Mental Health; A Priority

In honor of Mental Health Awareness month!

Mental health is a holistic concept, and people have started recognizing its importance recently. Despite how well we think we know someone; we may be ignorant or oblivious of the tough time they’re going through. We must remember that everyone has feelings, and some are different than the others. Everyone may have a different reaction to situations, which have the ability to leave a significant impact on one’s mental health. The effects of mental health can reach an extent where people can no longer manage it alone, which is why it is crucial to seek help and be a source of support for one another.

There are several practices that can be taken up in order to make mental health a priority and work towards improvement. These practices are as simple as just being kind; always remember to be kind and sympathetic because, everyone is fighting their own battle, which you or others may know nothing about. Be mindful of the things you say, they can leave a long-lasting impact. By simply being more understanding, you have the ability to spread positivity and make others feel supported even in their worst of times. This kind of support is significantly beneficial, having someone by your side allows you to feel loved as well as accepted. In addition to this, it is our unsaid responsibility to check up on your loved ones and the people around you, this could include friends, siblings, and even parents. By checking up on people, you can make a substantial difference to their health; some struggles they may have witnessed, have the ability to change them, by checking up on them, you show your appreciation for them. As much as a simple text saying “heard a song on the radio that reminded me of you, I hope you’re doing alright” or a phone call asking them what they did today.

What about you? There can be times where you are oblivious of the changes in your mental health, it is never advised to self-diagnose, thus there are more safe alternatives. If you notice variations in your daily routine that are affecting your mental or physical health, it is suggested to talk to a trusted adult and/or consult a professional. By consulting a professional, you can determine whether you need further assistance; this is the ideal option, being open allows you to receive the suitable treatment for your needs. However, if you don’t wish to talk to anyone about what you’re going through, ensure that you are not bottling up your feelings. There are several ways an individual can implement to try and cope with their feelings by themselves. These ways include emotional awareness; do not live in denial of what you have been through, instead, let it all out… and then meditate. Meditation is a great way to calm your body, it also allows an individual to sleep better, control their anxiety, augment their self-awareness, tolerate the symptoms associated with mental illnesses, etc. Surround yourself with a more positive environment, and take a break; give yourself some time to think, play your favorite songs, talk to your friends, play sports, and be outdoors.

Mental health is a priority, and it is important to consider the mental health of people around you as well as yourself.