These days, “preventative” is a buzz word in health care. We are all encouraged to get regular physicals, women get pap-smears and mammograms, men get prostate exams, and anyone who turns 50 is supposed to get a colonoscopy. We exercise and track our weekly steps and count our daily calories in order to keep our bodies in shape. What I find interesting, however, is that we spend all this time, energy, and money working to prevent physical ailments, and yet we so rarely consider our mental health. Do you know anyone who has seen a mental health professional without first having a mental health crisis? How many people do you know who regularly take stock of their mental health status the way they peer at that pesky mole in the mirror, check their breasts for lumps, or even step on a scale to track their weight? Maybe you know smarter, more self-aware people than I do, but I find that mental health awareness is a rarity. I had never even considered my mental health until the day I finally walked into a psychiatric office and counseling center, begging for help. How many crises could we prevent if we all discussed and encouraged mental health awareness? I’m not talking about the kind of awareness which means you are aware that mental health disorders exist (although that’s important, too); I’m talking about each and every person being aware of their own mental health status. I’m talking about preventative mental health care.
It might seem daunting, the thought of adding a yearly mental health screening to your calendar, on top of your yearly physical, semi-annual dentist visits, monthly haircuts, and the many other appointments that keep your life so busy. And I understand, so that’s not necessarily what I’m suggesting (although I think it’s a great idea!). I’m suggesting small changes to our daily lives to take care of our mental health:
1. Take 5 minutes each day, week, or even month to simply check in with yourself. Do you feel stressed? Are you satisfied with your life? Do you feel emotionally worn out, or emotionally uninvolved? Are you able to enjoy the happy moments in your day, or does your stress, exhaustion, or grief color every aspect of your life? These are not always easy questions, but these are questions that will help you build awareness of your own emotional or mental state. And it’s okay if sometimes you are not happy or satisfied. That is part of being human. But if after enough check-ins, you discover that you never fluctuate to the happier end of your emotions, perhaps it’s time to seek help.2. Take part in activities that promote mindfulness and self-awareness. Meditate or do yoga. Journal or write poetry. Listen to music, and focus on how it makes you feel.
3. Explore activities that engage your creativity. Paint or sculpt. Try improvising on a piano or other musical instrument. Write a short story. Buy (and use) one of those adult coloring books that are popping up in every store.
4. Go outside. Sunlight and nature can do wonders for your psyche.
5. Exercise. I know this one seems odd, considering I used it as an example of how we focus solely on our physical health. However, exercise releases endorphins that can improve our mental health as well. So next time you hit the gym or go for a brisk walk, don’t do it just to burn a few calories, but do it also to improve your mood and mental health.
I want to assure you that your mental health is worth the effort. In a society where physical appearance is emphasized too often, we tend to forget that our most valuable asset, and what defines our personality and character, is our mind.
