Did you know more than 20 percent of people experience mental health problems, according to the data of Mental Health America?
The survey further shows that 7.74% of adults become addicted to substance abuse due to poor mental health. Unfortunately, the increased uncertainty, societal pressures, and economic, emotional, and financial instability have deteriorated many people’s mental health across the country.
It is essential to understand that a state of good mental health isn’t an on-and-off experience. Regardless of circumstances or events, every individual experiences days, weeks, or even months where they feel pessimistic and disturbed. This often transitions to quite a different set of thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors, impacting life in many ways.
About 25% of people may experience a significant change in how they think, feel, and act in many areas of their lives. It impacts their work experiences, relationships with their peers, and their sense of self-worth, and motivation. This might cause people to develop mental health challenges like anxiety, substance abuse, and depression.
Let’s take the pandemic as an example to understand the impact of depression and anxiety on mental health. A recent mental health survey showed depression signs in more than 59 percent of people after the second wave of COVID-19.
As people continue learning new ways of working and living, it is imperative to find solutions to tackle physical, emotional, and mental health.
Mental Health Conditions
Note that mental health is an umbrella term that includes psychological but also emotional and social well-being. If not taken into account or addressed in a timely manner, it can affect how you feel, think, and act. In fact, it helps determine your capacity to deal with stress.
Whether a child, an adult, or a senior, mental health plays an essential role in every stage of an individual’s life. However, some recent statistics found that only 33% of individuals seek professional help due to the high cost of therapy.
The most common mental health conditions are:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Reaction to critical trauma
- Substance misuse
Seeking help from a specialist is the right thing if you face mental health issues. Keep in mind that diagnosing yourself or someone else is not a good idea or your responsibility.
Early Signs of Mental Health Issues
Before 14, over half of all mental diseases manifest their first symptoms. Not sure whether you or a loved one is dealing with mental health issues? An early indicator of a problem could be one of these mentioned feelings or actions:
- Smoking, drinking or using drugs more frequently than usual
- Yelling or fighting with family and friends
- Sleeping or eating too much or too little.
- Decreasing interest in routine activities
- Having low or no energy
- Feeling numb
- Feeling on edge, confused, worried, and angry
- Having suicidal thoughts
- Having persistent recollections and thoughts that you can’t change your situation
- Having extreme mood swings that cause issues in relationships
- Hearing voices or holding onto false beliefs.
- Contemplating harming oneself or others
- The inability to carry out regular activities like caring for your children or traveling to school or work
Mental Health Impact- Real-Life Examples
Depression and mental health issues are common among celebrities and famous sports figures as well. Yes, you read that correctly!
Celebrities can have it all: expansive mansions, big bank accounts, opulent cars, and hordes of fans. However, fame does not shield them from mental health issues. The top stars of today are openly discussing their struggles with mental illness. Their experiences and honesty in discussing their ailments encourages others to learn about the various modern therapies available today and the value of enduring support.
Mental health has become one of the hot topics in professional sports. The challenges of superstar athletes with anxiety and depression have recently been more public and outspoken.
Athletes like Michael Phelps, Simone Biles, and Naomi Osaka all battle mental health challenges despite their success, fortune, and celebrity.
Let’s take the example of Michael Phelps – an American swimmer and winner of 19 Olympic medals. He was the most celebrated Olympian in the history of sports.
His challenges with attention deficit/hyperactivity was an integral part of his life struggles.
Phelps was a hyperactive child and was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of nine. He found refuge in the swimming pool, a place to burn off excess energy. The idea of considering Olympians with ADHD role models may once have seemed odd, but Phelps turned it around through his authenticity and set an example for anyone going through personal difficulties.
Michael Phelps often shares his struggles with mental health problems with young athletes. He motivates a generation of sportspersons and athletes with different mental health issues to continue making efforts to achieve their goals.
Steps to Improve Your Mental Health
Identify the Things in Your Control
A general uncertainty or a sense of loss is one factor of stress and disturbance. In fact, what stresses us the most is a lack of understanding about the things that can actually keep us safe. Remember that you can always manage your attitude, effort, and preparation.
One of the best ways to get rid of anxiety is to learn to control your focus. Keep your focus on these critical areas instead of fearing the situation. It will help you lessen the stress and divert your attention toward solutions.
Find Ways that Make You Feel Safe Psychologically and Physically
Since you‘re responsible for your attitude and feelings, how about finding new ways to get peace of mind and help you feel safer? This is why many people adopt pets, as they help them feel secure. If buying a pet is not your favorite idea, then you should figure out what comforts you most.
You could try:
- Reading motivational stories of people who dealt with mental health problems to get a sense of hope.
- Scheduling plans for you day in advance to feel busy, stable, and grounded
- Avoiding doing things that increases stress, such as watching or reading news
- Get an app that you can practice the tools or tips to rethink what concerns you
Engage in Physical and Mental Exercises
Interestingly, many techniques exist to manage stress and improve mental health. Whenever you feel stress and anxiety overcoming you, try a mind-relaxing technique, such as physical exercise, meditation, and reading, to alleviate the mental stress. An ideal solution is something that diverts your focus from the uncontrollable and unhelpful aspects of whatever concerns you.
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If the thoughts become overwhelming, consult a mental health professional like SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or The NAMI HelpLine 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
Summing Up
Learning how to cope with anxiety and stress is vitally important to improve your mental state of mind. So hopefully the above tips can help you manage your emotions and thoughts more easily while keeping your mind stress-free.
