With this past Sunday marking the end of CMHA’s Mental Health Week, we thought it fitting to re-post our blog around Mental Health and Addiction Services.
Far too many people silently cope with mental health and addiction issues due to fear of judgement. Some are concerned about being seen as weak, vulnerable or out of control. And yet, mental health is a subject that affects us all. Our mental health encompasses the daily stress that everyone experiences now and then. Balancing work and family, dealing with grief, managing anger, lacking self-esteem, etc. All of these things affect our minds as we try to work through them, while also managing our day-to-day lives.
The world can be very stressful place, and we each have our own way of handling our personal triggers. We may behave out of character or make impulsive decisions. We may indulge in an over-consumption of food or alcohol. We might cry. Regardless of how we cope through life’s hard moments, the one thing we all have in common is the need for someone to listen, to allow us to speak from the heart and be heard.
Of course, we need to feel comfortable enough to speak openly and honestly about mental health and addiction in the first place. Empathy and understanding are necessary on all of our parts to foster a compassionate community – one that helps our neighbours in need access life-changing mental health and addiction servicesquickly and effectively.
Developing Good Mental Healthcare Habits
Why do we brush our teeth? Because, it’s good for our dental health. Obviously. We all want to preserve our smile for the long haul. Therefore, we should also develop good habits to protect our mental health, because that’s going to affect the smile on your face for the long haul too!
Just like food builds up between our teeth, stress and fear can occupy the nooks and crannies of our minds. When we ignore our mental health, much like ignoring regular brushing, things can start to feel gross inside. We need to practice self-love just as often as we care for the other parts of our life, if not even more so. After all, our mental state permeates all other things and how we experience the world around us, which makes it a pretty important area to look after.
5 Techniques to Improve Your Mental Health
- Ask for help. Talking to a close friend can help you gain clarity and comfort. Seek the support of professionals who can put you in touch with the appropriate mental health and addiction services to regain control of your life.
- Be mindful of negative self-talk. You might discover it happens more often than you think. Catch yourself as quickly as possible, and then replace those dark thoughts with words of kindness and self-love. If you can, say those loving words out loud and say them like you mean it. It does wonders.
- Take care of yourself. You deserve it. Good hygiene, clean clothes, a proper diet, and regular fitness can help you feel much more confident in your health and appearance. Ending bad habits and tending to any health issues right away also eliminates nagging worries before they consume you.
- Surround yourself with good people. Don’t make time for anyone negative. Focus your attention on the friends and family who build you up, not tear you down. Explore new opportunities where you may meet kindred spirits.
- Do what you love. Whether you want to hike a mountain or read a book, always make time for the hobbies and interests you enjoy most. Set a little “me time” aside each day and plan future events to anticipate. Every moment spent focused on what you love makes a huge impact on your overall happiness.