Taking care of our Mental Health is perhaps the first step towards preventing Mental Illness. Rapid urbanization, rise of social media, breaking down of the joint family system and now use of mobile technology has taken us away from meaningful conversations. In India, people still refuse to acknowledge that they are feeling down or going through a problem that they cannot handle. Consulting a Counselor or going to a Clinical Psychiatrist is still a taboo subject.
But there’s little hope as this decade one has seen some open discussions on mental health. Because if you don’t take care of your meant health then in the long run it can blow up into mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and many others.
So, how should one take care of one’s mental health? Though, things would differ from case to case and circumstances; here are a few pointers.
Talk it out
If you are an extrovert, then talking it out would be easy for you. But, if you are an introvert or you have gone through a humiliating or life changing experience like a job loss, business loss or a Divorce and you just can’t seem to share it. Then that’s a red signal. You are bottling up sad feelings and you cannot express it
Just talking about your feelings doesn’t mean you are weak. You might get a different perspective on things and events. If you talk, you land up feeling more supported and less alone
Have a purpose in life
An idle mind is a devil’s workshop. Try to be active no matter what. Even if you are jobless, lost your business; remember you can start from scratch. This life is a beautiful gift of God. Take a deep breath and always be active. Always be active, involved and have a purpose in life
Exercise Daily
Experts believe that regular exercise boosts into our feel good neurotransmitters like dopamine and endorphins. It increases the release of dopamine levels. It can boost your self esteem and help you feel better. In fact, starting your day with exercise gives you a direction.
Invest time in family and friends
If you have trustworthy friends and family who will stand by you in times of trouble then you are lucky. Also, remember to stand by your friends and family in times of trouble. A good deed will make you feel good too. This is easier said than done sometimes as we’re living in an `I, Me, Myself society. And there might be times when you are betrayed by your near and dear ones. But you have to keep the faith going.
Pray
There’s a supreme power that governs us all. We’re not talking of any particular religion here but do pray every day. Helps you to go within and meditate. Try to observe your journey as a third person.
Cut the Cord
If being around someone is damaging your mental health and you’re not feeling valued and respected, it is best to break ties with the person. If you are emotionally attached to the person, then maybe it is difficult; but you have to take a firm stand in life sometimes.