How to Protect Your Mental Health

Mental wellbeing is a critical part of health. When ignored, it can lead to physical illnesses and compromised life. Protecting your mental health will not only lead to a happier life, but you will avoid many other related issues such as high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression. The journey should be intentional because it is easy to be carried away by the worries and crisis of life. Your Lexington depression specialist has tips on how you can protect yourself.

Take care of yourself

When life’s issues are many, you are tempted to take care of others and forget yourself. You need to be more conscious of your needs and learn to take care of yourself before anyone else. Sleep well, eat right, and exercise regularly. Every day, have some time to yourself for meditation and reflection. It also pays to have fun, be around people who make you happy, and every so often, take a break from your busy schedule and relax.

Be mindful of your needs

Meditation, exercise, yoga and deep breathing are good for your health. They lower cortisol levels and increase happy hormones such as endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. Positive living also helps to protect your mind from unnecessary stress and anxiety. Mindful living enables you to focus on the moment and not dwell so much on the past, which sometimes may be depressing. Also, you do not overburden or overwork yourself.

Build a community

Everyone encounters problems or situations they cannot handle on their own. You may want to be alone, avoid people, and dwell on the issue, which can ruin your mental health. Loss of a loved one or job and sickness can put you down, but you will get the strength to get past the pain when you have a supportive community. Building healthy relationships ensures that you have people willing to do whatever it takes to have you up and healthy again.

Get a therapist

When you sink into depression or anxiety, you need frequent help in counseling, therapy, and medication. First, ensure that your therapist is qualified and duly licensed. You do not want to be a victim of a quack doctor. Because mental health needs are varied, your doctor may help you find the right fit.

How do you know that you need medical intervention?

It’s not easy for anyone to accept that they are going through mental health issues. Most do not even recognize the symptoms, but there are vital signs you should not ignore. These include a low mood, irritability, sadness, worthlessness, decreased energy, restlessness, suicidal thoughts and body pains.

When going through intense life-altering situations, the symptoms may creep in then disappear when things are back to normal. However, if you have the symptoms for more than two weeks, seek medical intervention, especially if you have suicidal thoughts. It also helps to talk to a trusted person who understands the situation you are in.

For more information or when you suspect you may be suffering from depression, visit your doctor for a diagnosis.