How to Overcome Mental Health Challenges: 6 Tips to Follow
Mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, but there are things you can do to ease the burden. In this blog post, we’ll share six tips to help you overcome mental health challenges. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to better mental health in no time. So let’s get started!
Acknowledge that you’re going through a tough time
It can be difficult to accept that we experience moments of feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or out of balance. Acknowledging our struggles and recognizing there will always be things outside our control is a courageous step on the path towards regaining equilibrium in life and mental health. Mental health challenges emerge in various forms, but understanding why they exist can help us make progress on our path toward healthier living. The more willing you are to accept the fact that you’re going through a tough time and seeking the help you deserve, the sooner you’ll be able to start feeling better. Remember: you are strong enough to overcome whatever difficulties may come your way.
Talk to someone who can help you
If you feel adrift and alone while trying to grapple with a mental health issue, remember that taking the initial step of seeking out help can make all the difference. Find comfort in talking to an experienced counsellor or therapist, as well as confide in your friends, who will be more than happy to give you invaluable insight and advice. Both psychological therapy and counselling offer various benefits when it comes to supporting mental well-being, such as helping find purpose in life, healing painful emotions, developing personal insight and knowledge, enhancing relationships and communication skills, managing stress more effectively, and creating healthier coping mechanisms. If you live in Washington DC, for example, search for evidence-based therapy in Washington online and start your search there. When coping with mental health challenges, finding comfort in conversing with someone who can listen without judgment can be an invaluable experience.
Get moving
Exercise is often one of the best ways to combat mental health issues. A good place to start is simply getting up and moving. Exercise releases endorphins, hormones that make us feel good and improve our overall mood. This can also boost energy levels, which may be sluggish as a result of poor mental health, making it easier to try other strategies for bettering your mental health. Additionally, exercise offers numerous benefits, like social interaction, improved physical health, and more. As you start to incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine, you’ll be amazed by the impact it has on your mental state. It might take some time, but trust that the effort put forth will pay off in the end!
Make time for things you enjoy
Making time for activities we enjoy can be a gentle, restorative reminder that the world is big and beautiful, and there’s more to life than what’s dragging us down. Whether it’s reading a book, listening to music, or watching our favourite show, taking a break from the mental health challenges we face can help us cope with stress. Dedicate just ten minutes of your day to doing something you enjoy – that small gesture may give you enough of a break so you can come back to challenging situations with a clearer mind. Engage with yourself in gentle activities and reminders of joy so that you can approach whatever mental health issues are present in your life with a fresh perspective.
Be mindful of what you eat and drink
Eating a healthy diet is one of the best things you can do to support your mental health. It’s not just about cutting back on unhealthy options like refined sugars and carbs – it’s also important to prioritize fueling your body with foods and drinks that have been proven to reduce symptoms of mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains are great sources of nutrients that can improve brain health and mood, while sugary drinks and processed snacks should be avoided as they can exacerbate existing feelings or illnesses. Making mindful decisions when choosing what you eat or drink can greatly impact how you feel throughout the day!
Practice self-compassion
When it comes to overcoming mental health challenges, practising self-compassion is an important part of the journey. It’s easy to become your own worst critic, speaking negatively to yourself and expecting perfection for situations that may not even be realistic – but it won’t do you any good either. Taking a step back, showing yourself kindness, and cutting yourself some slack in the process will help build a sense of strength and emotional resilience in dealing with tough days. Acknowledge that it’s totally ok if things don’t work out as planned all the time, and instead, try to focus on making progress and discovering what works best for you. Give yourself a break every now and then; you deserve it!
It is okay to acknowledge that you are going through a tough time, talk to someone who can help you process your thoughts and feelings, get moving each day to boost your mood, make time for things you enjoy, watch what you eat and drink, and practice self-compassion by being gentle with yourself. Taking these steps and others specific to your own needs can help move you toward better mental health and help you progress toward finding the tools that best serve your personal needs.
This post was featured by Spurgeons Children’s Charity in their blog for Mental Health Awareness Week.
