Mental Health Wellness Tips
Hi, I'm wick. I'm 35, and for most of my adult life, I've struggled with mental illness. The medication I take helps most of the time, but sometimes, when I'm stressed or overworked, my symptoms creep up on me, and I have to work really hard to get them under control again. Over the years, I've learned a few strategies that have helped me deal with my symptoms before they become a big problem. These tips have really helped me stay healthy and positive.
Focus on the positive
First, I try to focus on the positive things in my life. I think about the family, friends, and members of the treatment team who are supporting me in my recovery journey. I know they are there to help me find solutions. If I come up with solutions instead of just focusing on the negatives, I find that I feel much better.
Gratitude
And each day, I deliberately take time to appreciate and recognize everything for which I am thankful. I'll write in my journal, send thank you cards to my friends, or help others. When I focus on all the good stuff in my life, I don't spend as much time thinking about the bad stuff.
Connection
Next, it's really important for me to connect with others. Being around my friends and family always puts me in a better mood and helps my self-esteem. These meaningful relationships help me maintain a positive attitude, which gives me space for personal growth.
Fitness
"It is also very important for me to stay physically fit. I try to eat a healthy diet, exercise a little each day, and get enough sleep as directed by my physician. I always feel great after working out, even if it's just a walk around the block."
Coping Skills
One of the hardest things for me was developing coping skills that worked for me. It was tough to learn how to respond in a healthy way to stress, sadness, criticism, and negativity. When I learned what worked for me, I was able to get back to being myself. One way I learned to cope is by writing about my negative experiences and how they made me feel."
Professional Help
I also received professional help when I needed it. I learned to recognize the signs and symptoms that were warning signs indicating that I was not doing well. I found that it is better to reach out for help sooner rather than later. Asking for help takes courage, and I am so glad that I asked my wife to help me find a therapist. My therapist helps me in ways that my friends and family cannot. Don't get me wrong; their support is also very important to me. It took me a while to start putting these strategies into practice. It didn't happen overnight. I tried them one by one. Some work better for me than others, but everyone is different. So, I take my medication as directed by my doctor, and when I'm feeling extra stressed, I know I have the tools to help me get back on track. Talk to your doctor, try these tips, and find the strategies that work for you.
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