Why is it essential to act immediately when experiencing mental health issues?

Your mental health is as important as your physical one

If you had broken a bone, would you wait? Would you wait months or years, hoping it will heal itself? You’d go to a doctor immediately. And yet, when it comes to mental health, you are more reluctant to seek support. 

If a mental health issue is left unmanaged, the problem will likely worsen, like a broken bone. Recovering from it could also take longer.

The consequences of living with mental health issues

It disrupts your and your loved ones` lives. Yes, it`s affecting not only you but also the people close to you. It affects your relationships, social life, work, environment, physical health… all aspects of your life. It promotes negative thoughts about yourself and demolishes your self-esteem. It starts a never-ending spiral of negative consequences. ‍Unless you ask for help.

Why people might find it challenging to reach out for mental health support?

There is still a stigma around mental health, so we don`t discuss it openly. In America, many people see a therapist regularly because they understand its benefits. In the UK, we don`t talk about mental health conditions. ‍

You might feel reluctant to talk about your personal life during talking therapy. 

There is a long wait for very limited NHS sessions, and the private sessions are not affordable for everyone. Sometimes you need to check your priorities. Your mental health is worth spending on. 

If you notice that your mental health is becoming harder to manage, having the right tools and support systems in place can help you to get back on track. And the sooner you implement these, the quicker you can improve. Here are a few ways to manage your mental health when problems emerge.

What to do if you feel that your mental health is degrading?

Talk to your GP.

Talk to somebody.

Get some fresh air and exercise daily.

Stay in touch with your emotions. Journaling might help see some negative emotional patterns or explore why they happen.  

Find a daily routine and stick to it for a while. 

Seek therapy, don`t suffer alone.

Your mental health is important.

You are important!