Any conversation on wellness that does not include mental wellness is incomplete. Mental health impacts our relationships with ourselves & others, our physical health, and our ability to manage day-to-day responsibilities. In other words, without a healthy mind, many aspects of life can become extremely difficult to sustain. Like physical health, mental wellness is not a given. Impacted by social, biological, and psychological factors, an ideal frame of mind can be elusive, and requires diligence to achieve and/or maintain. Prioritizing mental health may not come easily to many, as it has only more recently become recognized in Western medicine for its importance on overall wellness. By recognizing symptoms of mental unwellness, taking proper measures, and seeking help when needed, life can become easier to enjoy, appreciate, and cope with.
Symptoms of Mental Unwellness
While poor mental health can manifest differently from person to person, common indicators include:
- Low mood
- Negative thought patterns
- Mood swings
- Tiredness / low energy
- Poor concentration
- Excessive worrying, fears, and/or guilt
- Irritability
- Low self-esteem
- Lack of interest in friends and activities
- Rumination
For some, there may also be physical symptoms such as:
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Chest heaviness/pain
As our bodies and minds respond to both internal and external stimuli, it is normal for our psychological, emotional, and behavioral wellbeing to fluctuate, and result in one or more of the symptoms above. However, if these symptoms persist and begin to impede your quality of life, you may want to consider seeking professional help.
Managing Your Mental Health
Life as we live it can become extremely demanding and overwhelming, making inner peace a distant reality. However, simply dedicating time to restorative practices has been shown to greatly improve stress and mood. Next time your mental well-being takes a turn for the worse, you may want to try:
- Taking a walk
- Journaling
- Practicing yoga
- Deep breathing
- Taking a bath
While the practices listed above can be helpful, they may certainly not be enough, or even possible, for many with persisting issues related to mental health. Taking the step towards seeking professional help is daunting, but one that can have extreme benefits. Mental health is extremely complex, and difficult to navigate alone. A mental health provider may be able to give you more perspective on your situation, recommend better practices tailored to your needs, and identify whether you may need additional treatment such as medication.
Stay Connected
If you are concerned about your mental health, but do not know where to begin looking for help, or would simply like to learn more, please do not hesitate to contact us today. Your wellbeing—both physical and mental–is our top priority.
