Mental Health Disability
Today, Sunday October 10th, is World Mental Healthy Day 2021. It’s time to bring this topic to the forefront. We shouldn’t be afraid to talk about mental health. If you have a mental health disability or if you know someone who struggles with their mental healthy, there are resources for you.
Healthy mind platter
According to Dr. David Rock and Dr. Daniel Siegel, there are 7 Essential Mental Activities:
- Focus – making our brains work to think so “connections” are made.
- Play time – enjoying doing things we love, like hobbies. In this link, you’ll find some hobbies I’ve been successful at. Maybe this list will help you discover some activities that you would enjoy.
- Connecting – socialize with people. Get out there. Even if you are an introvert, we all need some social interaction.
- Physical Activity – we need to exercise and get moving. Physical activity helps elevate our mood. Try walking just 30 minutes a day or if that seems too overwhelming, start with 10-15 minutes.
- Time in – this isn’t rumination, this is reflection as Dr.’s Rock and Siegel suggest. I have a good example of ruminating here, so check it out to understand if you may be doing the same. Meditation is a good way to combat this. I know meditating is hard and we ALL feel like we’re not doing it correctly but trust me, even meditating for 5 minutes helps your brain.
- Down time – we need our rest and relaxation time. We can’t just keep going. We often are on the “go, go, go” when we don’t want to reflect (as in #5). Your body needs time to recuperate.
- Sleep – Our bodies need to sleep – lack of sleep causes all kinds of problems AND it ages us.
Mental Health Risk Assessment
Do you have any of these 75 Signs of Depression?
Resources
If you’re looking for a Behavioral health therapist or Adult mental health services, there are resources for you.
Try the Mental Health Foundation
Holistic mental health – UH systems have a natural healing center you may want to check out.
There are plenty of Outpatient psychiatry options for you. And, for those with specific needs, Applied behavior mental health counseling is an option.
Mental health is very important and we need to look at how well you are managing your mental health disability. This is known as your mental wealth. As the saying goes, “An idle mind is the devil’s playground”.
Conclusion
You aren’t alone. Let’s start talking about mental health. It shouldn’t be “taboo”. It’s a real problem and there is nothing to be ashamed of. Let’s stop depression, ruminating thoughts, anxiety, and suicide. You can do it! WE can do it!
