World Mental Health Day 2020
10 October
Commemoration of World Mental Health Day on 10 October is aimed at creating public awareness to make issues related to mental health a global priority
Mental disorders comprise a broad range of problems, with different symptoms. However, they are generally characterized by a combination of troublesome thoughts, emotions, behaviour, and relationships. Examples are schizophrenia, depression, mental retardation, and disorders due to drug abuse. Most of these disorders can be successfully treated.
Facts about mental health:
War and other major disaster such as trauma incidents contribute to the causes of mental health disorders
Mental health disorders are one of the most well-known and treatable causes of suicide
Discrimination against families and people with mental health disorders prevents people from seeking mental healthcare
There is a large number of reports regarding the violation of human rights of people with mental health disabilities across the globe
How to look after your mental health
It is important to take care of yourself and get the most from life.
Below are a few practical ways to look after your mental health. Making simple changes to how you live doesn’t need to cost a fortune or take up loads of time.
Talk about your feelings
Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health.
Stay active
Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and help you concentrate, sleep, and feel better. Exercise keeps the brain and your other vital organs healthy and is also a significant benefit towards improving your mental health.
Eat well
Your brain needs a mix of nutrients to stay healthy and function well, just like the other organs in your body. A diet that is good for your physical health is also good for your mental health. \
Drink sensibly
We often drink alcohol to change our mood. Some people drink to deal with fear or loneliness, but the effect is only temporary.
When the drink wears off, you feel worse because of the way the alcohol has affected your brain and the rest of your body. Drinking is not a good way to manage difficult feelings.
Keep in touch
There is nothing better than catching up with someone face to face, but that is not always possible. You can also give them a call, drop them a note, or chat to them online instead. Keep the lines of communication open: it is good for you!
Take a break
A change of scene or a change of pace is good for your mental health.
It could be a five-minute pause, a half-hour lunch break at work, or a weekend exploring somewhere new. A few minutes can be enough to de-stress you. Give yourself some ‘me time’.
Do something you are good at
What do you love doing? What activities can you lose yourself in? What did you love doing in the past?
Enjoying yourself can help beat stress. Doing an activity you enjoy probably means you’re good at it, and achieving something boosts your self-esteem!
Accept who you are
We are all different. It’s much healthier to accept that you’re unique than to wish you were more like someone else. Feeling good about yourself boosts your confidence to learn new skills, visit new places and make new friends. Good self-esteem helps you cope when life takes a difficult turn.
Care for others
Caring for others is often an important part of keeping up relationships with people close to you. It can even bring you closer together.
Ask for help
None of us are superhuman. We all sometimes get tired or overwhelmed by how we feel or when things don’t go as planned.
If things are getting too much for you and you feel you can’t cope, ask for help. Your family or friends may be able to offer practical help or a listening ear but sometimes we need to consider the help and support of a professional.
We are here for you
For Professional Confidential Counselling contact us on
Gauteng & Other regions: 0861 776 227 admin@procare.co.za
Western Cape: 021- 8 730 532 procwc@procare.co.za
Read more:
https://www.gov.za/WorldMentalHealthDay2020
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-to-mental-health