As nice as it would be to have the ability to control everything that happens around us, most of the time we canât. Things happen that are beyond our control and sometimes it takes a negative toll on our mental health. So how do you shield your mental health from the wrenches and daggers life often throws your way?Â
While there is sometimes an overwhelming amount of advice floating around the web, one effective approach is to commit to protecting your mental health. All it takes is simple acts like avoiding things that could trigger a downward spiral.
Protecting oneâs mental health will look different for each individual. For the most part, you should focus on avoiding anything that negatively impacts your wellbeing.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
Society sometimes glorifies being âstrongâ and avoiding vulnerability. While itâs true that weâre all strong to different capacities, we donât have to be strong all of the time. Being weak sometimes isnât a bad thing, itâs part of the human experience.Â
When youâre feeling down, the worst thing you can do for your mental health is not acknowledge those feelings or brush it under the rug. When you ignore how youâre feeling, youâre engaging in emotional repressionââ masking your emotions to conceal your emotional stateââwhich can have a negative effect on your health.
While itâs often used as a means of regulating your emotions this method can be counterproductive. Some consequences of emotional repression include:Â Â
- Making you more vulnerable to illnessesÂ
- Increased stress-related psychological reactionsÂ
- Muscle tension and painÂ
- Nausea and digestive issuesÂ
Ignoring your emotions doesnât make them go away. Theyâre likely to resurface when you least expect and in a more explosive way. So, allow yourself to feel every negative emotion and try to understand why theyâre coming up.
This is a healthier way of navigating low moods and being kind to yourself. Remember, all your feelings are validââincluding the ones that donât feel comfortable or positive.Â
Donât Minimize Your Experiences
Has someone ever come to you when they werenât having the best day looking for encouragement or a listening ear? Have you ever responded with statements like âyouâll be fineâ or âothers have it worseâbe gratefulâ? These may seem like encouraging statements but they can be the total opposite.
Why? Because they undermine oneâs feelings and experiences. While it may be true that theyâll be ok and others have it worse, it doesnât acknowledge how the person is feeling and what theyâre going through.Â
It also sends the message that their struggles arenât important which can be damaging for a personâs mental health. Instead, sympathize with others and ask them what you can do to help. If youâre the one going through a rough patch, you can do this for yourself, too. Instead of telling yourself to get over it, show yourself compassion and love.Â
Accept Help From Others
One of the most disappointing things can be reaching out for help and not receiving it. Not only can it make you feel defeated, but it can also cause feelings of rejection. Some revert to not asking for help at all because they donât want to put themselves in a position to be vulnerable or let down.
Although this is understandable, going through life without asking for help makes for a lonely journey. Nobody can do everything on their own, and even if you can, youâre likely going to burn yourself out. Conversely, asking for help can drastically improve your wellbeing.Â
Ask for help when you need it as the more help you have, the more time you have to rest and focus on things that bring you joy. Even if someone isnât able to help there are several others who are ready and willing to so donât let it discourage you.Â
Donât Isolate Yourself
When you have a mental health condition, it can be debilitating. Conditions like anxiety, depression, and substance abuse can lead to one becoming reclusive and withdrawn. However, when going through dark spells, you need your support system more than anything.
Cutting off from people that could provide support gives you time to perpetuate negative thoughts and indulge in unhealthy coping mechanisms. Studies show loneliness and isolation are linked to serious health conditions like higher rates of anxiety, depression and suicide.Â
Instead, commit to finding ways to connect with people who make you feel good about yourself and show you, genuine love. Being around the right people has immense benefits for your overall health. Research has shown a strong support system can improve your wellbeing, equip you with better-coping skills, and promote longer living. It can also have positive effects on depression and anxiety.