“Mental health…is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.” — Noam Shpancer, PhD
Millions of people across the United States are affected by mental illness, and global shifts are impacting how children and adults cope, treat and talk about mental health. One in five adults in the U.S. experience mental illness yearly, from anxiety and depression to addiction and substance abuse. Although younger generations continue to destigmatize mental illness and Americans are prioritizing mental health, many continue to live with untreated mental health disorders. Less than half (46.2%) of U.S. adults with mental illness received treatment in 2020, and annual treatment rates are even lower among men (37.4%) compared to women (51.2%). The reasons why Americans fail to treat their mental illnesses range from lack of insurance to residing in an area with a shortage of mental health professionals.
Amid a mental health crisis and a shortage of mental health professionals, graduates from an online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling are essential to prevent, diagnose, and treat increasingly prevalent mental illnesses. Seeking professional help and meeting with a clinical mental health counselor is only one of the ways you can start prioritizing mental health.
How To Take Care Of Your Mental Health
- Eat for your brain
- Hack your chemistry with exercise
- Don’t underestimate the power of sleep
- Mind what you think
- Invest in your social connections
- Start a mindfulness practice
- Develop a routine
- Set boundaries at work
- Challenge negative self-talk
- Meet with a Clinical Mental Health Counselor
“By taking care of myself, I have so much more to offer the world than I do when I am running on empty.” – Ali Washington
Prioritizing mental health is a journey that requires continuous effort. In the same way our bodies need fuel, rest, and movement to function well, our minds must receive the same care and attention to operate. If you’re wondering how to take care of your mental health, the foundational pillars of health are often underestimated and highly effective. However, suppose you are living with undiagnosed or untreated mental illness. In that case, you should consult with a doctor or visit a clinical mental health professional to investigate further treatment options.
Author: St. Bonaventure University | Article Source: https://online.sbu.edu/news/prioritize-mental-health
