7 Tips to Cope with Mental Health Issues

The world we live in today is full of stressors. Even the most mentally stable folks are going to experience a crisis of some sort, such as depression and anxiety. However, there are tips on how to cope with mental health issues before they escalate and you need to see a psychiatrist.

1. Up and about

Scientific studies have shown that there is a direct link between physical exercise and mental health. Namely, when we lead an active life, our brain produces endorphin, a hormone that makes us happier.

Now, for a depressed person, it might prove a mental challenge to hit the gym three times a week but going outside for a brisk walk isn’t that hard.

After you make it a habit of walking half an hour a day, you will feel invigorated and motivated to take up more challenging psychical activities, such as weightlifting, running, or swimming.

2. Facing your fears

One of the biggest triggers of depression is facing one’s fear. People are anxious about various things, from something as benign as an escalator to more somber fears, like the fear of death. The best way to overcome fears is to have someone to talk about them.

This will set you free and you will be able to face your fears. In the long run, mental issues cause by bottling up your emotions will disappear altogether.

3. Look up, literally

We have mentioned that a 30-minute walk is enough to clear your head. However, fresh air has another benefit, as the oxygen our brain gets, the more we become alert. In this sense, installing a pergola roof in the backyard is ideal for enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon gazing at the sky.

4. Stay off alcoholic beverages

Speaking of oxygen, when we drink too much alcohol, our brain cells start to die out. This opens the avenue for depression to set in, so you might want to stay clear of beer and snaps.

This isn’t easy, as many people find refuge in drinking but heavy drinking only aggravates your mental issues, rather than alleviating them.

5. Alter your diet

There are so many factors that influence our mental health that it’s hard to list them all. Even your diet can have an impact on how you feel; after all, we are what we eat. For instance, if you are taking antidepressants, you might lose appetite.

On the other side, whenever we are feeling down, we tend to overeat, leading to obesity if the disorder becomes chronic. Instead of seeing a shrink, you might want to see a nutritionist who will help you come up with a plan for a healthy diet that will make you happier.

6. Enter a routine

How many times have you heard that a person “entered a routine” which is bad for them? Although routines aren’t positive by definition, they can help mentally strengthen people going through a rough patch.

Entering a routine gives you a sense of safety and predictability, enough for you to cope with any mental issues you might be experiencing. When we speak of a routine, we refer to going to bed at the same hour in the evening, eating at regular intervals, exercising every day, etc.

7. “Phone a friend”

If a quiz offers you to phone a friend when you don’t know something, why should you restrain from asking them for help when experiencing mental issues.

The worst thing you can do during a bout of depression is to distance yourself from friends and family. Socializing is an important factor in your mental wellbeing, so reach out to others for help.

Coping with mental issues isn’t easy but you need to persevere. A bit of sunshine and a talk with a friend are sometimes enough to lift your spirits up before somber thoughts grow into something far more sinister.