Mental Health includes ones emotional, psychological, and social well-being and affects how we think, feel and act. (1) Many things can affect our mental health, such as biological factors, positive or negative life experiences, and the stressors of everyday life. Are you experiencing any of these early warning signs of excessive stress that may be negatively impacting your mental health? And, how can you maintain positive mental health?
Early Warning Signs
· Eating or sleeping too much or too little
· Less engagement in usual activities or social interaction
· Having low or no energy
· Feeling numb or like nothing matters
· Having unexplained aches and paints
· Feeling helpless or hopeless
· Smoking, drinking, or using drugs (illegal or legal) more than usual
· Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, angry, upset, worried, or scared
· Yelling or fighting
· Severe mood swings
· Persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head
· Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
· Thinking of harming yourself or others
· Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of pets, kids, or getting to school or work
Ways to Maintain Positive Mental Health
· Get professional help*
· Connect socially with others
· Try and maintain a positive attitude
· Increase your physical activity
· Find ways to help others
· Make sure you are getting enough sleep
· Make sure you are eating correctly
· Develop coping skills
*Getting Professional Help may sound scary and expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Some insurances will pay for at least a portion of therapy for mental health and some therapists operate on a sliding scale basis to make sure that their clients are getting the help they need on a budget that ensures they can continue getting help. Other clinics offer free or very low-cost services by utilizing skilled students who need patient experience before obtaining their license. Local Support groups may also be an effective way of getting help. And there are many apps that offer low-cost options as well; and studies have found that online therapy may be just as helpful as meeting in-person. (2)
If you’re interested in finding an online therapist or App to help with your mental health, visit the links below to find the right one for you:
· Very Well Mind. The 7 Best Mental Health Apps of 2020. (2020). https://www.verywellmind.com/best-mental-health-apps-4692902
· Good Housekeeping. 5 Best Therapy Apps for Mental Health, According to Our Experts. (2020). https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/g31916335/best-therapy-apps/
· PSYCOM. Top 25 Mental Health Apps: An Effective Alternative for When You Can’t Afford Therapy? (2020). https://www.psycom.net/25-best-mental-health-apps
Sources
1 MentalHealth.gov. What Is Mental Health? (2020). https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health
2 HealthLine. Therapy for Every Budget: How to Access It. (2020.) healthline.com/health/therapy-for-every-budget
