Mental
health fluctuates. For some, it can feel like the rising tide, giving
you highs and lows throughout the day. For others, it can feel like a
storm, or perhaps just a slow flood that starts at your ankles and
just builds. Mental health, in short, is unique to you and how you
experience it.
For those who are not familiar with the downturn process that a mental illness can have, then experiencing negative symptoms might be a shock. It might not feel possible because those things just don’t happen to you, but the fact is mental illness can occur in anyone, and for a variety of reasons.
With
lockdown still on and global uncertainty, it is normal that you don’t
feel okay. It’s normal, even if you feel downright awful and
anxious. Knowing the symptoms, changing a few habits, and knowing
when you should get help is pivotal to your overall wellbeing:
Become Familiar with Mental Illness
It
is in everyone’s best interest to read up and understand mental
illnesses. Not only can doing so help you spot symptoms in yourself,
but it can also help you better help others who are in desperate
need.
The
reason this is the first step is simple. Many mental illnesses become
worse over time because of a negative feedback loop. The negative
thoughts that plague you become so ingrained in you who are and the
fixation and obsession with those negative thoughts can, later,
become very difficult to untangle.
By being aware of the signs and symptoms from the start, you can seek out treatment from centers like Eden Treatment and see greater success and results.
Be Aware of What Triggers You
Though
you cannot go through life, avoiding every instance of hardship, it
can help to be aware of what causes you distress so that you can
create one safe space. This will likely be the home.
For example, if you feel calm in nature, then adding more plant life in your home can make it more relaxing. If you find clutter distressing, removing it, and improving your storage systems can help you be tranquil in your home.
In everyday life, being aware of what can set you off can help you prepare for the reaction and overcome your instinctual response.
A
lot of this is covered in CBT or Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy.
Replace Toxic with Healthy
If
seeing this one friend always causes stress, anxiety, and you return
home feeling worse than chances are that
friend is toxic and should be cut out of your life if they cannot
change their behavior. This same concept applies to all areas of your
life. While you won’t be able to do this, but there is no reason to
force yourself into relationships or activities that cause you pain
if you don’t need to. Instead, focus and find healthier
relationships and focus on those.
Between
building up a healthy support system and lifestyle, and seeking out
professional guidance when you need it, you will be able to protect
and boost your mental health and wellbeing.
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