Did you know that according to the World Health Organization, almost half of all people will experience a mental health problem in any given year? And that about one-third of people with an anxiety disorder don’t receive appropriate treatment. Or that in North America alone, over 110 million adults don’t have a close support network or confidante to help when they need it? These statistics are eye-opening. However, they don’t have to be a cause for alarm. Instead, they can act as a catalyst for change. In other words – by knowing how common these issues are, we can start making positive changes to protect ourselves and those around us.
If you lack a support network, follow these tips to look after yourself better.
Build Your Confidence
Confidence can be difficult at any stage in life, but it is especially important for those experiencing a mental health problem. When you suffer from anxiety, depression, or another serious condition, your self-esteem can take a hit. If you are receiving treatment, you must maintain your feelings of worth and confidence. But even if you are not receiving treatment, it’s equally important to build your confidence and self-esteem. The more you practice, the better you will become. There are several ways to work on your confidence. Some people find journaling helpful; others find it beneficial to talk to a counselor or mentor. Building confidence can help improve your mental health.
Define Self-Care For You
It can be challenging to know where to begin when it comes to self-care. With so many aspects of our lives intertwined, it can be difficult to find time for ourselves. However, this is key to ensuring that we remain healthy and, in turn, reach out to and support those experiencing a similar struggle. Self-care takes many forms. It could mean following a skincare routine, setting up a lesbian phone date, or even just settling down to watch your favorite Netflix program. Whatever it is, taking time for yourself will improve your mood and self-esteem.
Use Online Resources
A growing number of online resources can help you navigate the challenges of mental health. Many of these resources offer guided exercises you can do when you have time on your hands. Other interactive quizzes can be completed while sitting at your desk, waiting for an appointment, or even while you are on a bus or train. These resources can be a constructive part of self-care. You can also use online resources to help you to understand your mental health. For example, you can use them to help you identify patterns in your behavior or to help you to manage your stress levels better.
Reach Out
There is no shame in reaching out for help if you need it. It can be easy to feel embarrassed or to worry that people will judge you if you are open about your struggles. However, this is a misconception that needs to be addressed. Reaching out to those with experience in the mental health field can be extremely helpful.
Learn To Self Soothe
Self-soothing is a difficult concept to explain, but it’s a vital skill you should learn. Self-soothing is the process of pushing aside negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones. Self-soothing is a skill that all humans have, but it can be challenging to practice when you have anxiety, a mental health condition, or a mood disorder. Try creating a self-soothing reminder if you have trouble pushing away negative thoughts. For example, if you feel worried about missing out on something important, write down a reminder that tells you that everything is okay and that you will be able to see them soon.
Wrapping Up
The best way to prepare yourself for mental health difficulties is to understand them. Knowing what they feel like inside and out, you can better protect yourself against them. The sooner you start working on yourself, the sooner you will be able to reach out and help those around you. Remember that you are never alone, even if it feels like it. You can always lean on others for support, and you can always take care of yourself.