Tips for Mental Health Care (1)

Introduction 

A young guy named Akunna resided in the bustling metropolis of Abuja. Struggling to balance his career, family, and aspirations, he discovered that life was too fast. Overwhelmed and restless, Akunna decided to stop one day. He went to see Uncle Chukwudi, his wise neighbour. Over a steaming cup of tea, Akunna shared his emotions. Uncle Chukwudi revealed a straightforward fact to Akunna while smiling ardently, "Taking care of your mental health is similar to taking care of a garden. If you neglect it, the flowers will wilt." Those words echoed in Akunna's mind. He accepted the notion that mental health was a need rather than a luxury after that day. Akunna carried Uncle Chukwudi's advice with him as he moved through the rhythm of the city, a reminder that mental health is the cornerstone of a fulfilling life even amid hectic daily living. Thus, many people in the heart of Africa and anywhere else in the world found solace and inspiration in the tale of Akunna like you and I.

Just two weeks ago, we explored the meaning of mental health and mental health conditions. If you haven't caught up on that, I recommend giving it a read for a fuller understanding of today's discussion. Now, get ready to discover essential ways to care for your mental well-being.

Importance of mental health care

1. Improved physical well-being

2. Productivity

3. Resilience against setbacks and adversity

4. Improved quality of life

5. Social contribution

6. Prevention of mental health conditions

Mental health care tips

1. Embrace self-compassion—like many, I tend to fixate on mistakes, but dwelling on imperfections can harm your mental well-being. It's like falling into a negative spiral. Recognise your imperfections without letting them define you. Love yourself; treat and compliment yourself. Stand in front of the mirror, say your name, and express pride and love for how far you've come. Ironically, we often tell others we love them but forget to say it to ourselves. Be as compassionate with yourself as you are with others.

2. Try gratitude journaling—it transformed my outlook in 2023. I smiled more, engaged in my community, and felt happier. A gratitude journal is a simple notepad where you regularly jot down things you're thankful for. For instance, on January 1, 2024, I was grateful for life, parents, siblings, friends, a new year, salvation, and a bright future (I’m still grateful for these things). Focusing on the positives improves mood and shifts perspective. Choosing a consistent time is especially helpful for those who have racing minds or anxiety because regular gratitude journaling has been proven to increase optimism by 5% to 15% and improve sleep quality by 25%. Song recommendation: Gratitude by Victoria Orenze.

3. Nurture healthy relationships—they impact your well-being profoundly. Unhealthy ones can lead to physical issues, stagnation, isolation, and emotional distress. On the flip side, healthy relationships foster mental and emotional well-being, personal growth, longevity, and resilience. Break off toxic ties and embrace positive ones. How to tell if a relationship is healthy? Watch for signs like obsession, isolating jealousy, verbal abuse, gossip, disrespect, aggressive communication, and, worst of all, physical abuse.

4. Establish boundaries—saying no when needed safeguards your mental well-being in both personal and professional areas. If, like the old me, you dislike disappointing people, you might find it hard to refuse requests even when inconvenient. This can overwhelm you. I'm not suggesting avoiding responsibility; helping others is commendable but learn when to set limits. As "How to Win Friends and Influence People" notes, busy people will always be busy. Recognize that being tagged as responsible may lead to constant requests. It's okay to say NO at the right times.

Each tip I offer is grounded in the foundation of Jesus Christ. Wondering why? Mental health challenges often arise from a troubled mind, and the key lies in renewing your mind. The Bible and the Holy Spirit are crucial in this process. If you've attempted other strategies without Christ, they might fall short. Who is Jesus and Why Did He Come? If you're new to understanding Jesus and feeling perplexed about why He is so important, shoot me an email at the address below. I'm here to answer your questions and provide support.

Email: echoesofsilencebyt@gmail.com.

Are you struggling with your mental health at the moment and too scared to tell anyone? Know this: you are not crazy, mad, insane, or delusional. You are who the Savior, not the universe, defines you to be. With the right actions taken in the right manner, you can improve and experience a positive change. Regularly remind yourself of this affirmation personalized.

Conclusion

Psychologists reveal that Automatic Negative Thoughts, our inborn negative thinking, often lead us to focus on what's wrong rather than what's right. Stay tuned for the next blog, where we explore the connection between your mental health, spiritual principles, and practical strategies. Today, you've gained insights into four practical strategies for mental health care. Go ahead, give them a try, and share your experience. If you have your methods for mental well-being, drop a comment or send an email to echoesofsilencebyt@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you!

Introduction to Mental Health and Mental Health Conditions

 

Introduction

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health transcends the mere absence of disease; it embodies a holistic state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. True health surpasses the identification of physical symptoms or the absence of social well-being; it extends to embracing a sound mental state.

Now, imagine your mind as a vibrant garden, teeming with thoughts and feelings—a landscape of thorns (challenges) and flowers (beauty). Now, let's take a trip together to explore this garden's intricacies in greater detail and discover the profound beauty of mental health. 

A Quick Story:

When my younger brother set out to learn more about mental health, he became curious and said, innocently, "Isn't this for people who are mad?" His question was not malicious; it was based on what he had come across over time. It's a prevalent misconception, particularly in African communities where talking about mental health frequently evokes pictures of people who are struggling on the streets. Let me correct that, though: mental health is much more than that. Did you know that, without even realising it, you might be in a difficult mental state? Keep reading to uncover the nuances and discover what I mean.

What is mental health? 

According to the WHO, mental health represents a state of well-being where individuals recognise their abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and can make a contribution to his or her community. Now, let's delve into a detailed exploration of mental health.

1. State of Well-being:

   Mental well-being is akin to a radiant happiness and contentment. Imagine having an inner smile that reflects in your actions and words. Have you felt this inner smile, or are you simply coasting through life? 

2. Acknowledgment of Abilities:

   Recognising your abilities is like embracing Socratic wisdom—"knowing thyself." It doesn't mean settling for the ordinary; it's about acknowledging your strengths. Consider your abilities as superpowers for specific tasks. Can you confidently list at least two things you excel at, or do you underestimate yourself? When praised, do you dismiss positive comments in disbelief?

3. Coping Abilities:

   Life is undeniably filled with stressors, and our responses to them vary. Stress, the physical, mental, and emotional reaction to stressors, is a common part of life. How well you cope with these stressors plays a crucial role in determining your mental state. Do challenges hinder your performance, or do you resiliently face them head-on?

4. Work productively: 

   To work productively, one must complete duties and activities in a timely and effective manner. It's all about succeeding in your endeavours and getting wonderful results. How do you approach the work that is placed before you?

5. Contribution to your community:

   This involves creating a positive impact and elevating the well-being of the community. Now, you might be wondering, "How can I do that? I'm just a student or salary-earner, not a social worker." Let me assure you that making a contribution can take various forms—sharing your skills, assisting others, participating in community activities, and more. It's about giving back, no matter how small—an act as simple as greeting someone with a smile is a meaningful contribution. Can you identify ways you're already making a difference in your community, or do you believe that everyone is unworthy of your care?

I can almost hear a sigh from someone thinking, "Do you even realize the pain I've endured at the hands of those around me?" Be mindful that such a question reveals a lot about your current mental state. Consider this—an opportunity to rise above past hurts, not for those who caused the pain, but for the sake of your own mental well-being. I acknowledge it's painful, but ask yourself, is holding onto it truly worth it? Why should others miss out on your care because of the actions of a few? More on this topic in a different blog post. Woah, that hit a soft spot. Let us proceed.

What are mental disorders?

Desist from retaining the idea that people who go through struggles with their mental health are insane. According to WHO (big shoutout to their impactful work), a clinically significant disruption in an individual's behaviour, emotional regulation, or thought processes is indicative of a mental disorder. There are different types of mental disorders with anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive disorders being the most common.

WHO estimates that globally 1 out of every 4 people will be impacted by mental illness at some point in their lives."Oh, God forbid, not me," you might say. Well, here's the truth—it could be anyone if your mental health is not addressed properly. So, I invite you to dive into my post regularly. At this moment, let's not underestimate those facing various mental disorders. It doesn't need to be blown out of proportion; there are treatments (and note, decisions like medication should be left to the professionals). Let's journey into understanding and support together because truth be told most people do not have access to effective care. I will provide tips to care for your mental health in the next blog post. In subsequent posts, there will be information on some of these mental disorders. Stay tuned!

Are you struggling with your mental health at the moment and too scared to tell anyone? Know this: you are not crazy, mad, insane, or delusional. You are who the Savior, not the universe, defines you to be. With the right actions taken in the right manner, you can improve and experience a positive change. Regularly remind yourself of this affirmation personalized.

Conclusion

Distinguishing mental health from mental disorders is crucial. If you're not feeling your best mentally, it might be because you're not giving yourself the care you deserve. For those grappling with mental disorders, seeking treatment from professionals is not just a matter of "in their head." They genuinely experience what they express—speaking for those honest individuals, not those taking advantage or deceiving. What truly matters is our willingness to extend love and care to those around us, fostering understanding and offering support.

Love from,

The Wellness Warrior.

For more information, check out the About the Wellness Warrior page by the right in the web version or send me an email: echoesofsilencebyt@gmail.com.