Published on June 14, 2024

Taking Care of Your Mental Health

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Mental illness is one of the most common disorders diagnosed in U.S. citizens. Being able to take care of your mental health can help you live a better life, make clearer decision, and see more "good" in the world. 

Mental illness affects more than 1 in 5 adults in the United States, and more than 50% of Americans will at some point in their lives be diagnosed with a mental disorder according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Therefore, it is important to be aware of your mental health and take care of it.

What is mental health?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act as well as how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices each day. Being emotionally healthy means being aware of your emotions and being able to react to them, whether they are positive or negative.

How to take care of your mental health

Mental health is important because it affects how you think about the world and yourself. It also directly affects your physical well-being. Some ways to take care of your mental health include:

  • Regular exercise
  • Eating healthy and regular meals
  • Staying hydrated
  • Making sleep a priority
  • Setting goals
  • Practicing gratitude
  • Focusing on positivity
  • Staying connected to family and friends
  • Reducing time online
  • Engaging in low-stress hobbies
  • Finding ways to learn and be creative
  • Spending time in nature

When to seek professional help

Being emotionally healthy also includes knowing when to seek professional help when you are struggling with mental health. It is recommended that you seek help when you experience:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes
  • Difficulty getting out of bed due to mood
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Loss of interest in things you usually find enjoyable
  • Inability to complete usual tasks and activities
  • Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness

Sources: nih.gov, mind.org, familydoctor.org, samhsa.gov, cdc.gov