Mental health includes emotional, social and psychological health. It is very important in every stage of life, whether childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. How we react to stress, relate to others, think, feel, act and make choices depends on mental health.
Mental problems will affect mood, behavior, thinking, and overall outlook towards life. These problems can be caused due to biological factors like genetics or brain chemistry, trauma, abuse, and family history of mental illness.
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Signs That You May Have Mental Problems
Usually, there would be some signs indicating that you are experiencing some mental problems:
- A dramatic change in daily habits including eating, sleeping, smoking, and drinking
- Severe mood swings which might lead to arguments and fights with people around
- Extremely negative and panic thoughts like despair, depression, confusion, worry, wrath, etc.
- The tendency to hurt yourself
- Unable to focus or get things done
- Illusions about voices and things
- Showing no interest or care towards things, activities or people around you
- Low spirits, body aches, and pains
Ways to Help You Maintain Mental Health
Sound mental health ensures that you feel confident, function properly in everyday life, take up new challenges when opportunities come up and have an overall sense of wellbeing. One can maintain good mental health by following simple steps in routine life:
Keep strong relationships with the people around you
Developing and maintaining a good relationship with people helps in enriching life and mental health. It is a good practice to put time and efforts in working towards building relationships, as they will help in overall wellbeing.
Indulge yourself a bit
Indulging in activities which interest you or give you pleasure also helps in boosting mental health. Activities to which you get drawn to should be taken up. This includes hobbies, projects or even joining clubs with likeminded people which will provide a sense of belonging. Doing crosswords, reading, sewing, drawing, playing, taking a walk, dancing, etc. are options which can be taken up.
Keep learning
Learning new things, developing new attributes helps in improving mental health and builds skill and confidence. Taking up challenges and achieving goals gives a sense of achievement and progress.
Manage your stress
Stress is the root cause of many ailments and causes mental distress as well. Avoiding stress triggers, preparing and managing stress is very helpful. Stress is natural; however, how it affects us depends on how we deal with it. Relaxations like yoga and exercise can help in managing stress.
Live in the moment
Living in the moment; being aware of oneself, the surrounding as well as every breath we take; and noticing the little things in life is very helpful. Not worrying about the past or the future, focusing on the moment, awareness about the inner and outer world improves mental health.
Get some help
Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Go to a doctor, counselor or any community providing mental health service when need felt. Everybody’s life has some ups and downs and some form of worries. Ask for help till you get it.