Mental health plays an important role in how we think, feel, act and relate to others, including our emotional and psychological well-being. It also impacts how we deal with stress and make choices that influence other aspects of our lives. Because of this, it’s important to understand how to maintain positive mental health, as well as identify signs that you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health problem.
Improve your mental health
There are a number of things you can do to manage or improve your overall mental health, including:
- Improve lifestyle habits, such as increasing exercise/physical activity, eating well and getting enough sleep
- Maintain a support network of friends and family to stay connected
- Volunteer or find other ways to help in your community
- Develop coping skills and stress management techniques that work for you, such as yoga or meditation
- Keep a positive attitude
Recognize early signs of issues
Mental health problems are common and can affect anyone. Many issues can be resolved with help, so it’s important to seek help right away if you think something might be wrong. The signs below can be an early indicator of a potential problem:
- Change in sleeping habits
- Lack of energy
- An increase in smoking, drinking or drug use
- Severe mood swings
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Feeling unusually confused or upset
- Inability to complete normal daily tasks
If you or a loved one experiences any of these behaviors, seek help from a mental health professional to discuss further. Many people experience mental health problems throughout their lives; it’s nothing to be embarrassed about, but it is important to seek help in order to address any issues.
Other helpful resources
Please visit any of the websites below for additional information about mental health and wellness and available resources to help:
