Typically, there is a lot of information surrounding how we can improve our physical wellbeing, ignoring the importance of our mental health. While there have been strides in mental health awareness over the last few years, it is still somewhat of a taboo subject, which can cause many of us to simply suffer in silence rather than reach out and ask for help.
It is important for us all to know that there is help and support out here. Whether you have only recently experienced a dip in mental stability or have suffered from depression all your life, it can be overwhelming. How do you reach out? Who do you contact? Will medication help lift your mood? These are only a few questions you may ask yourself.
If you or a loved one are struggling with their emotional wellbeing and you’re unsure on how you could improve your mental health, the following article highlights a few ways to help you. Remember, though, that you need to consider your own behaviors and how you manage stress. For instance, certain types of therapy may not suit you, so look at all the options at your disposal.
1. Do Not Downplay Your Emotions
When we feel like our emotions are not valid, we have a tendency to downplay how we are truly feeling. This can cause great harm to our emotional wellbeing as we tend to try and ignore the catalyst of why we are feeling down and, over time, this can build up and have us feeling depressed and anxious.
Speak to trusted members of your family and friends who you think will sympathize and console you about how you are truly feeling. By doing this, you may feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders as it helps you feel as if your emotions are valid. They may also offer ways to help you counter these feelings, such as reasons why you may be feeling depressed and how you can overcome them.
Not sure how to start the conversation? Here’s how you can talk to your loved ones about your mental health.
2. Speak To A Healthcare Professional
After speaking with your loved ones, you may find that you need to speak with a healthcare professional. This is a great way to not only get a professional’s advice on how you are feeling, but they may also suggest coping mechanisms and how you can counter the negative emotions you are currently experiencing.
It is wise that you do not expect a healthcare professional to diagnose you or prescribe you with medication straight away. It may be that they wish to have a few sittings with you so that they can gain a full understanding of how you are feeling and provide you with the best help possible.
3. Consider Online Therapy
Therapy can work wonders for certain individuals as it allows them to tap into their emotions and discover coping mechanisms that allow them to help manage their feelings and emotional wellbeing. However, it is vital that you find the right therapy for you.
Being able to express your feelings in a healthy way will allow you to gain clarity and perspective, which is why online therapy may be a great option. It’s been proven, for instance, that art therapy for teens can be incredibly beneficial for their mental health. It brings out their emotions and allows them to express themselves freely, which can be difficult for some in a traditional therapy setting.
Speaking with your doctor could be the best way to find the right type of therapy for you. They can even suggest particular services that are better suited to your needs. However, there are also numerous online therapy courses that are ideal for those who may not be able to afford in-person therapy or who have a busy schedule. For instance, online therapy with Emote Life can be an effective way for you to gain emotional and psychological support over the internet. Online therapy with Emote Life is strictly confidential, and they only hire trained and professional therapists. They can help you manage feelings of helplessness and depression.
There are countless benefits of therapy. For example, you may benefit from:
- Recognizing triggers
- Realizing why you feel depressed
- Developing coping mechanisms
- Improved communication skills
- Learning how to make healthier choices (both mental and physical)
- Learning how to deal with distressing situations
4. Manage Stress
Learning how to manage your stress can help you live a more weightless and balanced life. However, it is not easy doing this, as stress can appear in the most odd and confusing ways and catch us off-guard. Coping mechanisms and learning how to defuse feelings of stress can be the best way to deal with this.
So, what are the common signs of a person being stressed? Typically, emotional signs of stress include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Feeling unmotivated and unfocused
- Memory problems
- Disturbed sleeping patterns (sleeping too little or too much)
- Issues with concentration
You can always try and counter feelings of stress by:
- Eating healthily
- Exercising
- Taking a break
- Practicing deep breathing exercises
- Relaxing your muscles
- Engaging in hobbies
- Speaking to a professional
- Not hiding your problems
- Writing down any of your issues
5. Take Care Of Your Physical Health
Your physical and mental health are very much linked to one another, and if you neglect one, you will end up neglecting the other. Therefore, you need to find the best ways to look after both of them so that you are living a healthy lifestyle that encompasses mental and physical wellbeing best practices. Something as simple as ensuring that you drink the right amount of water and exercising for 30 minutes every day can have a huge impact on your physical health which could, in turn, impact your mental well-being.
To look after your physical well-being, you should focus on eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, avoiding dangerous substances such as drugs and alcohol, and trying to keep active. Exercise not only helps you remain fit and healthy (helping you maintain a healthy weight), but it also releases endorphins which can make you feel happier and much more energized.
Your emotional wellbeing is important, and you should never neglect it. If you are ever struggling, reach out to health professionals who can help provide you with the tools and coping mechanisms that could help you live a happier life. Learn how to put yourself first.
