Is 2023 going to be the year when we take mental health seriously?

Mental health is something we should all take seriously. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives, but studies show that only half of those people will actually seek help.

So, what’s stopping us from talking openly about our mental health? And why are we so afraid to ask for help when our anxiety or depression becomes too much?

In this article, we’ll talk about how teaching about the stigma surrounding mental illness can be broken down and why we need to start taking it seriously.

In 2019, 15% of working-age adults were estimated to have mental disorders

According to the Mental Health Foundation, one in four people will experience a mental health problem at some point during their lifetime.

Mental health issues are also one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that over 450 million people globally live with depression or anxiety disorders – and these numbers are only expected to increase as urbanization and other lifestyle changes become more commonplace.

12 billion workdays are lost annually to depression, anxiety

Mental health is, without a doubt, one of the most pressing issues facing humanity today. And yet we’re not talking about it enough. That’s 12 billion workdays lost annually, costing the global economy an estimated $1 trillion.

By failing to talk about mental health and taking action against it, we’re missing out on an incredible opportunity to save lives and improve society as a whole.

Causes of stress, anxiety, and poor mental health

If you’re reading this, you probably know that stress is a major cause of mental health problems. But what exactly causes stress?

• Excessive workloads and increased expectations at the workplace
• High-pressure environments (including schools)
• Performance woes (your performance or others)
• Lack of support systems
• Bad relationships
• Working too many hours to make by
• Uncertainty and upheaval (economic and social)
• Violence, threats, intimidation

It’s time for talking about mental health to become normalized

It’s also a time when we need to continue the conversation. We need to keep talking about our mental health problems and experiences with others because it makes us feel less alone and helps those who don’t have experience with mental illness understand more about what we go through on a day-to-day basis.

Mental health is an important part of everyone’s life – whether they have suffered from anxiety or depression or not. Removing the stigma against mental health discussions is the first step to opening up dialogue and addressing the problem.

A 2016 study found that there is not one country, society, or culture on this earth where those suffering from mental illness hold the same value in society as those not currently suffering from a mental illness.

This stigma against discussing mental illness has profound societal effects including:

• Reduced feelings of hope
• Lowered self-esteem
• Increased symptoms (psychiatric)
• Suffering social relationships
• Increased likelihood of leaving treatment
• Increased work difficulties
• Reluctance to seek help
• Isolation
• Less support from family, friends, coworkers, and others
• Decreased life opportunities
• Bullying, physical violence, harassment
• Less than adequate health insurance for mental health care
• Lack of faith in your own abilities to face challenges or improve your situation

How to improve mental health and ask for help

If you’re struggling with mental health, there are ways to improve your situation:

1.     Know the signs.

Recognize the physical signs of mental burnout. These can include fatigue, headaches, and stomach issues. It may not be something a little self-care can fix. Consider taking advantage of a mental health professional at Los Angeles iop.

2.     Burn-Out vs Depression

Burnout can very quickly lead to the more intense medical condition of depression. Understanding the differences between these two conditions can help you understand when to ask for help. While burnout makes you tired and resentful, depression will make you not enjoy anything, including your favorite hobbies.

3.     Working Out is good for the soul too

The movements we make when we are happy can also inspire happiness according to Kelly McGonigal, health psychologist, and lecturer at Stanford University.

4.     Break down your To-Do lists

Most of us have a home and work to-do list and they only seem to be getting longer! You check off one task and add two more to the bottom. A lot of people stare at that giant list and freeze because they don’t even know where to start picking away at it. This is actually called task paralysis. Your brain views your to-do list as a threat (are you listening perfectionists?) and triggers your fight-flight-or-freeze response.

Break your lists down into smaller, easier steps, and remind yourself why they are important. Instead of thinking about the list, think about a single step and the actual time and energy required to complete it.

5.     Take advantage of the healing qualities of nature

Getting out in nature can have a profound effect on your physical and mental health. Whether you go for a hike or a simple walk through your local park you can benefit from:

• Improved attention
• Lower stress
• Better moods
• Reduced risk of psychiatric disorders
• Increased empathy and cooperation

Even listening to nature sounds rather than the city sounds outside your apartment window can help.

6.     Panic attacks

You can coach yourself through a panic attack. They can be a scary predicament, especially if you’ve never had one before. Distraction exercises like counting and naming the colors around you, working through your five senses, or practicing grounding with your senses can be very effective.

Symptoms of a panic attack:

• Feeling like you can’t breathe
• Racing heart
• Tight chest
• Nausea
• Tingling limbs

Conclusion

While there are many hurdles to overcome, we have the right tools and resources to improve mental health.

It’s time to start talking about mental health issues and taking steps to break down the stigma and get people the help they need. No one should feel isolated or shamed for asking for help.

 

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