Let's Talk About Mental Health and How to Maintain It

There used to be a real stigma about people who suffer in some way with their mental health. Fortunately, more and more information has become available and there has been a much greater understanding of such things as bereavement, PTSD and addiction. When someone discovers that one in four people experience some form of mental issue during their life, they won't feel so alone or so unique.

There are many strategies and tools to help people who find themselves in a depression or the aftermath of divorce. What is equally important to know is that there are ways for everyone to maintain their mental health, and that's what this article is all about.

Both family and friends may be a major support when times are hard. Sometimes more specialised assistance is needed, however. Therapists gain valuable experience and training in many aspects of mental health. When reading about a therapist in Austin, it was beneficial to read that they said it's not just about helping people who are stuck in depression, stress or difficult relationships. It's also about helping them gain tools so they can overcome the issues long term. In addition to having recovery plans, therapists can harness strategies to stay well mentally for the rest of their lives.

Many people experience low self-esteem through their upbringing, or the words and actions of others. Sometimes the voices in our head that say we are insignificant or unable to achieve anything are the voices of others. By observing our self-talk and identifying its source, it is possible to create a new script. We are more likely to believe what we hear than what we simply read or think. Some people stick daily confessions on their bathroom mirror to read aloud. There could be sentences like: 'I am loved'. 'There is always a solution'. 'I am an achiever'. It's well worth creating confessions that are tailored to our particular needs.

Binge eating and unwise snacking is bad for us. If we eat too much, we will feel overweight and our self-esteem will take a knock. It's important to create a healthy and realistic image of how we want to be.

Alcohol intake should either be highly disciplined or phased out. It is a depressant, and people with addictive personalities or problems often get snared by it.

The experts advise we should have exercise four or five times a week. It should be rigorous enough to get our hearts racing. It's important to seek medical advice first because no one should go from daily inactivity to a demanding exercise routine overnight.

The benefits of exercise are many. It's not just our physical health that will improve. Our concentration levels will increase. Endorphins and other body chemicals are released each time we exercise, and they are like 'happy pills' - a natural way to feel well and content.

If our bodies are fit, our reactions to stress become less dramatic. Even PTSD sufferers have found that active mindfulness whilst exercising can help with their tendency to overreact in certain circumstances.

Mindfulness practices have become more and more popular. That's because it is a form of meditation (not necessarily a religious practice) that helps benefit our thinking and relaxation. When we stop the mind-chatter and self-talk, we can feel more peaceful. The goal is to be mindful of our bodies and present in the moment.

Mindfulness is not just a pleasant experience while it is being practiced. It also helps us be more calm and focused once we have finished.

Most people require 7 to 8 hours' sleep a night. We will feel better if we have disciplined times when we go to bed and when we get up. If someone is sleep deprived, their patience levels can be reduced and they can struggle to perform their daily tasks.

Late night television is not beneficial. There are new temptations to avoid these days, such as the modern phenomena of binge watching television programs on such platforms as Netflix.

These days it can be quite a juggle as more and more parents are having to work and put their young children in child care. There are so many hats to put on during the day, it can be really stressful.

It is vital that people regularly stand back from their lives and observe how many hours are spent at work, and how many at home. Relationships with children, partners and friends can all suffer when things get out of balance.

When we are positive about our identities and disciplined with our food, drink and exercise, we will feel better. Having regular sleep and mindfulness practices will also aid our mental health. Once our home-work life is in balance too, things will get easier. If we still struggle over certain issues, there is no shame in receiving professional help for our everyday lives. When everything comes together, we have the perfect prescription for experiencing great mental health.