It’s not Easy, But it’s a Start

Taking care of your mental health doesn’t always come naturally. Without realizing it, we can accept our reality and believe there is nothing we can do about it. The truth is, it isn’t easy but there are small little actions one can take and then maybe, over time, something makes a difference.

Mental Health Awareness Month

This month is Mental Health Awareness Month, which is a national movement dedicated to raising awareness about mental health. Central elements of this month include fighting stigma, providing support, educating the public and advocating for policies that support people with mental illnesses and their families. This year’s message is “Together for Mental Health.” Whether it’s sharing your personal stories or getting engaged on social media, getting appropriate support and quality of care to those affected by mental illness is a priority for everyone. Feeling alone and distant are often signs of someone struggling with mental health, just one story that resonates with someone can make a difference in their life.

10 Tips to Improve Your Mental Health

Many of the tips to improve mental health can be something you’ve heard before or that maybe seems obvious once said out loud, but that shouldn’t stop you or your loved ones from trying it out. Even if one thing doesn’t help, something else might.

1. Talk about your feelings – talking can sometimes feel pointless, but sometimes talking things out is what allows you to get to the root of what is troubling you.
2. Keep active – exercise can make the difference in mood, quality of sleep, and so much more.
3. Eat well – this can look vastly different for different people, but making sure you’re eating energy giving foods in a balanced way will go a long way. We often don’t even realize how what we’re eating is affecting us.
4. Drink sensibly – alcohol is a major contributor to mood changes.
5. Keep in touch – it’s important not to lose sight of those you love, whether that’s a coffee date, a virtual call, or a letter.
6. Ask for help – everybody needs help. This could be said a million times and still be true. Don’t be afraid to ask a friend or healthcare provider for help. There are a lot of resources and ways of managing mental health issues.
7. Take a break – everyone needs a break. Take a walk or go on a trip, whatever you do, just think about different things than you’re used to. Break the pattern.
8. Do something you’re good at – this can be so helpful to remind you of the things you’re talented in or skilled at or just love. Whether this is ping pong, cooking, or gardening. Everyone has something they’re good at. Feel free to ask friends and family to brainstorm with you.
9. Accept who you are – this is a tough one and there are a lot of ways to get to this, but don’t compare yourself to others and instead focus on what you can contribute, on what brings you joy.
10. Care for others – this can such a boost to feel useful to someone other than yourself, to remember and reflect on all the other humans out there living their lives just as you are. Caring for others will only bring you closer to your loved ones. It’s the people around us that sustain us.

Here at Freedom Home Care, our certified caregivers are trained to keep an eye out for mental health issues and are happy to help with any of the above efforts to improve your mental health. Whether you are receiving or interested in in-home care, personalized elder care, Alzheimer’s care, or something else, it’s important to know that your mental health will be a priority.