In today’s rapidly changing world, the speed at which stress and anxiety spread across the globe is colossal, borderline catastrophic. That’s why the need for mental health awareness is more important than ever. One way out of this dilemma is through the proliferation and practice of self-care. Self-care is neither a selfless act nor a lavish luxury; rather, it’s the most basic need for improving and maintaining your mental health.
By engaging in self-care practices, we can improve the overall quality of our lives. This blog post will briefly explore the significance of self-care in mental health and provide resources that can guide you on a path to a peaceful mind!
Before addressing the importance of self-care, we need to define what mental health truly means. Being aware of the various mental health conditions many face is the first step toward creating safe and supportive environments. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community”.
Ideally, we’d like to have the ability to cope with all of our stressors, all of the time. However, that is not feasible or realistic. On the contrary, mental disorders are far more widespread than one might think. In a survey conducted by John Hopkins Medicine, researchers found that “an estimated 26% of Americans ages 18 and older — about 1 in 4 adults — suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year”. While acknowledging that, there is still a need to remove the stigma and stereotypes associated with mental health disorders, while also making self-care more accessible to everyone.
Now that we’ve defined mental health, let’s examine how self-care affects your mental well-being. As defined by the WHO, self-care is “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness – with or without the support of a health or care worker”. It has the power to aid in the development of positive coping skills, which reduce stress and improve moods, in turn positively affecting your physical health.
Similar to diets, the list of self-care practices can vary and tend to be quite personal. For instance, it might be as simple as walking alone with a podcast blasting in your ears or running a bath, slathering on a face mask, and holding a book—it’s what resonates with you! Having those moments to dedicate to yourself and your mental health can indeed be transformational, allowing us to go through whatever life throws in our direction with more ease.
While self-care is a powerful and needed tool, it is equally important to know that help is available when needed. Local resources can provide in-person assistance and can also connect you to your community. The state of South Carolina is home to many mental health practitioners, so seek one that’s right for you. For immediate local assistance, please call the South Carolina Community Crisis Response & Intervention Line at 833-364-2274 or look for support groups in your area.
National organizations are there to help no matter where you’re located. There are a plethora of online therapy platforms dedicated to mental health counseling. From sites like BetterHelp to Talkspace, you’re just a click away from finding the break and help you need to overcome whatever you’re experiencing. For immediate, non-local assistance, please call the NAMI Helpline at 1-800-950-6264.
One thing you can remind yourself of is this: self-care is not an act of selfishness; it’s one way to become a less stressed, healthier version of yourself. By practicing these skills and using the resources you have at your fingertips, you will be better prepared to gain resiliency toward living a fuller life!
References
https://namisc.org/resources/local-and-national-resources/
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/self-care-for-health-and-well-being
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/mental-health-disorder-statistics