Especially over the last couple of years, mental health has become a very popular topic. While the COVID-19 pandemic brought newfound issues into households across America, people started to understand how important it is to take care of your mental health. The benefits go further than taking care of your own mind, but also allows you to better care for the people who surround you. This month we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, which has been celebrated every May in the United States since 1949.
Mental health used to be a stigma. Many people lived their lives fighting mental health struggles in the dark because nobody wanted to talk about it. As a community, we have realized how important it is to speak up, accept your struggles and work on them, while empowering others to feel that they are not alone.
According to the National Institute of Mental Illness, “Research shows that mental illnesses are common in the United States, affecting tens of millions of people each year. Estimates suggest that only half of the people with mental illnesses receive treatment.” As our country has realized more and more over the past few years, we are stronger together. We can work to see those numbers begin to change, and we want to encourage people living with mental illness to take care of their struggles by seeking help from someone they trust.
It’s safe to say that nearly everyone struggles with mental health at some point or another in their lifetime. Some of the more detrimental effects of poor mental health include fatigue, stress, lack of concentration, lack of energy, mood swings, insomnia, distraction, and more. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we highly recommend seeking out a mental health professional who can help guide you on your mental health journey. In case you need some inspiration, we wanted to share some of the benefits that you can enjoy once you start taking care of your mental health.
Reasons to Take Care of Your Mental Health
Not taking care of your mental health could lead to many problems in your personal and public life. The good thing about mental health assistance is that it is very accessible, and you are likely to be able to find a variety of places nearby that can help. With that in mind, here are the top reasons you should make taking care of your mental health a priority.
Improved Mental Health Leads to Better Physical Health
Our minds and our bodies are connected. Once you take care of your mental health, you will start to feel newfound levels of energized and motivated to take on the challenges of your everyday life. This can leak into benefits for your physical health as well such as feeling inspired to go on a walk or even sign up for a gym membership. This can lead to a decreased chance of issues such as Diabetes. According to Sorogi Health, “Diet and exercise are critical components of a successful strategy to prevent or manage diabetes and control hypertension.” So, taking control of your mental health can yield a direct impact on your physical health.
At the end of the day, there is a link between your physical and mental health, and research has proven that mental health issues can manifest as physical symptoms. As we have mentioned before, these can include insomnia, lack of energy, and even pain.
You Will Improve Your Quality of Life
People who experience mental health issues often struggle with increased levels of anxiety, stress, or even panic attacks. You can learn how to manage these issues and not let them take control of your life by seeking the help of a mental health professional.
During quarantine, many people experienced first-time mental health symptoms related to anxiety and panic attacks. This happened because the world wasn’t sure about what was going on, and our bodies can experience these symptoms when you feel like you are not in control.
With this in mind, it is essential to have the tools to be in charge and minimize these struggles as much as possible at your disposal. Once you can control your mental health struggles, you may be able to finally go out and live the best version of your life by taking advantage of different experiences.
It Creates a Sense of Community
Your journey with your mental health does not have to be something you go through alone. There are certain mental health resources that can provide you with a good support system that will motivate you every time you are struggling.
While engaging with others, you will lose that isolating feeling that could trigger additional problems and negative feelings. You will also be able to be a part of a community that takes care of you and understands the struggles you are facing.
At the end of the day, taking steps to improve your mental health is of utmost importance. It can bring you a freer and healthier life and can also help you understand that you are not alone in your struggles.
Infographic provided by MD Infusions, a Chicago ketamine clinic
