![]() We're not meant to survive, let alone thrive, in isolation. Humans are social creatures with emotional needs for relationships and positive connections to others. No matter how much time you devote to improving your mental and emotional health, you will still need the company of others to feel and function at your best. And you can start today! Make social connection a priority-especially face-to-face The truth is that, whatever your issues, there are steps you can take to improve the way you feel and experience greater mental and emotional well-being. Many people think that if they do seek help for mental and emotional problems, the only treatment options available are medication (which comes with unwanted side effects) or therapy (which can be lengthy and expensive). Or to boost our mood and ease depression, we'd rather pop a pill rather tackle the underlying issues. We look for connection with others by compulsively checking social media instead of reaching out to people in the real world, for example. In our fast-paced world, we're obsessed with seeking quick, simple answers to complex problems. Some people mistakenly see mental health problems as something we should know how to “snap out of.” Men, especially, would often rather bottle up their feelings than seek help. They're seen as a sign of weakness or somehow as being our own fault. In some societies, mental and emotional issues are seen as less legitimate than physical issues. This can stem from a variety of reasons, including: Why we often neglect our mental health needsĮven in today’s advanced world, many of us are often reluctant-or unable-to address our mental health needs. We have to work harder these days to ensure strong mental health, simply because there are so many ways that life takes a toll on our emotional well-being. But just as it requires effort to build and maintain physical health, so it is with mental health. ![]() There are practices you can adopt to elevate your mood, become more resilient, and enjoy life more. The good news is: you don't have to feel bad. Or we simply give up-telling ourselves this is “just the way we are.” We hope that our situation will eventually improve on its own. We bottle up our problems in the hope that others won't notice. We ignore the emotional messages that tell us something is wrong and try toughing it out by distracting ourselves or self-medicating with alcohol, drugs, or self-destructive behaviors. Yet, despite how common mental health problems are, many of us make no effort to improve our situation. This year alone, about one in five of us will suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder. Even when they don't immediately know how a problem will get resolved, they are hopeful that a solution will eventually be found.Īffiliate Disclosure How to boost your mental healthĪnyone can suffer from mental or emotional health problems-and over a lifetime most of us will. Their resilience also makes them less afraid of new experiences or an uncertain future. They remain focused, flexible, and productive, in bad times as well as good. People who are emotionally and mentally resilient have the tools for coping with difficult situations and maintaining a positive outlook. But just as physically healthy people are better able to bounce back from illness or injury, people with strong mental health are better able to bounce back from adversity, trauma, and stress. And while these are normal parts of life, they can still cause sadness, anxiety, and stress. We all go through disappointments, loss, and change. Having solid mental health doesn't mean that you never go through bad times or experience emotional problems. The relationship between resilience and mental health Whether you’re looking to cope with a specific mental health problem, handle your emotions better, or simply to feel more positive and energetic, there are plenty of ways to take control of your mental health-starting today. The ability to build and maintain fulfilling relationships.A balance between work and play, rest and activity, etc.The flexibility to learn new skills and adapt to change.A sense of meaning and purpose, in both their activities and their relationships.The ability to deal with stress and bounce back from adversity.A zest for living and the ability to laugh and have fun.Rather than the absence of mental illness, mental health refers to the presence of positive characteristics. Being mentally or emotionally healthy is much more than being free of depression, anxiety, or other psychological issues. Strong mental health isn’t just the absence of mental health problems. It also affects your ability to cope with stress, overcome challenges, build relationships, and recover from life’s setbacks and hardships. Your mental health influences how you think, feel, and behave in daily life.
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