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Like physical health conditions, mental health conditions are very common and tend to be highly treatable. Roughly 1 in 5 adults in the United States are living with some form of mental illness (varying in severity and symptoms).¹ Diagnosis of mental illness is more prevalent among women (22.3%) than men (15.1%).¹ It’s important to note that men may also not be diagnosed as often due to stigma surrounding men and mental/emotional issues.
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Don’t place mental health concerns on the backburner just because you think a physical concern is more important. Just as you wouldn’t ignore a nagging knee pain, don’t ignore mental health symptoms that regularly cause you distress or make daily activities difficult. Even when your mental health comes to the forefront, be sure not to let your physical health fall too far behind.
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Exercise regularly and eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in the nutrients your body needs to function well. Keep your primary health care physician updated on your mental health symptoms, as things like vitamin deficiencies or underlying illnesses could play a role.² Many sufferers also find that being more active and feeling well physically helps them feel better emotionally and maintain a sense of personal agency.
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Stay connected with friends and family and don’t be afraid to rely on your “support system.” Socializing can boost your mood and allows you to talk through your troubles. Isolation is often a red flag for declining mental health. If you recognize that you’re beginning to isolate, make an extra effort to reach out to loved ones or be around people. The keyword is “healthy.” Beware of toxic relationships that are abusive, codependent, or otherwise damaging. It may be time to either improve them or let them go.
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Routines can help you “program” yourself to do everyday tasks with less struggle. Example morning routine: – Wake up at 7:00 – Enjoy your coffee and a nutritious breakfast until 7:30 – Brush teeth – Get dressed – Do hair and/or makeup – Leave for work by 8 Practice every day until it becomes a true routine!
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Think about how you speak to yourself and others about mental health. Calling someone “crazy” or describing yourself as “broken” is dismissive and hurtful. Combat the stigma with empathy. Be supportive and understanding of others dealing with mental health issues. Even sufferers are not immune to making judgments of others—don’t become complacent!
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Don’t be afraid to seek professional therapy or counseling. A behavioral healthcare provider can help with mental illness, grief, or even temporary stress. All concerns are valid. Talk to your doctor about treatment options. If you are managing a diagnosed mental illness, you may find success with a combination of therapy and medication. You can support mental health with athome techniques like mindfulness, gratitude, stress management, meditation and journaling, regardless of your current mental health status.
Crystal Run Healthcare is a New York healthcare provider that focuses on the best possible services for patients’ overall wellbeing. In addition to our many physical health specialties, our expert behavioral health doctors offer compassionate, effective mental health counseling and treatment for patients at all life stages. You can easily book an appointment with many Crystal Run Healthcare physicians through the website or contact us if you need additional assistance.
1. 2.
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness.shtml https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2738337/
Summary May is mental health awareness month. Learn why managing mental health is so important to a person’s overall wellbeing, as well as how you can improve and support your own.