Celebrate World Mental Health Day with SUAVS
Founded in 1992 by the World Federation of Mental Health, October 10th is the day the world unites to raise awareness of mental health issues. At SUAVS, while we celebrate today, we also encourage our friends and family to take time every day to recognize mental health.
Raising awareness of mental health is important. As the chart above shows, mental health issues affect 1 in 5 adults and 17% of youths ages 6-17. Some common mental disorders include depression, anxiety, bipolar, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. While this chart is only a fraction of the issues one can face, it is an important first step in raising awareness about how important it is to look after your own mental health.
How Can You Help?
Never be afraid to ask for help when assisting someone with mental health issues. It is important to understand when to seek professional help and how to understand and interpret the situation and signs of a potential crisis. Below are several resources that can help you understand and prepare yourself when caring for an individual with mental health issues.
Our team would like to offer a helping hand, a friend to talk to, and some helpful ways you can improve your mental well-being.
How to Improve Your Mental Well-being
- Talk about your feelings: Studies show that expressing your feelings can help you stay mentally healthy.
- Stay Active: Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem, improve concentration, help you sleep better, and boost your mood. Exercise also helps your brain and other vital organs stay healthy.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: A little indulgence in your favorite snacks can definitely be a mood-boosting activity. However, your brain needs the proper nutrients to function properly. Try some of these foods: spinach, berries, tea, walnuts, fish, and other foods containing nutrients like fiber, omega-3, vitamins B1, B9, B12, D, and E.
- Talk to a Friend: Never underestimate the power of a good conversation. Even in a socially distant world, you can still pick up a phone, video chat, or write letters. Engaging in conversation can trigger higher levels of dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins, and other biochemicals that give us a sense of well-being.
- Practice Your Hobby: Doing something you are good at can be a great mood enhancer. Concentrating on your hobby can also help shift your focus from something worrisome to a more positive activity.
- Take a Break: Downtime is essential for the brain. Researchers found an overworked brain can lead to temporary and chronic stress, anxiety, and other health-related conditions brought on by these conditions.
- Ask for Help: No one can do it all. While we would like to think we can, the reality is, we can’t. If things are getting too much for you and you feel you can’t cope, ask for help. Your family or friends may be able to offer practical help or a listening ear.
No matter what your situation is, regardless of your mental health, you are never alone. Help us shine a light on mental health awareness.
Share these tips, reach out to someone who may need help, or ask for help for yourself.
We are all in this together.
Written by: Danielle Shulman
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