Why Ignoring Your Mental Health Could Be Costing You More Than You Think
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As a society we’re so much more aware of the importance of maintaining our physical health - what we’ve done to support it that week or what we “should” be doing more of. But what about our mental health? Do we ever stop and ask ourselves what we’ve don’t for our mental health and what we could be doing more of?
The Importance of Mental Health
Mental health is an essential aspect of our overall health and state of wellbeing in which we can realize our own potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, build healthy relationships and contribute to our community. It encompasses the critical factors which are fundamental in our overall health and quality of life. Mental health problems can affect anyone at any time, and they can impact our ability to function in our personal and professional lives. We often overlook our mental health in the short term, missing early warning signs or pushing them aside to deal with later only for them to worsen and cause greater problems in the long run.
Mental health problems can manifest in a variety of ways, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse. These conditions can be debilitating and can have a significant impact on our ability to function in our daily lives. Ignoring the signs of mental health problems can lead to more serious issues down the road, and it is essential to seek help when necessary.
The Cost of Ignoring Mental Health
Ignoring mental health can be costly in many ways. Poor mental health can lead to physical health problems, relationship problems, difficulty at work, and financial stress. Mental health problems can also affect our ability to make sound decisions and trigger substance abuse and addiction.
Ignoring mental health can also have long-term consequences. The stress and anxiety associated with mental health problems can lead to chronic health problems, including autoimmune disorders, chronic pain, and digestive issues. These conditions can be expensive to treat and can have a significant impact on our quality of life.
Common Mental Health Problems and their Impact on Long-Term Wellbeing
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health problems. Anxiety is characterized by excessive worry and fear, while depression is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of motivation. Both conditions can have a significant impact on our overall wellbeing and can lead to physical health problems, relationship problems, and difficulty at work.
Bipolar disorder is another common mental health problem. It is characterized by extreme mood swings, including periods of mania and depression. These mood swings can be severe and can have a significant impact on our ability to function in our daily lives.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is another common mental health problem. It can occur as a result of experiencing a traumatic event, such as combat, sexual assault, or a natural disaster. It can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, and feelings of anxiety and depression.
How You Can Support Your Mental Health
There are numerous ways you can support your mental health such as regular exercise, spending time outside, surrounding yourself with loved ones or taking time to pause and relax. These are often the things we used to do without question as a child but seem to fall by the wayside in adulthood where busy schedules and responsibilities mean we often forget to priorities them. Therapy also is a powerful tool for addressing mental health problems both big and small. It can help you better understand their thoughts and feelings and develop coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and anxiety. Therapy can also help individuals develop better communication skills and build healthier relationships. There are many different types of therapy, including cognitive behavioural therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and interpersonal therapy. Each type of therapy is designed to address specific mental health problems, and it is important to work with a therapist who has experience in treating the particular condition you are dealing with. As a CBH therapist I combine the talking therapy side of cognitive behavioural therapy with hypnotherapy and work with people with a range of problems; if you’re unsure if we can work together don’t hesitate to get in contact.
