5 Steps To Take If You're Struggling With Your Mental Health

Ups and downs are a part of life. Some days are a breeze, while others feel more like marathons. But what happens when you feel so overwhelmed that you can barely get out of bed because of mental health struggles? In that case, taking proactive steps right away can help you improve your situation.

Unfortunately, many of the estimated 22.8% of American adults who have mental health issues don’t take measures to help themselves. Understandably, some are afraid to talk about their conditions, mainly due to pervasive stigmatization of mental health disorders. As a result, around 50% of individuals facing mental illnesses never seek care or solutions.

The good news is that it’s possible to break free from a debilitating mental health condition. Even if you’ve been battling mental health problems for years, you can get the upper hand. All it takes is a willingness to follow a few strategies.

1. Acknowledge Your Reality

It can be very difficult to admit that your mental health is more than you can cope with alone. As noted in a recent study, 26% of people don’t address their mental health because they believe they can control it themselves. Another 20% think they can’t afford to set aside time to deal with mental health concerns.

These responses show a persistent willingness among some individuals to minimize the importance of addressing their mental health. However, acknowledging that your mental health could use a boost can allow you to accept that you deserve to feel better. At that point, you can start to look for support and assistance.

2. Seek Out Top-Notch Care

Many providers are working within the healthcare marketplace that claim to offer superior care for patients with mental health disorders. Before choosing an inpatient or outpatient facility, do a little homework on the organization. After all, you want to make sure that you’re getting diagnosed and treated by respected experts whose programs and methodologies are backed by the latest data.

For instance, you could look for an entity that’s recognized by a respected (and objective) third party, such as one that’s Joint Commission Accredited, like Pathways Real Life Recovery. Knowing that Pathways has gone through the complex process of receiving Joint Commission Accreditation ensures clients that they’re getting the highest quality mental health treatment. That way, you can enter into treatment with the sense of relief that comes with knowing you’re surrounded by people who have your best interests at heart.

3. Keep Taking Your Recommended Medications

As part of your recovery from mental illness, you may be prescribed medications. The goal of psychiatric medications is to help you feel better. Once you’ve started taking your prescriptions, you shouldn’t stop taking them without first consulting your provider. Abruptly going “cold turkey” can cause your mental health to plummet.

Oftentimes, people with mental health conditions quit their medications. Why? The answer varies. Aside from the cost of drugs, fear and worries about potential side effects are two major reasons that people “go off” their mental health medications. Though these are legitimate concerns that deserve a conversation with a provider, they aren’t reasons to put your body or your mind into a state of withdrawal.

4. Maintain A Journal Of Your Thoughts

Documenting your emotions can help you learn to process what you’re feeling and see patterns in the way you’re responding mentally to circumstances. Consequently, as part of your mental wellness journey, consider starting a written or digital journal. You don’t have to write down everything that happens, but keeping tabs on your experiences can be beneficial in the long run to your mental health and wellbeing.

The value of journaling, especially for those with anxiety, can be extremely beneficial. It cites a study that showed journaling for just 15 minutes daily left individuals less anxious overall within a month. And because journaling is inexpensive, it can be a cost-effective way to double down on any other mental health practices and processes you undergo.

5. Prioritize Daily Physical Activity

Are you interested in finding as many natural ways to cope with mental health issues as you can? Be sure that you incorporate exercise into your lifestyle. By keeping yourself physically active, you can positively stimulate your brain. Although it can be tough to get moving, particularly when you’re depressed, you’re statistically likely to feel uplifted after being in motion.

The connection between exercise and mental health improvements is often seen through a parallel lens. It’s found that there’s a direct correlation between mood and exercise due to an increase in functionality in the area of the brain that’s in charge of stress reactions. Consequently, one of the answers to keeping yourself from stressing out as frequently (or as intensely) could be as simple as taking a walk, riding your bike, or engaging in a yoga session.

Mental health struggles are very real, personal, and difficult challenges for millions of people. Nonetheless, they’re not something to be ashamed of. And they’re not something that can’t be overcome. You just have to be willing to take that first important step toward a healthier future.

Healthcare disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.

BDG Media newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.