A New Year Thought – During the early stages of mental illness, there are ways of self-help. Mental illness has many degrees of sickness ranging from anxiety to chronic psychosis. Many health professionals feel there are ways to learn to live with anxiety, worry and depression. Many thanks for this contribution from the writer of Wednesday’s submission.
Sleep is essential for our physical and mental health. Sleep helps to regulate the chemicals in our brain. They are necessary to manage moods and emotions. Without enough sleep, we can become depressed or anxious.
Absorb The Rays!
Sunlight produces vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D is essential for our bodies and our brains. It helps our minds to release chemicals which improve our mood, like endorphins and serotonin. Go out in the sun when you can, but make sure you protect skin and eyes. An hour works well and do not think if Mr Sun is not visible, he’s not doing his work! In winter months consider a SAD (seasonal adjustment disorder) light source.
Manage Stress
Stress is unavoidable and knowing what causes anxiety and understanding how to cope is essential. Take responsibility for your problems and resolve each issue, one at a time. ‘Chunk down’ stresses by writing them down this makes them more manageable — tackle issues head-on.
Good Food
Good food is essential for the body and necessary for our thinking capacity. Certain mineral deficiencies, such as iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies, can give us a low mood. Try to eat a balanced diet. If you find you’re a particularly stressed or anxious person, you should try limiting or cutting out caffeine as this can make you feel jittery and anxious.
What Out For Addictions
Drinking and smoking have withdrawal symptoms, which can cause issues with your mental wellbeing. After an evening drinking, you can feel depressed and anxious the following day. Excessive alcohol causes thiamine deficiency. Thiamine is vital for our brain function, and low levels lead to memory loss, confusion and eye problems.
Recreational drugs will always cause withdrawal and anxiety. More severe effects include paranoia and delusions. There is plenty of research suggesting drug abuse is related to mental disorders like paranoia. Do not fool yourself with the idea: drugs do not affect! You can bet your family see the changes. Recreational drugs are high on the list for the reasons for life failures. Face this truth early!
Look After Your Money
Being poor is recognised as a reason for anxiety and depression. Buying things we cannot afford as a ‘treat’ soon becomes a mental health burden. This world revolves around possessions and needs. Do not fall into the trap of thinking money is the cause of problems! Ninety-nine per cent of the time it is a LACK of money which becomes the problem.
Activity and Fitness
Activity and exercise are essential in maintaining excellent mental health. Being active gives a sense of achievement, and boosts the chemicals in your brain that put you in a good mood. Exercising can help lower, anxiety, stress, feeling tired and lazy. Walk to work, climb stairs rather than use the lift. Use public transport, and every extra step makes the difference.
Enjoy Life
Meet with friends, go out for community walks and gatherings. Attend concerts, plays and meetings. Whatever you do with groups of people will enhance your life and mental wellbeing. The great thing about this is you will talk about, and this is a therapy in itself. And one of the reasons people enjoy social connections. Research shows talking to others for ten minutes a day can improve memory and happiness!
Help Others
Nothing beats the sense of satisfaction when someone says “Thank You” – When you care you make a difference to your own and other people’s lives. Being part of a caring and social group is a fantastic way to mental wellbeing.
Always Ask
When in doubt about your mental wellbeing do not be afraid to ask for help. It is often the case the issue is anxiety and can be worked through with ease. We have many organisations who will guide, care and explain how to deal with mental problems.
Mental happiness is attained by understanding health and activity. Care about yourself, friends and family. Interact and be truthful about your life. When there is a problem, look for the cause and deal with it quickly. Mental wellbeing is all about peace, calm and understanding.
Anonymous
