Managing mental illness can reduce the chance of a relapse or allow you to live a close to average life while you’re suffering from a mental health problem. It’s important to take care of your overall health to make recovery easier and help you generally feel better.
Believe in Yourself and Stand Up for Yourself
Just because you’re not emotionally feeling at your peak because of your mental health problem doesn’t mean that you no longer are important as a person. It’s important to make sure you receive the care you deserve and this means care for your mental, emotional and physical well-being.
This means you need to let your current medical practitioner know when you’re feeling poorly. There is the possibility that your symptoms are a side effect of your medications. Your doctor will be able to let you know if there are alternative medications you can take. Your symptoms may also be a sign of a different problem and your doctor should look into this possibility as well.
If you have a doctor who doesn’t seem willing to care for your physical well-being as much as prescribing medications for your mental health problem, then you need to pressure him or her to provide you with full treatment. If you’re not getting full physical treatment as well, don’t be afraid to look for a new or additional doctor to take care of your physical needs.
Manage Stress
Stress is part of life, but it can also make you feel run down. Those suffering from mental illness sometimes feel the effects of stress sooner and stronger than those who do not have a mental health issue. You may find that your mind races more when your stressed and that you have difficulty focuses on what you need to do.
Stress can come in all forms from over scheduling yourself to worry about money, worry about a friend or family member, concern about money or concern about your job.
Don’t be afraid to slow down if you feel you have too much to do. Take one task at a time and don’t be ashamed to say “no.” Know your triggers so that you won’t be shocked when a certain situation makes you feel stressed. Take time to do the things you enjoy and talk to a counselor, join a support group or speak to a trusted family member or friend.
A Healthy Diet and Exercise
It’s important to watch what you eat. Healthy foods will make you feel better and reduce the chance of unnecessary weight gain, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Your doctor will be able to provide you with tips about healthy eating. If eating healthy is a big concern for you, your physician may be able to put you in contact with a dietician to help you learn the correct way to eat.
It’s equally important to make time for exercise even if you’re feeling too tired or emotionally run down to do any. Exercise doesn’t have to be anything difficult or expensive. Dancing to some music in your home is good exercise. Walk around the block a few times a week. Check out dance and fitness opportunities at your local community center.
