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World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day – How To Ensure Better Mental Health

Over the past few years, mental health has become less of a taboo topic and several discussions have been initiated on global forums regarding mental health awareness. These initiatives are aimed at spreading the message that anyone can fall prey to a mental disease and it is not something to be ashamed of, in fact, it is something to speak up about so that you may get the support and treatment that you need. Just like a physical illness, mental diseases can affect anybody and can strike at any time. However, there are certain factors that can increase your risk of falling prey to a mental illness and there are also certain ways to reduce this risk. This World Mental Health Day, let us take a look at how we can ensure better mental health for ourselves in today’s stressful times.

Causes of Mental Health Issues:

• Stress – Stress of any form can be a major contributing factor towards the development of mental health issues. Most jobs these days do not offer a healthy work-life balance and the pressure of looming deadlines along with the competitive environment at the workplace can take a toll on the brain. Add to this the stress related to personal issues and family life and you may become more prone to falling prey to a mental illness. 

• Lifestyle – The 21^st-century lifestyle is all about being on your toes constantly. While you struggle to juggle your work and personal life, chances are that you are developing bad food habits and depending more and more on junk food for your sustenance. If you are staying away from your family because of work then you may be struck by extreme loneliness while you continue to put up a facade of a wonderful life on social media. The “fear of missing out” can lead to sleepless nights as you try to keep up with the fast pace of the world around you. This unhealthy lifestyle can put a lot of stress on the mind and body and can eventually lead to mental health issues. 

• Hereditary – Certain mental health issues are hereditary and you may be at a higher risk if someone in your family is suffering from the same. While you cannot do much about the genetic likelihood of poor mental health, you can reduce the risk by paying extra attention to stress management and taking regular breaks to unwind and destress.

Tips To Improve Mental Health:

• Meaningful Relationships – Regardless of how busy your schedule is, you need to spend some time with your loved ones so as to enjoy some stress-free moments. Spending quality time with your friends and family can eliminate stress and loneliness quite effectively. Invest in meaningful relationships with people that make you feel more positive while keeping you grounded. 

• Regular Exercise – If you are suffering from too much stress, you may feel the lack of energy in your body. Defeat this weakness with regular physical exercise because exercise is an amazing stress buster. Daily exercise will boost your metabolism and mood and will divert your attention from negative thoughts. 

• Proper Diet – Consuming food that is high in fat and sugar may seem to lift your mood instantly but in the long run, it can be the recipe for mental health issues. Maintain a well-balanced diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables because your brain needs nutrition to function optimally. 

• Connecting With Nature – Your mind needs a digital detox from time to time so try to spend at least one day a week away from technology. Constantly checking your emails and social media can lead to a lot of stress. Use this time to connect with nature instead. Some fresh air, sunshine, and soothing greenery can be extremely therapeutic for your brain. 

On October 10^th, people around the globe will join hands with WHO to observe the World Mental Health Day by contributing towards mental health awareness. On this occasion, you too should reflect on the above points to help yourself and those around you by preventing mental illnesses from taking charge of your lives.

Tags: Get Help for Depression, Lifestyle Changes, Stress, Work Life Balance, World Mental Health Day