Today, Tuesday (October 10th), marks World Mental Health Day, which is celebrated under the slogan “Our Mental Health, Our Rights.” This year’s theme was “Mental Health is a Universal Human Rights.”
The World Health Organization said in a statement on its website that World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity for individuals and local communities “to improve knowledge, raise awareness, and advance actions that promote and protect mental health for all as a universal human right.”
The organization emphasizes that this includes the right to be protected from mental health risks, the right to obtain care that is accessible, affordable, acceptable and of good quality, and the right to freedom, independence and inclusion in the local community.
The World Health Organization says that one in eight people in the world lives with a mental health condition that can affect their physical health, well-being, how they communicate with others, and their livelihoods. She explained that mental health conditions also affect an increasing number of adolescents and young people.
To maintain mental health, experts provide a set of tips that help us feel comfortable and become more able to cope with life.
These tips include:
1- Learn how to understand and manage your feelings
Feeling very upset can cause difficulty thinking clearly, working, relaxing, studying, sleeping, or interacting with others. Many of us may feel upset, but we are not sure what we are feeling: is it sadness, fear, loneliness, anger, or something else?
It may help us to give our feelings our attention without judging them, and without blaming ourselves for being stupid or weak. Another useful step can be to find out what led to the feeling we have. Could it be a disagreement or disappointment we have experienced?
2- Do not use food to deal with difficult feelings
Many of us use food to block out “difficult” emotions such as sadness, fear, or shame. Eating provides temporary relief, but it does not prevent feelings from returning and may make matters worse or create other problems, including harm to mental and physical health.
If you think that you are eating excessively to cope with difficult feelings, it may be useful to notice this without beating yourself up about it, while consulting a doctor and trying to control your eating, so that you do not suffer from weight gain later.
3- Get more sleep
Anyone who struggles with sleep will know the difference it makes to our bodies, minds and ability to cope with life. We all have times when we sleep poorly, and some of us live in situations that make a good night’s sleep impossible.
Adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night, including adequate dream sleep and adequate deep sleep. If you’re having trouble sleeping, consider making some simple changes.
4- Keep moving
Our bodies and minds are connected, so taking care of ourselves physically also helps us prevent problems with our mental health. Moving our bodies – through exercise, gardening, cycling, cleaning or going to the gym, for example – is a great way to improve our mental and physical health.
Exercise releases “feel-good” hormones that reduce feelings of stress and anger. It also helps us feel better about our bodies, and can improve our sleep, too. We do not have to be professional athletes to get the benefits of physical activity. From walking to dancing, basketball and the gym, know that the best exercises are simply the ones we enjoy.
5- Healthy food
Food and drink affect our bodies, brains and moods, both positively and negatively. Sugary snacks and drinks can give us a temporary “high” or sense of well-being that is impossible to resist. But they quickly leave us feeling exhausted or stressed. Caffeine found in coffee, tea, or so-called energy drinks can also have this effect.
A balanced diet containing plenty of vegetables and fruits is essential for good physical and mental health.
6- Consult a doctor
If you feel extremely distressed, have persistent dark thoughts, or are thinking about suicide, consult a doctor immediately, as he is able to help you and there are many appropriate treatment options.
