication, daily and responsibly.
