Undoubtedly, it is vital to sustain our physical health; what about the mental part? Does it require as much attention as well? YES! Mental Health is equally important for all of us.
As residents of such a great country as Australia, we have a terrific view and comfortable atmosphere, friendly people and a really strong community, but nevertheless, the stress of life sometimes wins.
It is for this reason that there is a need to work towards ensuring that mental health is well enhanced and that individuals adapt to practices that can lead to the enhancement of well being.
Ready to dig in?
But, first what exactly is mental health?
It’s more than just the absence of mental illness. According to the recent report, one in five Australians aged 16-85 (22%, or 4.3 million) experience a mental health issue in any given year.
Shocking, right?
Mental health is the ability of a person to efficiently handle his or her emotions, balance his or her mind, and interact with daily life. It influences cognition, affection, and behaviour.
More crucially, it determines the way people cope with stress, interact with others and make decisions. Therefore one can say that mental health is a significant issue.
Why Does Mental Health Matters?
Let me now answer the rhetorical question: Why should we care about mental health? Simple. People’s psychological well-being is one of the significant factors that determines their quality of life. It strikes the how of our togetherness, working, and well-being.
Studies show that people with positive mental health are more resilient, better able to cope with life’s ups and downs, and have healthier relationships. Plus, they live longer. So, paying attention to mental health can make a massive difference in our quality of life.
Signs of Mental Health Issues
Identifying mental health issues early can make a world of difference. Some common signs include:
- Feeling sad or down
- Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
- Excessive fears or worries
- Extreme mood changes
- Withdrawal from friends and activities
- Significant tiredness or low energy
If you notice any of these symptoms, it might be time to seek help. We, at Mackay, are here to assist you in understanding and addressing these signs.
Strategies for Maintaining Good Mental Health
Here are some practical strategies to keep your mental health in check:
1. Seek Professional Help
Well, sometimes even self-help approaches may prove to be ineffective. Sometimes it is critical for a person to get professional help.
If you need someone to see a psychiatrist or psychologist regarding mental health, then we at Mackay can assist you.
Professional guidance can provide you with the tools you need to manage your mental health effectively.
2. Stay Active
Having exercise doesn’t only offer advantages to your bodily system, it is also a good source of calmness for your brain.
As a study of Black Dog Institute, it is found that exercise can help reduce symptoms associated with depression and anxiety.
From an early morning jog on the beach or simply to garden to a kick-around with friends or a gym session, exercise is great to improve mental well-being.
3. Eat Well
Well, there is the phrase that goes something like ‘you are what you eat’. It doesn’t matter if you’re building your physical health, you also need to think about your mental health and the foods that are necessary to support that.
Fish and nuts which are sources of omega-3 fatty acid were noted to have a low incidence of depression.
Likewise, you can also choose from fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods to help maintain focus, and stabilize moods.
4. Get Enough Sleep
Ah, sleep—the ultimate rejuvenator. The Sleep Health Foundation has it that between 33% and 45% of Australian adults sleep poorly.
Lack of sleep can worsen illnesses that affect the mind, thus, ensure that you keep to the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep.
Make it a habit to go to sleep, at an agreed time and avoid using any form of screen an hour or so to sleep.
5. Connect with Others
Humans are social creatures. Strength in one’s social relations is important, and according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, actually results in improved mental health.
This could be just spending some time with friends having tea, being a member of some organization, or engaging in activities in the society, all these will help one to find some company you feel wanted.
6. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness—sounds fancy, doesn’t it? But it is simplistic and efficient. Mindfulness comprises of paying attention to the present time and the activities that are being carried out in the present time.
Evidence suggests that it has an effect of stressful, anxious or depressive conditions. There are numerous free apps that can help to set one on the right path.
7. Workplace Mental Health
Let me emphasize on the place of work in mental health. Well, at least we do invest a good proportion of our existence at our work, don’t we?
Mentally healthy workplaces can be created at workplaces by availing work-life balance, providing mental health support and having an open culture, which allows employers to discuss mental health issues.
Taking Small Steps Towards Mental Health
It’s important to know that although drastic changes might work in the movies, in real life most often you don’t need a revolution. Increment improves also leads to significant changes.
You must try one or two of the practices that we mentioned above for keeping Mental health healthier. If you do in the course of the day and be amazed at the results.
Mental health is not a state to be reached but a process, and we should embrace and help each other in that process. That is, it is an ongoing process that you have to exercise and sharpen further.
At Mackay, the provider is by your side always to guide you through the whole process. Just always bear in mind that it is okay and normal to seek assistance. If it is possible, exercise, follow a healthy diet, or consult a specialist, one’s mental state should not be neglected.
