Mental health is critical to overall health and well-being. Mental health affects part of our daily lives. While anything from belief systems to unprocessed trauma can affect mental health, self-care can be a powerful way to balance mental health, gain a deeper understanding of who you are, and develop personal tools for stress relief and wellness.
If you or someone in your life is struggling with mental health, A Better State can help. Our Hudson, New Hampshire clinic helps the New Hampshire area with mental health and addiction recovery. Call us now at 781.412.1488 to learn more about the importance of self-care along with mental health treatment.
What Is Mental Health?
Doctors and scientists often diagnose mental health based on the balance and imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. However, every aspect of a person’s experience affects their mental well-being. Mental health is often seen on a spectrum ranging that affects a person’s quality of life. Poor mental health can be detrimental to someone’s overall well-being. Sleep, diet, exercise, relationships, and stress contribute to mental health.
Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression are common but treatable. Seeking help from a therapist or doctor can significantly improve someone’s mental well-being and quality of life. It is crucial to destigmatize seeking help for mental health concerns, as it is just as important as seeking medical treatment for physical ailments.
What Is Self-Care?
Self-care is an increasingly popular term. While self-care is often used to encourage people to rest and de-stress, self-care refers to ways to promote overall health, reduce disease risk, and help individuals and communities manage illness, disability, and overall health without a healthcare worker. Self-care is a form of preventative medicine that allows people to meet their own needs and support those they love, no matter the stage of life.
If you’re struggling with self-care, here are some tips:
- Drink at least eight glasses of water a day – Dehydration can mimic symptoms of mental health conditions and diseases. Staying hydrated can help stabilize mood and overall health.
- Practice mindfulness – The practice of present-moment awareness can help the body relax and make larger problems suddenly seem less intense. It can regulate the nervous system and decrease the risk of hypertension.
- Join a support group – Support groups are often free and easy to join. Talking with others in a casual setting can help people connect, manage mental health, and feel less alone.
- Focus on nutrient-dense foods – Processed foods can negatively affect mental health and overall wellness. Focusing on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce blood sugar spikes, anxiety, and depression.
- Take breaks – Unfortunately, people are often discouraged from taking breaks and resting throughout the day. Permit yourself to take breaks from computer screens, toxic relationships, and sitting for long periods.
These are only a few self-care tips. Any habits and behaviors that can reduce stress, improve health, and help increase someone’s quality of life can be considered self-care. Regular wellness visits to a doctor and working with a therapist can also be a great way to develop tools for self-care.
Learn More About the Importance of Self-Care from A Better State
If you or your loved one need more support in self-care, A Better State is here to help. Our dual diagnosis outpatient programs provide flexible, accessible mental healthcare for the New Hampshire area. Whether you’re struggling with addiction or mental health, our partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and traditional outpatient programs can help. Clients enjoy our combination of evidence-based and alternative therapies, including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), individual therapy, and trauma therapy.
With trauma-informed mental healthcare for PTSD, anxiety, and depression, A Better State is here to help you and your loved ones thrive. Contact us now at 781.412.1488 to learn more about our mental health treatment programs and the importance of self-care.
