Mental Health – the new buzz words. But as a Registered Mental Health counselor I can’t stress enough how important this really is. I hope that other counselors out there are like me…living what they preach. I make it a point to work daily on myself and make sure that I am taking the time I need to recharge and stay mentally sound, especially so I can be there for you! Between all the stressors daily life brings us, coupled with the external factors of the world, it can hurt us mentally which ultimately affects our health as well.
What is mental health anyway?
Simple defined it is the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of everyone. Our lives are not lived in a vacuum and nature vs nurture is a real thing. Not only does our environment affect us, but how we are genetically can affect how we handle that environment. (Along with self-actualization and training). Just because two people are in the same environment, doesn't mean they will respond the same. Take how two children being raised by parents who do drugs can end up so different - one doing drugs, one not. And when you ask them why? "Because of how I was raised". Each took a different path for the same reason, but one clearly had better coping skills and resiliency.
Why is it so important?
It affects everything we do, from how we think, how we feel and how we act. Our thoughts elicit an emotion, and our emotions drive behavior (Cognitive Behavior Therapy model 😊). When we are healthy mentally we enjoy life more, we are more creative, and take more risks. We are also better able to handle stress and difficult times that arise both personally and professionally. When we are not mentally healthy we can turn to unhealthy coping skills, see significant tiredness and lack of motivation, or have an inability to cope with daily stress. Worst case - lack of mental health care can lead to substance abuse, disability, unemployment and homelessness, and suicide.
How can we maintain our mental health?
Exercise more – exercise has so many benefits to include increased mood (happiness) and better sleep! Who couldn’t use that?
Eat meals with thought. Eat 3 meals a day and 2 snacks. Our bodies react to what we put in our bodies. Eat foods that act as antioxidants, don’t weigh you down, and have lots of vitamins. Not to mention eating regularly and healthily regulates blood sugar which has been known to affect mood.
Make sure to take time to relax. In a world where everything is go, go, go, and people are constantly stimulating themselves with electronics, taking a time out is important. Meditate. Read a book. Go for a walk. Play a game with your family. Whatever you choose, just unplug, and connect with yourself or those around you. They will sure be glad you did too!
Set goals and practice positivity and gratitude. Working toward something gives us purpose and staying positive and grateful helps us to appreciate where we are and are going, and less on what others have instead or what we lack in the moment.
Talk to someone. A friend, family member, or counselor. Talking about our problems can be scary but I think you’ll realize that the people in your life want you to be happy, and they struggle too. You are not alone.
So now that you are more aware of how mental health can be obtained and why it's important – get on up and put your phone down – go have some fun! 😊
Kimberly Mehl, MS, NCC, RMHCI
If you are in crisis, get immediate help:
Call 911.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline): 988 for English or Spanish, or Lifeline Chat
Crisis Text Line: Text SIGNS to 741741 for 24/7, anonymous, free crisis counseling.
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The information and resources contained within this website – including the digital content delivered via email and the blog – are for informational purposes only and should not take the place of seeking a therapist, nor are they intended to treat any medical/mental health conditions. The information obtained from this website should not be considered a substitute for a thorough medical/mental health evaluation by a licensed professional. Visitors should also seek professional medical/mental health advice before acting on any information contained within this website. The information, products, resources, materials, services, and documents found on this website are not intended to be a substitute for medical, mental health, legal, financial, or other professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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