How to Manage Mental Health Symptoms
How to Manage Mental Health Symptoms
Do you find yourself struggling with mental health or do you have a loved one that is suffering?
You and your family aren’t alone. In fact, millions of people struggle with mental health issues their entire lives.
Mental health symptoms can manifest in various ways, such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings, among others. These symptoms can impact an individual’s daily life, work, relationships, and overall well-being. Fortunately, it’s possible to manage symptoms with the right approach.
Here we discuss some tips for managing mental health symptoms. Keep reading to learn more.
Identify Your Triggers
The first step in managing mental health symptoms is identifying your triggers. Triggers are situations or events that can exacerbate your symptoms. For instance, if you have social anxiety, crowded spaces may be a trigger for you. Identifying your triggers can help you avoid them or prepare for them.
Try to keep a journal of situations that trigger your symptoms. Over time, you’ll be able to identify patterns and develop coping strategies for improving your mental wellness.
Seek Professional Help
If you’re experiencing mental health symptoms, it’s crucial to seek professional help. Mental health professionals can provide a diagnosis, develop a treatment plan, and offer guidance and support.
You can seek help from a therapist, psychiatrist, or counselor. You can also consult your primary care physician or a trusted friend or family member for recommendations.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is an essential aspect of managing mental health symptoms. Self-care activities can help reduce stress, boost your mood, and improve your overall well-being. Self-care activities could include exercise, getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in a hobby you enjoy.
Make it a priority in your daily routine. Keep in mind that self-care is necessary for good mental health.
Build a Support Network
Having a support network is crucial for managing mental health symptoms. Your support network could include family members, friends, or mental health professionals. It’s essential to have people in your life who you can talk to and rely on for support when you’re struggling.
If you don’t have a strong support network, consider joining a support group. You could also connect with others through online forums or social media. Many communities and resources are available for people with mental health conditions.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a technique that can help you stay present in the moment. It can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Techniques include mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking a few minutes to focus on your senses and surroundings.
Practice mindfulness regularly, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. It can help you feel more grounded and centered, which can reduce the impact of mental health symptoms.
Consider Medication
If your symptoms are severe, you may benefit from medication. Medication can help alleviate symptoms such as anxiety or depression. However, medication should always be taken under the guidance of a mental health professional.
Tips for Anyone Struggling with Mental Health
It’s no secret that anxiety and depression can make it difficult to have a happy and healthy lifestyle. Fortunately, this guide to tips for anyone struggling with mental health show that the help you need is within reach.
Please contact us today to learn how the professional at Compass Health can help you find the mental health resources that can improve your quality of life.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Everything You Need to Know
May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Everything You Need to Know
Over the past few years, the world has preoccupied itself with physical health. While that’s no wonder considering the pandemic, a new shift is here. Now, it’s time for us to all collectively focus on our mental health.
Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s a great time to get started. This month, make an effort to improve upon your existing mental health education. Get informed about common issues, and learn more about improving mental health, too.
If you don’t struggle yourself, then you can still use your knowledge to help someone else. Read on to get informed and learn more about how you can help celebrate this month by helping someone you love!
Common Mental Health Issues
One of the best ways to take advantage of mental health awareness month is to educate yourself. Mental health issues might seem like something on the fringe, but they’re not. In fact, the pandemic increased anxiety and depression diagnoses by 25% worldwide. That means that many of us know someone who is struggling, even if we’re not aware of it.
Here are some of the most common mental health issues to be aware of:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
- OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)
- Bipolar disorder
If you’re currently in a crisis or you know someone who may be, Call 988. This suicide & crisis lifeline can help.
Improving Mental Health One Step at a Time
Finding help when you’re struggling mentally is paramount. Without help, mental health issues can lead to a host of other problems. For instance, if you have untreated anxiety, then you might try to self-soothe with drugs. Over time, this can turn into an addiction and even a substance use disorder. Improving mental health starts one step at a time. Do something that makes you feel good. Then, do something else! Don’t stop investing in yourself.
Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month
Celebrating this month should start with your education. Then, you’ll want to use that information to your advantage to improve your own mental health. Don’t stop there, though! Keep going by helping others, too. Equipped with what you know, you can help others who are suffering. Simply saying something kind to someone else can do wonders. Do something nice, and you’ll improve not only your own mental health but someone else’s, too!
Take Advantage of Mental Health Awareness Month
This May, we’re asking all our readers to take advantage of mental health awareness month. You can expand your foundation of knowledge and improve your own mental health. By doing so, you’ll be making the world a better place. You’ll also be helping those around you, too. If you know someone who is struggling, then do your best to be understanding.
Are you interested in celebrating this month by supporting mental health programs?
Consider making a donation to Compass Health Network today! You’ll be helping to serve communities throughout Missouri.
How Social Media Affects Mental Health
How Social Media Affects Mental Health
Globally, 59% of humans spend about 2 hours on social media every day.
Like it or not, social media continues to have a real-world impact on so many aspects of life. What’s more, social media habits can alter a person’s mental and physical health.
On one hand, social media can help isolated individuals feel less lonely. On the other, it can cause a person to feel insecure, anxious, or stressed. Have you ever felt this way after browsing online?
Exposure to so much content has its pros and cons.
Learn more about how social media could be impacting your mental health below.
The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
Social media use has serious consequences on adult and youth mental health.
For some, social media provides an outlet for expression and social connection. For others, it becomes a breeding ground for bullying, negative content, and fear.
The way social media impacts you depends on the content you’re consuming. With that in mind, your behavioral health is linked to your online actions.
You can check to see the effect social media has on you by becoming more mindful. Take note of your emotions as you scroll, see certain content, or read through comments.
The Social Media Impact of Engagement Algorithms
Have you noticed that you’re feeling more negative after using social media? If so, then it might be more than a coincidence.
Facebook’s algorithms value your negative reactions way more than your normal likes. In fact, your feeds consider angry reactions 5 times as valuable as normal likes!
If you respond angrily to a post, then you’re likely to see 5 times as much of that type of content in the future.
You can combat this by refusing to use angry reactions. Don’t give negative content any of your attention at all.
This very important social media hack can solve most negative social media problems.
Possible Social Media Dangers You Need to Know About
Social media can cause and contribute to mental health conditions like:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Body image issues
- Cyberbullying
- Insomnia
- FOMO
- Validation seeking
What’s more, social media can also become addictive. If you frequently use social media, then it’s best to attempt to fill your feed with positive posts.
You should also make sure not to spend too much time online. Like all things, balance is key. You can minimize the negative consequences of social media by balancing it with in-person socialization or other hobbies.
The Link Between Social Media and Mental Health Issues
Regardless of how you view social media, it’s obvious that it’s here to stay. To ensure you use it wisely, you’ll want to keep what you’ve learned in this article in mind. The link between social media and mental health issues is clear.
Too much social media can be either disastrous or empowering depending on how you use it.
If you know someone who struggles with mental health issues, then take the first step today. You can contact us to learn more about how our services might be able to help.
Going Back to School: Tips for Overcoming Anxiety and Bullying
Going Back to School: Tips for Overcoming Anxiety and Bullying
Do you have an anxious student on your hands? If so, then you’re far from alone. About 1 in 3 students will experience an anxiety disorder before they reach 18.
What’s more, data for that statistic was all compiled before 2020.
Since that time, the world has only become more stressful and anxiety-ridden. So, it’s likely that statistic has only gone up.
The good news is overcoming anxiety and bullying in school is not only possible but within reach. By taking a few steps before school starts, you can lay a healthy foundation for your student to thrive.
Keep reading to learn our top five tips on how to deal with elementary school bullies.
1. Focus on Communication With Your Child
One of the biggest reasons you may have an anxious student on your hands is because of a lack of communication. Some children don’t feel safe enough to express what’s happening to them.
Since they likely don’t have the coping skills needed to deal, they may suffer silently.
For that reason, you must focus on communicating with your child. You can’t help your child through something you don’t know is happening.
2. Normalize Student Anxiety
One thing that can help foster communication is normalizing student anxiety. In the past, society tended to downplay behavioral health issues like anxiety.
You can be the change you want to see by normalizing these issues for the next generation. Explain how every student will get anxious at some point. Then, explain the difference between productive and negative anxiety.
3. Talk About How to Handle Elementary School Bullies By Identifying Them First
Another thing you need to normalize is bullying. Explain to your child that bullies have always existed, and they always will exist. Bullying does not stop once kids reach adulthood.
That’s why you need to help your child identify and recognize bullying first. From there, you can start to discuss how to handle these situations when they come up.
4. Research and Discuss Coping Mechanisms
You should instruct your child to stay as far away from the bully as possible. Teach your child how to assert healthy boundaries and stand up for themselves.
Tell them who to report to if the other child continues to be disruptive.
5. Schools on Bullying: What Policies Are in Place?
Depending on the situation, you may need to consult with the school about what’s happening.
Learn what policies are in place, and verify they are being upheld. Take the necessary steps to escalate the situation to protect your child. Research your options if the school isn’t cooperating.
Overcoming Anxiety and Bullying in School
If you have a child going to school soon, then you must consider anxiety and bullying. These factors are present at all ages in school, and your child will get exposed if they’re in public school.
The good news is that overcoming anxiety and bullying in school is possible with these tips.
Keep communication open, normalize anxiety, and talk with your student. Discuss coping mechanisms, and consider talking to the school if things progress.
As a parent, you know that protecting your child is paramount. If you’re worried about their mental health, then we can help. Contact us to learn more about our services.
Understanding Suicide Prevention Month: #BeThe1To Make a Difference
Understanding Suicide Prevention Month: #BeThe1To Make a Difference
You Are Not Alone:
In moments of darkness, it’s crucial to remember that you are not alone. The struggles you face might feel isolating, but there is a network of support waiting to guide you towards light. Whether you’re battling personal challenges or concerned about a loved one, reaching out is the first step towards healing.#BeThe1To Make a Difference:
The #BeThe1To campaign encapsulates the essence of Suicide Prevention Month. It’s a call to action, urging each one of us to be that one person who can make a difference in someone’s life. A simple conversation, a caring gesture, or a supportive presence can offer the lifeline someone desperately needs. By taking the initiative, we become agents of hope and change.Getting Help:
If you or someone you know requires immediate mental health support, don’t hesitate to call 988. This three-digit number is dedicated to providing assistance during crisis situations. It’s a number that connects you to professionals who understand, listen, and offer guidance when you need it the most.Compass Health Network:
At Compass Health Network, we’re committed to promoting mental well-being and providing accessible care. If you’re seeking a mental health appointment, reach out to us at 844-853-8937. Our compassionate team is here to assist you on your journey to healing.Visit CompassHealthNetwork.org:
Conclusion:
During Suicide Prevention Month, let us come together as a community to #BeThe1To make a positive impact. Remember, there’s strength in unity, and even the smallest gestures can have a profound effect on someone’s life. Whether it’s lending an empathetic ear or seeking help for yourself, know that you have the power to make a difference. You are not alone – help and hope are just a call away.
Taking Care of Yourself During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Taking Care of Yourself During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Like many states in America, Missouri’s suicide rate is reaching alarming levels. The death rate is approaching 19 people for every 100,000 in the state.
There are many reasons why a person chooses to take their own life. Mental health, life-changing events, poverty, and drugs are just a few of the potential causes.
The good news is that we can all play a vital role in preventing suicide and saving lives. This is the purpose behind Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Read on to learn how to deal with suicidal thoughts, explore difficult topics such as suicidal ideation, and identify depressive symptoms.
What Is Suicidal Ideation?
This is a term used to broadly describe a person having suicidal thoughts. Some individuals develop a preoccupation with death and suicide. They openly or discretely wish for their own death.
Taking these thoughts seriously is a prerequisite for any suicide prevention strategy. Ignoring suicidal clues is a recipe for regret and tragedy. Instead, it is best to err on the side of caution and seek help when you discover indications of suicidal ideation.
Seeking help is not always as easy as it sounds. In some cases, there are no obvious signs that a person is struggling with depression or life purpose.
Is Mental Health Important?
Mental wellness and self-care are critical tenets for suicide prevention strategies. As a parent or loved one, it is essential that you learn about depression symptoms.
Depression presents itself in different ways depending on the person. For some people, there is a noticeable change in behavior. They are always sad, lack energy, and seem disinterested in their family and friends.
Others exhibit extreme highs and lows. They are happy and energetic one day. The next day, they are bedridden and do not want to move.
This may be a sign of bipolar disorder, which can be a root cause of depression. Anxiety is another root cause of depression. Like bipolar disorder, both of these mental health conditions can be treated.
There are also outward expressions of negativity linked to depression. A depressed person may come off as irritable, pessimistic, and frustrated.
What Are Some Suicide Prevention Tips?
The old adage of “see something, say something” is true for suicide prevention. Missouri citizens have access to a suicide and crisis lifeline, 988. This will quickly put you in touch with experts on the subject.
They will respond quickly to your situation and deploy first responders if necessary. Also, suicide and crisis hotlines refer you to medical networks that can help as needed. In Missouri, you can receive treatment at any Compass Health Network location.
Compass has specialists in behavioral health and substance use disorder. They can help diagnose depression and other root causes that may lead to suicidal ideation.
Your Guide to Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and you are ready to do your part. Spotting the signs of depression and other mental health disorders is the first step. The next challenge is enlisting the help of medical professionals.
If you want to learn more about suicide prevention, contact us today to speak with a medical expert.