Before
we start, here’s wishing everyone a happy “mentally healthy” new year!!
Resolution
– a commonly heard word around the new year time, also that vanishes off
immediately!
We all
take resolutions... as a ritual right after the holidays pass, to lose weight,
to develop healthier eating habits, etc., But how many of us take resolutions
that keeps our mental health in check???
Mental health is the foundation for our emotional and social well-being. A small change in this can have severe consequences in major aspects of day-to-day life. Intentionally prioritizing mental health will help reduce anxiety, boost anxiety, and aid in connecting deeply with others.
In the
past few years, there has been an emerging awareness concerning mental well-being.
Though we’ve come a long way in terms of addressing health issues, we still
have a long road ahead of us, at making things right! There have been several
steps undertaken that have helped tremendously in reducing the “stigma”
surrounding mental health issues, and yet, it still remains a pressing and concerning topic.
With
the start of the new year 2023, let’s take this opportunity to reflect and plan on
the simple daily goals that are to be set for the year ahead. And let these
well-being trends aid all of us in shaping our attitudes and habits.
Here, we present with you the habits and trends, to keep your mental health at its best, the best resolution that one can take for yourself in this new year to build psychological resilience!
A powerful and underrated tool, that immensely helps in coping with mental health issues by channeling our thoughts and emotions. Many start the practice of journaling, though may not continue throughout. There is no right or wrong way of journaling and spending 15 minutes each day to pen it down is more than enough to start with. This way we can keep track of the growth and progress throughout the year.
If there’s one trend to look forward to in 2023 for mental well-being,
then it is “sense hacking” - which is all about using our senses (touch, smell,
taste, sound, and sight) in improving our mood. Nothing but hacking our senses to keep ourselves happier and more productive. A simple example that can explain
this effectively: the use of candles, diffusers to help in fall asleep, having a favorite food to lift our spirits up when feeling low etc.,
Termed as “ECOTHERAPY”, stands for practicing activities involving nature and wilderness. Man! The calm and benefits that this brings in is surplus. Be it hiking, walking on a street lined with trees, rafting or gardening has enormous mental health benefits.
The past few months saw the tending habit of many people going
“unplugged”. A term used to indicate that they’re taking a break from all types
of social platforms for a while. From us controlling mobile phones to mobile
phones keeping us controlled, it has been a very short road. Researchers have
found that the usage of social media for many people has resulted in addiction,
loneliness, depression and not to forget about physical damage as well!
Pre-pandemic era, we used to stretch ourselves out in the name of work.
A hectic hustled life, that we had worshipped religiously, leaving no room for
“self-care”! So it’s high time we started maintaining a healthy work-life
balance, prioritizing self-care and being completely okay, in fact more than
okay by doing less work and focusing more on ourselves. Balance is obviously
the key!
Understanding your body is the first and most important step towards
relief. Our body tries to indicate in different ways that, we need to stop
burning ourselves out and to take things slow. Fatigue, changes in appetite,
stomach, headaches, burnouts, etc, though burnout may not be a medically
diagnosed condition, it is not something to be neglected. With burnout, one may
feel cynic, too exhausted with relentless tasks at work and little or no energy
for hobbies etc.,
With this on the one hand, on the other we have depression! Depression- a medically diagnosed condition, pushes one to the extreme of isolating and neglecting physical health and hygiene. Though it is challenging to distinguish between depression and burnout, both leads to insomnia and difficulties in focusing. It takes more than cups of coffee and bubble baths to overcome, seeking help from mental health experts is advised.
It can be so blank at times to not know what to do or where to start when one’s plate is fully loaded! Task paralysis is what this is referred to
as. Planning, organizing, and scheduling things prior can prevent your feeling
too overwhelmed about the tasks, incompetence, and frustration.
And the best way to unwind yourself!!! Traveling around has been shown to
have amazing benefits in keeping mental health issues at bay. Taking occasional
breaks from work can be one of the best ways to destress.
Yes, quitting smoking, having a balanced meal, limiting consumption of
alcohol, and sugary carbonated beverages, workouts or yoga, and stretching often during
work are definitely to be incorporated, not only for mental well-being but also
as it greatly benefits in maintaining a good healthcare routine.
Every one of us would have had hobbies or some activity that we would’ve
been passionate about. Making time for hobbies can be rewarding and fun as
well, it can reduce stress, and boost creativity and mental wellbeing. Some hobbies
can keep us on the move, which will support our mental and physical health.
The main trend to look out for in 2023, concerning mental health issues
would be – individualized care, easy access to support resources and
treatment, and major awareness in mainstream media! And luckily,
we’ve been witnessing promising progress over the past year, which only excites
us to know what’s in store for 2023.
Apart from these tips, one can only figure out what helps the most- a piping hot chocolate with pastry and their favorite pet alongside, a stroll along beach road with loved one, just some calming melodious music with an amazing coffee brewing in one corner!
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by extreme mood swings, ranging from manic highs to depressive lows. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and available treatments is crucial for those affected by this condition.
The symptoms of bipolar disorder are the dramatic shifts in mood and energy levels. During manic episodes, individuals may experience:
On the other hand, depressive episodes are marked by:
The severity and duration of these mood episodes can vary greatly from person to person, and the patterns can be unpredictable.
The exact causes of bipolar disorder are not fully understood, but research suggests that it is a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Some of the potential factors that may contribute to the development of bipolar disorder include:
It is important to note that bipolar disorder is a complex condition, and the interplay of these factors can vary from person to person.
Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for bipolar disorder. The primary approach typically involves a combination of:
It is crucial for individuals with bipolar disorder to consult a psychiatrist and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs and symptoms.
If you or someone you know is struggling with bipolar disorder, remember that you are not alone. With the right support and treatment, it is possible to manage the condition and live a fulfilling life.
In recent years, mental health has emerged as a major worry for many people. Ever wondered why? The reasons may differ, and the list continues, such as personal relationships, work-related concerns, and financial restraints. So, to highlight the importance of mental health, World Mental Health Day is marked every year on October 10th. This year's theme centers on our mental health at work. Problems are inevitable in everyone's lives, especially in our workplace, and might have an impact on their mental health. Everything depends on how we handle it, and in this article, we have provided you with three random activities to increase your mindfulness and maintain a pleasant mental wellbeing.
The theme for this year, "Mental Health at Work," emphasizes the vital connection between mental health and our workplaces. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that safe, healthy working settings can safeguard mental health, but unhealthy surroundings, such as stigma, discrimination, and poor working conditions, can pose serious hazards.
WHO reports that since 60% of the total world’s population is at work, urgent action is required to support mental health at work. And that includes, involving workers, employers, and everyone at work have knowledge about mental health conditions in the course of decisions.
Now, let us explore the three random, simple, and effective exercises that can be integrated into your daily routine to help improve your mental well-being and potentially contribute to a healthy working environment and lifestyle.
This mindfulness exercise helps you to focus yourself on the present moment by involving all your senses: Sight, smell, sound, taste, and touch. This aids in stress relief, improved focus, and improved emotional regulation.
How to do it:
By incorporating this technique into your daily routine, it can help calm your nervous system, offer support to those with PTSD, help ease social anxiety, and assist with grounding.
A routine activity that can transform into a mindfulness exercise is Mindful Walking. It offers numerous benefits like reducing blood pressure, providing better sleep, managing stress, and so on.
How to do it:
This way of practicing our routine activity helps to improve our mindfulness and is beneficial for both physical and mental health.
This exercise can help release tension that you may not be realizing, and also promote awareness of physical sensations.
How to do it:
Regular practice of the body scan can improve your ability to recognize and release physical tension, leading to better overall relaxation and stress management.
As we celebrate World Mental Health Day 2024, remember that mindfulness is a skill that improves with practice. Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine, both at work and in your personal life, can significantly enhance your mental well-being. While these mindfulness exercises can be powerful tools for maintaining mental health, it is important to recognize when you might need additional support. Consider consulting with a mental wellness therapist online for personalized guidance and strategies tailored to your specific needs. Start small, be patient with yourself, and gradually build your mindfulness muscles. By investing in your mental health, you contribute to a healthier future for yourself and potentially a more positive work environment for all.
In today's fast-paced world, navigating the challenges of work, relationships, and daily responsibilities can leave us feeling overwhelmed and stressed. However, taking proactive steps to nurture your mental well-being can make a significant difference in your overall quality of life. In this blog, we'll explore five effective ways to improve your mental health, providing you with practical tips and insights to help you lead a happier, healthier life. Whether you're dealing with chronic stress, anxiety, or just looking to boost your mood, these five simple yet powerful ways can help with your journey to better mental health.
Sleep is the unsung hero of mental health, and during those precious hours of sleep, our brain absorbs emotions, consolidates memories, and replenishes for the coming day. To maximize the benefits of sleep, maintain a consistent sleep schedule, including weekends. Create a peaceful evening ritual that includes a warm bath, light reading, and gentle stretches. Keep the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime, and minimize caffeine and alcohol consumption, particularly in the evening. Aim for 7-9 hours of good sleep per night. If you are constantly unable to sleep, consult a healthcare professional to rule out underlying disorders such as sleep apnea and insomnia.
Exercise isn't just for physical fitness; it is also a powerful mood booster and stress reliever. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, improve cognitive function, enhance sleep quality, and boost energy levels. And the good news is that you do not have to become a fitness freak to gain these benefits. Begin with activities you enjoy, like
Aim to complete at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Remember that consistency trumps intensity when it comes to mental health benefits.
Having meaningful interactions is essential for maintaining mental wellness. To develop your social relationships, connect with friends and family on a regular basis, even if it is just a quick text or phone call. Join clubs or groups that interest you, volunteer in your community, or try therapy or support groups if you're having trouble connecting. Remember, quality is more important than quantity. So, concentrate on making a few deep, meaningful connections rather than maintaining a large social network.
Gratitude is more than just a buzzword; it is an effective technique for shifting the way you feel. Regular gratitude practice can lead to increased happiness, reduced symptoms of depression, improved sleep quality, and increased resilience to stress.
Make gratitude a daily habit:
Gratitude is not about disregarding life's difficulties; it is about finding balance and perspective in both the good and the bad.
Research shows that learning new skills can help your psychological well-being by boosting self-confidence and self-esteem, developing a feeling of purpose, and helping to connect with others.
Even if you think you don't have enough time or don't need to learn new things, there are numerous ways to incorporate learning into your life. You could try some of the following like:
Here are some signs that might indicate it is time to consider therapy:
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms consistently, it might be beneficial to consult a mental wellness therapist. They can provide specialized support tailored to your unique needs, helping you navigate challenges and work towards improved mental well-being.
Seeking professional help has never been more convenient. At HealthSy, we have simplified the process of connecting with mental health experts. Our platform allows you to browse and select a mental wellness therapist that best suits your needs and preferences. The best part? You can access high-quality mental health support without leaving your home.
Whether you are dealing with stress, anxiety, or just need someone to talk to, HealthSy makes it easy to get the support you deserve. Take control of your mental well-being today – book a session with a qualified mental wellness therapist and start your journey towards a healthier mind, all from the comfort and privacy of your own space.
Eating disorders can affect people at any stage of
their lives. Individuals undergoing emotional distress may unknowingly develop
unhealthy eating habits, resulting in negative impacts on their overall
well-being. The prevalence of eating disorders has substantially increased on a
global scale, from 3.4% to 7.8%. Therefore, it is essential to address this
issue early to help individuals recognize the signs and symptoms that can
impact their overall health.
An eating disorder is a mental health issue defined by
abnormal eating behavior that affects individuals' physical and mental health.
It can be treatable, but if left untreated, the eating disorder may lead to
serious complications.
The development of an eating disorder can be
influenced by various factors, such as
Understanding eating disorders is crucial for
providing the right support to those affected. These disorders come in various
forms, each unique to the individual experiencing them. Here are some common
eating disorders:
Individuals with this eating disorder have a fear of
gaining weight; they constantly strive to become extremely thin. Thus, they
will severely restrict their food intake and exercise excessively. Common
symptoms of anorexia nervosa include:
Bulimia Nervosa, also known as bulimia, is a disorder
in which a person engages in episodes of binging, during which one eats a large
amount of food and then purges (self-induced vomiting or exercising excessively
to get rid of the extra calories). It typically begins in late teens or early
adulthood. Symptoms include:
Binge eating is more like Bulimia. Typically,
individuals with binge eating disorder consume large amounts of food
frequently, but they do not attempt to purge the calories afterward. Instead,
they often experience discomfort and may struggle with feelings of shame,
regret, guilt, or depression. Symptoms of binge eating disorder include:
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, also known
as ARFID, is a condition where individuals avoid certain foods or have severely
restricted eating habits. ARFID can occur in people of any age, and the
symptoms can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include:
Pica is a condition in which some people have cravings
for non-food items, which include paper, soap, paint, chalk, or ice. It affects
people of all genders and ages; however, it is most commonly seen in pregnant
women, children, and people who have developmental disabilities such as autism.
Untreated Pica can result in serious health consequences, including infections,
choking, and intestinal blockages.
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa,
and binge eating disorders, can pose significant threats to one's physical
health. These may include:
Individuals experiencing eating issues should seek
help and support from professionals. Ignoring the issue can lead to serious
consequences.
Every individual with an eating
disorder requires a personalized and tailored care plan. The treatment plan may
sometimes involve a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Finding the
right healthcare professional is crucial to ensure that the treatment plan is
effective and addresses the specific needs of the individual.
Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that affects an individual’s life as well as the lives of people around them. This severity comes from the fact that it is chronic and can't be completely cured, but worry not, it can be treated using various medications that are available to alleviate its severity.
Generally, people with schizophrenia will incur delusions and
hallucinations, disconnecting from reality. This illness has the potential to affect
how a person thinks, feels, and acts, which is why it requires immediate and
effective medical attention from a psychiatrist or a psychologist.
Now, in
this article let us get to know about schizophrenia symptoms in detail so
that it can be diagnosed and treated at the earliest.
Keep
reading!
Many people
with schizophrenia don't realize they have it as the symptoms differ from
person to person and usually, it starts showing up in early adulthood. These
symptoms might be more intense at first but often become less severe as the
person gets older.
Now, let's
look at some of the symptoms of schizophrenia in more detail.
Categories
of Schizophrenia
The two
categories of schizophrenia include the following:
Positive Schizophrenia
symptoms are the unusual symptoms that arise when a person gets strange
feelings and thoughts. These are commonly called psychotic symptoms.
Experiencing these symptoms is the most common part of schizophrenia.
Negative Schizophrenia
symptoms include the lack of absence in the feelings that affect the normal
functioning in people. For instance, an individual might lose interest in being
active or appear to avoid expressing their emotions. The list below
shows some cases of negative symptoms:
Delusions
are false beliefs that a person firmly holds onto despite evidence to the
contrary. These beliefs are often irrational and can't be explained by cultural
or religious norms. Delusions can take various forms, such as paranoid
delusions (believing someone is out to harm them), grandiose delusions
(believing they have exceptional abilities or importance), or somatic delusions
(believing their body is diseased or altered).
This typical
schizophrenia symptom can bring problems in a person’s relationships, work life,
family, etc., and must be treated effectively to avoid any critical circumstances.
A
hallucination is a sensory perception that seems real but is created by the
mind rather than by external stimuli. Furthermore, individuals experiencing
this schizophrenia symptom often find it more disturbing and
irritable affecting their daily lives. There are various methods of
experiencing hallucinations that occur in any of the five senses—sight,
hearing, taste, touch, or smell, but hearing voices is found to be the most
prevalent one for many individuals.
A person
may speak and think unusually, bouncing from one topic to another. As a result,
it could be challenging for others to understand what the
affected person is saying. There may also be issues with memory and the
ability to comprehend and use knowledge.
This could
show up in a lot of different ways, from acting like a child or being irritable
all the time. Things are hard to do when behavior isn't aimed at a goal.
Behaviors can include - not following directions, having the wrong or strangest
posture, not responding at all, or moving around a lot for no reason.
Because of
all these Schizophrenia symptoms, you may:
For schizophrenia, it's important to consult a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist, who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders.
Summing Up
If you're
concerned that someone you love or know might have schizophrenia symptoms, you
should communicate with that person about it. You can't compel someone to get
professional help, but you can support and help them to do so
by finding or suggesting to consult with a doctor immediately.
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