Depression and anxiety are two frequent mental health conditions that can have a substantial impact on all facets of life, including academic or professional performance, relationships with family and friends, and one’s ability to participate in community activities.
In a message for World Mental Health Day observed on Monday, October 10th, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti said that the day offered a chance to raise awareness of Africa’s heavy and expanding burden of mental health conditions, with children and adolescents being the most affected.
Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being are all parts of our mental health as they influence our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Additionally, they influence how we respond to stress, interact with others, and make decisions from childhood and adolescence through maturity, mental health is crucial at every stage of life.
In commemoration of world mental health awareness, here are six ways to keep your mental health always in check:
Keep your social media consumption in check
Of course, you need to stay informed, but excessive use of media is unlikely to make you feel well. It is also important to get your facts from established, reputable sources. Avoid sensationalist websites which tend to predict doom and gloom and incite hysteria.
Social media could be a great tool for staying connected with family and friends while restrictions are still intact. If you care about your mental health, though, set some limits on how much time you spend scrolling through your timeline on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
Stop glorifying being busy and get some sleep.
Ensure you have enough sleep to keep you healthy. Without it, not only will you feel like a groggy mess at work and in life, but your mental health will almost certainly suffer. Sleep isn’t a magic reset button for your moods, but it can make a huge difference when you’re not getting enough.
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Learn to understand yourself
Protect your mental health by seeking to understand yourself instead of getting other people to be your major source of happiness. Learn to befriend yourself and get comfortable with being friends with yourself. This is one way to protect your mental health. Placing your happiness in the hands of others will mean signing yourself up for unhappiness. Everyone has their own life to live, and in the lives of people around you and the world generally, you are not the main character. In other words, the world does not revolve around you alone.
Be friends with yourself and seek to be comfortable with yourself. Everyone has their lives to live and their problems to deal with. They cannot always be there for you.
Surround yourself with positive-minded people
People with strong family or social connections are generally healthier than those who lack a support network. Make plans with supportive family members and friends, or seek out activities where you can meet new people, such as a club, class or support group
Avoid alcohol intake and other drugs
Keep alcohol use to a minimum and avoid other drugs. Sometimes people use alcohol and other drugs to “self-medicate” but in reality, alcohol and other drugs only aggravate problems.
Seek advice from people you trust
You don’t need to reach a certain level of difficulty before treatment or medicines are necessary. Talk to someone and get help if your mood swings persist, especially if they are interfering with your everyday life. That person may be your family physician, a friend, a therapist, or even a member of your human resources team.
