Life can feel like a rollercoaster sometimes. One minute you’re up, the next you’re down. It’s normal to feel sad, worried, or stressed out once in a while – those feelings are a natural part of being human! But if those unhappy feelings stick around too long or start interfering with your ability to live your life, it could be a sign of a mental health issue. The good news is there are lots of things you can do to start feeling better! This blog will share tips on understanding mental health, spotting signs you or a friend might need support, and simple self-care ideas to boost your mood and wellbeing.

What is Mental Health Anyway?

Let’s start with the basics. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, and act. When we have good mental health, we feel relatively confident, capable, and able to cope with life’s ups and downs. On the other hand, poor mental health can negatively impact our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. For example, someone with an anxiety disorder may feel extremely worried all the time, making it hard to focus at school or work.

Mental health exists on a spectrum – we all have times when we feel great and times when we struggle. The key is recognizing when difficult thoughts and emotions are starting to disrupt your daily life. If untreated, symptoms can escalate over time. The earlier you reach out for help, the quicker you can get back on track.

Common Signs of Mental Health Concerns

Wondering if you or someone you care about could use some mental health support? Here are some common signs:

• Feeling sad, empty, hopeless, or tearful most of the time
• No longer enjoying hobbies and activities
• Having very low energy, feeling exhausted
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Eating too much or too little
• Feeling on edge, worried, nervous, or panicky
• Increased irritability, anger, or frustration
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Avoiding friends/family and social activities
• Thoughts of harming yourself or suicide

If you’ve experienced several of these symptoms for more than two weeks, it’s a good idea to tell a trusted friend or family member and make an appointment to talk to your doctor or school counselor. Oftentimes, these feelings are symptoms of common conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or ADHD, which are very treatable. Getting help early can prevent symptoms from spiraling.

Self-Care for Better Mental Health

While professional treatment is crucial for diagnosing and managing mental health conditions, there are lots of small ways you can look after your own wellbeing every day. Think of these self-care ideas as your daily mental health vitamins!

• Get enough sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours per night. Keeping a consistent bedtime helps.
• Eat nutritious meals and snacks. The basics like fruits, veggies, protein, and water give your brain fuel.
• Exercise. Even a 10 minute walk can boost your mood! Find ways to move that you enjoy.
• Try a relaxing hobby. Reading, listening to music, coloring, or meditation help calm the mind.
• Spend time with supportive friends and family. Social connection is important.
• Limit social media use. Too much scrolling can negatively impact body image and self-esteem.
• Practice gratitude. Notice the little things you appreciate about yourself, others, and life.
• Get outside in nature. Spending time in green space reduces stress.
• Ask for help when you need it. Talk to a trusted person if you’re struggling.

Wellness is an ongoing journey with ups and downs. But being kind to yourself and making self-care a priority will help you manage stress and feel more balanced. And remember, it’s 100% okay to ask for professional support if you need it! Your mental health matters.