Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health
According to the Mental Health Foundation, it is estimated that 1 in 6 people suffer from a mental health problem every week in the UK. Although not all mental health problems are severe, others are more common than people realize. Depression, drug abuse, mood swings, and anxiety are the most common. People are more likely to face one or more forms of mental health as they grow older, work harder, and work longer. Without proper care, these problems escalate into severe mental health problems such as bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, and other forms of personality disorders. Decrease your chances of being affected by doing the following.
Get Enough Rest
Doctors recommend getting 6-8 hours of sleep daily for adults. For children, up to 10 hours. The body needs rest to grow and also to recuperate after a long day. Insomnia and sleep deprivation have been linked to causing depression and anxiety. During sleep, the brain does not go to sleep as well. It works behind the scenes to improve memory function and strengthen skills learned throughout the day.
Avoid Prolonged Stress
There is good stress and bad stress. Good stress is useful in keeping you focused. For example, the stress and pressure people feel when taking a driver’s test helps them focus and pass the examination. Good stress is only good for a short period. Once prolonged, it becomes bad stress. Bad stress can lead to being overworked, mental exhaustion, depression, and complete mental breakdown.
Be Aware – Get Help
Educating yourself about the signs, symptoms, and triggers of mental health problems is of utmost importance. By better understanding your emotional state and behaviours, you will be in a position to take of yourself better and seek help when necessary. The professionals at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Private Healthcare offer psychoanalytic psychotherapy which aims at not only educating but also treating people suffering from anxiety, low self-esteem, sleep deprivation, stress, and personality disorders. If you have any of these symptoms, consult with a clinical psychologist immediately. Refrain from taking medical advice on the internet. You will only do more harm than good for your mental health.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Maintaining a healthy diet ensures all-round good health. For the best results, aim for foods that are low in sugar, organic, high in vitamins, and rich in fibre. Antioxidants such as Blueberries help in improving motor skills. A recent study showed that citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons can reduce the risk of getting dementia by up to 23%. Crush a few nuts into your toast, oatmeal, or cereal whenever you can. Nuts are good for the brain. The more natural food you eat, the healthier your brain will be. Do not forget to drink enough water to stay hydrated daily.
To enjoy a high quality of life as you get older, take extra care of your mental health. By following this simple guide, you will remain cognitively sharp and emotionally healthy.