May is Mental Health Month
May is Mental Health Month, and organizations around the world are taking this time to raise awareness of mental health, which includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental health issues can negatively affect your mood, behavior and thinking. According to MentalHealth.gov, many factors contribute to mental illness, including:
- Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
- Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
- Family history of mental health issues
According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), about 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. (46.6 million) has a mental health issue in any given year. Organizations like NAMI and Mental Health America are dedicated to educating the public and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. While there is no cure all for mental health issues, there are many ways to care for your mental well-being, whether it’s seeking professional help or taking a hot bath.
Here are some of our best mental health self-care tips.
Find Joy
Finding joy and staying positive are perhaps the two most important tips we can give. Of course, joy means different things to different people; it could be sailing, volunteering or going to the movies. Focus on the good things going on in your life, and we promise your mental health will improve. Steer clear of toxic situations and people, instead choosing to engage in positive thoughts and actions.
Join a mental health organization
Whether you or a loved one is suffering from a mental illness, know that you are not alone. National organizations like the American Psychiatric Association, as well as smaller, local organizations are available 24/7 to help assist with information about different mental illnesses, treatment, and ways to get involved. Joining a mental health organization will put you at the forefront of change and awareness, not to mention putting you in contact with knowledgeable leaders in the mental health community.
Take care of yourself (and others)
What’s self-care without you in the mix? Life is hectic, but it’s important to take some “me time” and slow down. Whether it’s curling up with a good book or enjoying a glass of your favorite wine, take time for yourself. Avoid too much screen time, get a full eight hours of sleep each night, eat more whole grains and good fats, and exercise regularly. Of course, maintain healthy relationships with the people you interact with on a daily basis. Sometimes doing something for someone else can feel even better than doing it for you.
Seek professional help
According to the Mayo Clinic, most mental health issues don't improve on their own, and if not helped, they may get worse over time. Seeking professional help through a licensed therapist or psychiatrist isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a step in the right direction when facing a mental health issues. While there is no “one size fits all” treatment, seeking professional help can greatly assist with a recovery plan.
Meditate
The benefits of mediation aren’t a secret – studies have shown that meditation helps ease psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, and pain related to stress. According to a study led by UC Davis, people who meditate have lower levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with physical and emotional stress. Generalized meditation has also been shown to improve sleep quality, which as well all know is crucial to good physical and mental health.
At Quality of Life, we are committed to providing consumers with wide variety of condition specific supplements backed by real science. As our name suggests, we want to improve your quality of life and help you be the best version of yourself. That’s why we’ve proudly contributed to a number of charitable organizations including the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), the largest grassroots mental health organization in the U.S.
