Why It’s Important to Care for Your Mental Health

What Is Mental Health?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

With mental illness being so prevalent in the world it is important to recognize the early warning signs.

Some activities to look out for include:

1. Abnormal eating or sleeping patterns
2. Withdrawing from people and typical activities
3. A decrease in energy
4. Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
5. Feeling confused, forgetful, angry, nervous, or on edge
6. An inability to do daily tasks
7. Severe mood swings
8. Thoughts of self-harm
9. Significant increase in drug or alcohol intake.

Each illness has its own set of signs and symptoms; no two experiences with a mental illness will be the same. Reaching out if think you or someone you know needs help can make all the difference. Your health insurance carrier, a primary care physician or nurse, family, and friends can all be great resources to seek out when taking control of your mental health.

Why is emotional health important?

Emotional and mental health is important because it’s a vital part of your life and impacts your thoughts, behaviors and emotions. Being healthy emotionally can promote productivity and effectiveness in activities like work, school or care giving. It plays an important part in the health of your relationships, and allows you to adapt to changes in your life and cope with adversity.

How can you improve your emotional health day-to-day?

There are steps you can take to improve your mental health everyday. Small things like exercising, eating a balanced and healthy meals, opening up to other people in your life, taking a break when you need to, remembering something you are grateful for and getting a good night’s sleep, can be helpful in boosting your emotional health.

Issues related to mental health can impact different people in different ways. If you start to see changes in your overall happiness and relationships, there are always ways get the support you want. Here are some ways you can get help:

1. Connect with other individuals, friends and family — Reaching out and opening up to other people in your life can help provide emotional support.
2. Learn more about mental health
3. Talk to a professional — If you start to feel like your emotional health is starting to impact you, it may be time to reach out for extra support. With Doctor On Demand, you can see a psychologist or psychiatrist and find the personalized support you want.
4. Developing coping skills
5. Staying positive

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