World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day

1 in 4 people will be affected by mental illness around the world. Depression and anxiety are an epidemic, and these issues affect every other aspect of life and beg to be heard. This year for World Mental Health Day, the goal is to make mental health the global priority it should be.

Therapy and mental health education are paving the way for new attitudes and awareness about mental health and what it means in our life. Taking care of your mind is slowly becoming the standard that it should be.

If your mental health is struggling today, just know you’re not alone. We could all do better at minding our mental health and recognizing that others struggle too. Here are some reminders we all need.

It’s Okay to Ask for Help

Asking for help can be hard because it requires a level of vulnerability that most of us aren’t comfortable with. It’s especially hard for those battling their mental health. If you’ve had experiences with broken trust or abandonment, refusing help when you need it could be a trauma response of hyper-independence.

If your inner world is interfering with the rest of your life, it’s a sign that it’s time to reach out for support. Letting someone in on your struggles may be the key to your healing.

It’s okay to ask for help. The truth is, even the strongest people need help from time to time. Whether you’re asking the help of a friend or going to a therapist. Asking for help is okay and a healthy part of life. There is bravery in being vulnerable enough to receive the help you need.

You’re Not Alone

When is the last time you struggled with depression and felt connected to others? Battling with your mental health is often a lonely and isolating experience. Disconnection is not reality, rather a symptom that you’re struggling. Mental health disorders like anxiety and depression are closely linked with feelings of disconnection and loneliness.

Loneliness is a universal experience. Sometimes you just need to be reminded of it. Connect with someone who makes you feel understood, connect with yourself through journaling or meditation, and acknowledge your feelings. You are never alone in your discomfort.

You’re Not Broken

There is nothing wrong with you for struggling. The mental challenges you face are a reasonable and healthy response to the chaos of this world.

You don’t have to feel this way forever. With a little bit of effort and perseverance, you can beat the invisible struggles of your mind. Therapy gives you the tools and experience to cope with the harder parts of life. Learning about yourself through therapy can open your mind up to a new way of life.

Check On Your Friends and Loved Ones

How good does it feel when someone takes the time out of their day just to see how you’re doing? In a world that focuses so strongly on grand gestures and doing the most, we lost sight of the world and the people right in front of us.

No amount of business success, material things, and money will bring the peace we all need. It’s the people we’re surrounded by and the compassion we have for one another that make the difference. Showing support to loved ones and even strangers create connection and a sense of community.

It should be clear by now that we all struggle. Check in on your friends and those you love – even the strong ones. This is the path to better mental health for all.

Be Kind to Your Mind

In a fast-paced world like this one, it’s easy to get frustrated with yourself for not always being able to keep up. There are deadlines to meet, people to take care of, and things to accomplish. It can feel impossible to find time to slow down, but you must.

You are not a computer, and you aren’t built to be one. Your energy will fluctuate throughout the day, and that’s okay. Try not to resist the desire to slow down sometimes and give your mind a minute to catch up.

Take care of your mind by giving it what it needs. That will vary from person to person. A therapist can help you determine what your mind needs when things feel off. At the end of the day, you’re stuck with your mind for the rest of your life. Make it a nice place to be.

Here are a few simple ways to take care of your mind today:

Your Mental Health Matters

The state of your mind will reflect back in your reality. If you’re feeling depleted, burnt out, or stressed, take a moment to check in with yourself. No one can take on the world on an empty battery. Whether it’s going to therapy or treating yourself to a day off, find time to take care of your mental health, because it matters.

Here at Dr. Messina and Associates, our compassionate team of professionals are qualified to help you at our Flower Mound, Texas, and Southlake, Texas, offices. Our Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Counselors specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychological testing, and medication management for a variety of emotional and behavioral health needs. All services are available in-person and online (telehealth). If you or a loved one are seeking help with mental health, we are here to help.

Author
Dr. Michael Messina

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