There are many things that you need to take into consideration when it comes to taking good care of your mental health. Take note that the issues relating to behavioral health are essential, which is why you have to give it focus and attention. Keep in mind that everything you do may affect your mental health or those surrounding you. In knowing this, you can start to be careful in what you do or say. Remember that these consequences may be good or bad. Lauren Mizock Ph.D stated that “A mental health problem doesn’t need to define a person, or become central to your identity. However, it does need to be integrated as a part of who you are.”
In this article, we are going to share five vital things about mental health awareness:
Self-Diagnosis Is Never Okay
The first thing that you must keep in mind is that self-diagnosis will never do you any good. The right thing to do is to seek professional help whenever you start to feel pain. Do not discount the feelings of sadness and grief. Take note that only a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist can provide you with the right diagnosis about your condition. You must listen to them to ensure that you will not make any false assumptions about your mental status.
Take Your Time To Accept Your Condition
Remind yourself that each person has his own way of coping with sad news or unfortunate events. Right after you find out about your diagnosis that contains negative findings, the first reaction that you would get is probably dismay about the current situation. This emotion would be followed by extreme worry. Take all the necessary time you need to process the diagnosis so that you will not end up making the wrong decisions. The moment you start to accept the findings, you will begin to see a better perspective about your condition. “Examine your values and beliefs about mental illness itself. Challenge any notion that you are somehow weak for needing help, and question feelings of guilt or shame around having mental health struggles in the first place. Trust me, you did not bring this on yourself.” Says Ellen Hendriksen, PhD.
You Are Not Alone In This Journey
Another essential information that you have to keep in mind is that you are never alone in this battle against your mental illness or problem. Keep in mind that several people in your life are willing to stay by your side no matter what happens. Do not refuse to accept help from the individuals who love and care for you. According to neuropsychologist Dr. Sanam Hafeez, PsyD, “Mental health doesn’t just affect the person struggling, but also the friends and family around them,” she added, “Too often, individuals who suffer from mental illnesses—and sometimes those who need significant care—isolate themselves. They may feel like no one—not even their close friends and family—understands what they’re going through. This puts a strain on most relationships, worsening the state of isolation”. Talk to someone if you have to or spend some time with friends if it makes you feel better. Always believe that someone in your life is still available to support and assist you in everything you need.
You Can Avail Of Treatments
Whatever it is that you are going through, always remember that there is a possible treatment for your condition. As such, you must not worry about what will happen to you. Just take note that as long as you have a trusted healthcare provider, everything is going to be okay. At the same time, do not underestimate the significance of keeping positivity in times of adversity. Make an effort to stay positive as you go through the process of treating your mental health concern. It can help a lot in improving your situation.
Always Be Kind To Everyone
Since you are suffering from a mental health problem, it is safe to say that you also know how it feels. Other people may misinterpret what you do or say because they have no idea about your condition. Make sure that will not end up like them. Be sensitive to the needs of other people. Just like you, they may also be going through a difficult time in their lives. Hence, it is crucial for you to be kind or to be nice to everyone around you. It is not expensive to continue showing good deeds and a great attitude to every person you meet.
You Can Get Better
As already mentioned above, everything is going to be okay. You need to connect with the right psychologist or psychiatrist who will help you in your case. Aside from this, the recent advancements in the field of technology have made it easy for people to find treatment against medical or mental health illnesses. What you need to do is to believe that things will turn out fine in the future. You can always choose to hope for the best and convince yourself that what you are going through is only temporary.
This article may apply to you or to someone you know. Make sure that you take your part in sharing mental health awareness with others.