Mental health issues have received a lot of attention in recent years, but the scope of the global mental health crisis may be even greater than people realize. A recent study jointly published by researchers from Harvard Medical School and the University of Queensland, published in the Lancet Psychiatry in autumn 2023, found that one in two people worldwide will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. It is concluded that the disease occurs.
As a result, mental health disorders are more common than cancer, heart disease, and other physical illnesses, which tend to receive more attention than mental health issues.
People with mental health issues are encouraged to consult a medical professional who specializes in such areas. Mental health issues may not manifest themselves as symptoms such as a broken bone that common sense would suggest requires the assistance of a qualified medical professional, but problems that affect the mind and a person’s outlook can be That doesn’t mean you don’t need help from someone trained to deal with it. Just as seeing a medical professional can heal a broken bone, people facing mental health issues can benefit from working with a mental health professional.
A 2021 study from the UK-based Mental Health Foundation published in the American Journal of Health Promotion found 29 strategies people can adopt to protect their mental health. The study considered mental health research and the opinions of mental health professionals, but also opinions from the public about how to deal with mental health issues. It is important for those dealing with mental health issues not to confuse these strategies with therapy. Although they can help protect your mental health, they should be viewed as a supplement to treatment supervised by a qualified mental health professional. An overview of the 29 strategies can be found at mentalhealth.org.uk, but below are his three recommendations that anyone can apply in their daily lives.
1. Spend more time in nature.
The calming effects of nature have been noted for centuries, if not more. The American Psychological Association points out that spending time in nature benefits both a person’s physical and psychological well-being. Perhaps that’s one reason why MHF study participants reported preferring walks in nature as a way to cope with the stress of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.
The Japanese practice of forest bathing is known for its positive effects on mental health, but even those who don’t have ready access to forest areas can benefit from just spending more time outdoors each day. You need to know that you can give.
2. Avoid using drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.
The MHF points out that the relief provided by drugs and alcohol is temporary and may even worsen existing mental health problems. According to a report from the American Addiction Center, coping mechanisms are obsessions and habits that form over time that help people cope with certain situations or problems, including stress. However, the AAC also notes that not all coping mechanisms are beneficial and that some, including drug and alcohol use, are maladaptive and destructive. Try not to consider drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism, especially after a stressful day or when you’re experiencing anxiety or depression.
3. Get enough sleep.
The MHF notes that adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. Some people may think that spending more than seven hours a night is a luxury, but it’s important to change that perspective. Columbia University’s Department of Psychiatry points out that there is now solid evidence supporting the link between sleep and mental health. Insufficient or sleep-deprived sleep has been shown to increase negative emotional responses to stressors. Perhaps even more remarkable is that sleep deprivation or sleep deprivation reduces positive emotions. Therefore, it is important to recognize the important role that adequate and quality sleep has on mental health.
These are just a few examples of approaches that individuals can take to improve their daily mental health.
