Taking Care of Your Mental Health Is Just as Important
as Taking Care of Your Physical Health.
Author: Dr. Julie. Sorenson, DMFT, MA, LPC
We, as a society, need to do better in taking care of our mental health. The stigma surrounding mental health is decreasing, and more people are reaching out for help if they are struggling. However, there is still work to be done to break the barriers related to mental health.
When you are sick with pneumonia, cancer, heart disease, or other health issues, the first thing you do is contact a doctor. The doctor provides you with a treatment plan for healing, and you follow their instructions for care. You should have the same mindset with your mental health, and many people do. You can contact a therapist and set up an appointment where together you can create a treatment plan to assist in increasing your mood, energy, and zest for life while decreasing your anxiety. Your therapist will share psychoeducation to assist you in using tools outside of the therapy office to enhance your healing journey.
Some people go to therapy but don’t share that with others, which is okay, but wouldn’t it be nice to be able to say, “You know, I’m not feeling well mentally, and I am trying to take care of my mental hygiene.” Going to therapy is a sign of strength and self-care. You are saying to yourself when you make the first step in your therapeutic process that you are worth working on. Sharing with others is okay; it may help others take the first step in their healing process.
Some people may have had a bad therapy experience, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it again. There are many therapists out there who are willing to help and support you on your journey. If one therapist wasn’t the right fit for you or you didn’t feel a connection, it is okay to shop around for one who may be the right fit. I tell my clients all the time that if they don’t feel I am a good fit, it’s okay, and I am happy to provide referrals if needed. Remember, there is only one you, and you only have one life to live. Just as you take care of your physical health, take care of your mental health. Here are some things you can do to create mental health hygiene.
- Get adequate sleep.
- Spend less time on social media.
- Find things you enjoy doing.
- Create an activity list for mood.
- Exercise
- Eat healthy foods.
- Do things with other people and alone.
- Meditate
- Practice Self Care.
- Limit or Eliminate time with toxic people.
- Recognize your strengths
- Use mindfulness.
- Practice tools your therapist has provided you
If you struggle with sleeping, it could be the reason why you have less energy. Try finding a nighttime routine to help you de-stress before bed. Spending less time on social media could boost your self-esteem, as you won't constantly compare yourself to others or wish your life was as exciting as theirs appears to be online. Finding activities you enjoy can bring you joy, lead to more good days, and improve your overall mood. If you struggle to find enjoyable activities, creating a mood-boosting activity list can help by providing a visual of what has previously improved your mood, what you need more of, and what you want to try. Having a workout buddy can also motivate you, as exercise triggers the release of endorphins, the feel-good chemicals. Eating healthy foods provides more energy and can potentially aid in weight loss, which can improve your overall mood.
It's important to have people in your life with whom you can share common interests or vent. If you feel lonely and lack friends, consider joining meetups in your area to meet new people. Spending time alone allows for self-reflection, helping you set goals or plan your next steps. Meditation or mindfulness can help calm your mind, through deep breathing and stress relief. Limiting time with toxic people creates space for more positive influences and reduces stress. Therapy provides a wide range of tools that, if used outside of the session, can help you recognize your strengths and maintain a healthy sense of self-regulation.
If you are struggling and are ready to gain control over your mental health, consider checking out Psychology Today, where therapists are waiting to assist you on your healing journey.