Prioritizing Mental Health: A Vital Component of Well-Being
Mental health is finally receiving the attention it deserves as more people recognize its essential role in overall wellness. According to many mental healthcare professionals, this focus is long overdue. For far too long, there has been a stigma around the topic of mental health (also referred to by many healthcare professionals as brain health). This stigma has prevented many adults from seeking the mental healthcare they need for themselves or their loved ones. Fortunately, that hesitation is changing for the better.
© 2017 The National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine. www.nicabm.com
The Link Between Mental and Physical Health
Medical research continues to highlight the inextricable connection between mental and physical health. Just like any other organ in the body, the brain is vulnerable to illness. Stress, isolation, fear, disorientation, and an overload of negative news or social media can all affect your brain health, just as a poor diet can affect your heart health. Your brain, like any other organ, needs care when it is unwell. Seeking proper medical care and therapies when your mental health is suffering is as critical as seeing a doctor for a physical injury.
Your brain is the powerhouse of your body. It drives your other organ systems and controls your moods, emotions, behaviors, decision-making, and more. Good healthcare does not separate your mind from your body. Committed healthcare providers strive to eliminate any fear, shame, or misconceptions that may prevent patients from seeking mental health care. They encourage everyone to prioritize mental health just as they would their physical health.
Seeking Support for Mental Health Concerns
If you are experiencing a mental health concern—such as anxiety, depression, an eating disorder, trauma-related illness, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance-related issues, or any other brain illness—it is important to contact your primary care provider for help promptly. They can discuss helpful therapies and medications and may refer you to therapists or other specialists who will become part of your healthcare team.
Many types of healthcare providers specialize in mental health and brain illness, including psychotherapists, psychiatrists, master-level counselors, and social workers. There are many effective therapies and medicines available for addressing mental illness. Talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and exposure therapies are some effective forms of treatment. Medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs can also positively impact brain chemistry. Taking action early can help prevent symptoms from worsening or becoming debilitating.
Strengthening Your Mental Health: Tips for Daily Wellness
While professional care is essential, there are additional steps you can take to support and strengthen your mental health:
- Exercise regularly. Physical activity benefits not only your muscles, ligaments, and organs but also your brain. Increased blood flow during exercise supports brain cell health. Research indicates that people who exercise regularly have better mood control and a lower risk of anxiety, depression, and developing memory loss or dementia. Aim for 30-60 minutes of moderate activity, such as walking, swimming, or biking, several times a week.
- Get plenty of sleep. Sleep is vital for brain health. It plays a role in clearing abnormal proteins from the brain and consolidating memories, which boosts overall memory and brain health. Strive for 7-8 hours of consecutive sleep each night.
- Follow a brain-healthy diet. Nutrition significantly impacts mental health. Research shows that avoiding foods that are highly processed and full of sugar helps the gut and brain stay strong and can have a positive impact on your mood and overall brain function.
- Stay socially connected. Meaningful social interactions help ward off stress, depression, and loneliness. Stay connected with loved ones, friends, and those who share your interests, especially if you live alone. If meeting in person isn’t feasible, use video calls or messaging apps to share photos, music, art, pets, plants, films, and other things that make you happy and help keep in touch.
- Practice positivity and gratitude. Cultivating a positive outlook takes practice but can significantly improve mental well-being. Keep a gratitude journal, reach out to someone with a caring gesture, or spend time in nature to boost your mood and perspective.
- Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. When dealing with mental health challenges, it’s best to avoid substances that can worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Join a support group. Connecting with others facing similar challenges can be beneficial. Support groups provide community, shared experiences, and encouragement. Ask your therapist or healthcare provider for recommendations.
Take Charge of Your Mental Health
Prioritizing your mental health is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Seeking help, making healthy lifestyle choices, and practicing self-care will strengthen your overall well-being. Remember, mental health is health. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support when you need it. If you are experiencing a mental health illness or know a loved one who is, read our website pages on Mental Health and take action today.
Catawba Valley Healthcare offers a wide range of mental health services. Our team of professionals includes Primary Care providers, MD-Psychiatrists, Masters’ Level Psychologists, Licensed Behavioral Health Therapists, Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialists (LCAS), Registered Nurses, Physician Extenders, and Licensed Clinical Social Workers. We take a whole person, comprehensive, integrated approach to health care. We know how critical mental health is.
Call us today at Catawba Valley Healthcare at (828) 695-5900.