Misbar’s Analysis
“How To Manage Mental Health?”
It may seem like a simple question, but it is a serious issue people around the world frequently ask. Awareness of mental health as a critical aspect of overall health is steadily increasing worldwide.
“Younger generations are much more vocal about mental wellness, especially on social media,” says Dr. GiShawn Mance, Ph.D. Experts see this trend as a call to provide useful recommendations and tips.
Above all, it is okay to not feel okay. These feelings can be understood and managed. According to the Harvard Business Review (HBR), “Globally, more than 20% of people are struggling with anxiety and depression.”
This article explains what mental health is and offers guidance on how to manage it effectively, addressing common concerns.
What Is Mental Health?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
Mental health involves understanding personal abilities and coping with challenges in environments such as work, daily life, and society. It is about feeling good, performing well, and achieving personal and social satisfaction.
“Having good mental health does not mean you are happy all of the time,” says Dr. Jennifer M. Gómez. As individuals navigate life, they may experience pressure, anxiety, anger, and other emotions, which are “integral parts of being alive.” This underscores the importance of managing mental health to develop a deeper understanding of emotions and thoughts.
Signs of Mental Health Issues
According to the Mayo Clinic, the signs and symptoms of mental health issues vary based on lifestyle, environment, age, and the specific disorder a person may experience. However, common symptoms include:
- Feeling down and sad.
- Losing the ability to focus and concentrate.
- Extreme feelings of fear, worry, and guilt.
- Mood swings ranging from highs to lows.
- Losing interest in social activities or meeting friends.
- Poor sleeping habits.
- Low energy and persistent tiredness.
- Experiencing delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations.
- Disordered eating habits.
- Difficulty managing daily stress.
- Struggling to understand or connect with others.
- Physical problems such as stomach pain, back pain, headaches, or other unexplained aches.
Fortunately, these signs can be treated and improved when individuals decide to prioritize their mental health.
Now that the signs are clear, the next question is, “How to manage mental health?” Here are some effective tips to consider:
How to Effectively Manage Mental Health
- Pay attention to warning signs and symptoms: Noticing changes in yourself is the first step to identifying and addressing the root cause so you can effectively deal with it.
- Take care of your physical health: Physical and mental health are closely connected. It is important to follow practices that help maintain your physical well-being. Also, make sure to get enough quality sleep to help prevent anger and depression. Healthy eating helps you feel better physically and can reduce anxiety and stress.
- Improve coping skills: MedlinePlus defines coping skills as the methods you use to manage stressful situations, helping you face problems, take action, be flexible, and solve them.
- Practice relaxation techniques: MedlinePlus recommends activities to trigger your body's natural relaxation response, such as breathing exercises (tighten and relax different muscle groups) and guided imagery (focus on positive images in your mind).
- Connect with others: Building strong, healthy relationships helps protect you from the harmful effects of stress. You can connect with friends and family, volunteer, or join a group focused on one of your hobbies.
- Stay positive and practice gratitude: Staying positive does not mean ignoring negative emotions. It is about accepting them without letting them take control. Practicing gratitude for the good things in your life can be helpful.
- Take two minutes to focus on the world around you: The World Health Organization offers valuable advice to reconnect with the present moment. Ask yourself:
- What are five things I can see around me?
- What are four things I can hear around me?
- What can I smell?
- What does it feel like to touch my knees or something else I can reach?
If you are wondering, “What is a good lifestyle for mental health?” Following the above recommendations can help you build a lifestyle that supports mental well-being.
How To Manage Mental Health in the Workplace
When you feel stressed and overwhelmed by the demands of work and have a persistent mental health issue, you need to follow some useful tips to manage your mental health effectively. HelpGuide.org recommends:
- Create a healthy work-life balance.
- Find meaning and purpose in your work.
- Take regular breaks throughout the workday.
- Use weekends to connect with friends and family, and take time to relax, recharge, and enjoy yourself.
- Improve resiliency; the more resilient you are, the better you can tolerate the feelings that work-related problems may generate.
Experts offer key advice for managing your mental health. Jessica Gold, assistant professor of psychiatry, recommends the following:
- Prioritize self-care and find what works for you.
- Be kinder to yourself and others.
- Boundaries are not just acceptable; they are necessary.
- You are not alone—reach out to others.
- Mental health is health.
- Get professional help if you need it.
- It is OK not to be OK.
Reaching the point where you seek ways to manage mental health is a sign of inner strength. Understanding that mental health is a state you live in and building a supportive lifestyle can shield you from external effects and teach you how to cope when challenges arise. Choose the tips that resonate with you and start today.
Read More
What Is Coronary Artery Disease?
