2022 is upon us! Many people look forward to a new year with anticipation. We aim to leave the past behind and to move towards new goals that often include better health. I am sure that you have heard the term health is wealth. What comes to mind when you think of health? If you are anything like me, you may have only thought about the physical aspect. Everywhere we turn, we are reminded to exercise, eat well, and drink enough water on a daily basis. While those things are important, there is another area of our health that should be prioritized as well.
Mental health is a subject that many people shy away from. If you suffer from poor mental health due to stress, financial issues, or relationship problems, you are perceived as weak. So, what do most people do?
They suffer in silence.
They smile when they’re hurting.
They throw themselves into activities to numb the pain. (drinking, sex, exercise, or overeating etc.)
None of these things help us with the underlying issues. While both men and women can be affected by poor mental health, men are often affected more due to the societal pressures to be masculine and strong. If the issues go unaddressed for too long, it can lead to suppressed emotions, medical issues, feelings of despair, and lead to extreme measures to stop the pain. I have read too many stories where mental health was the culprit behind someone taking their life. Suicide is not the answer. We can all strive towards improving our mental health by:
- Avoid self-criticism- value yourself
- Take care of your body.
- Talk to someone if you need to. Therapy does not equal weakness.
- Practice mindfulness- meditate or practice yoga.
- Change up your normal routine. Try new things.
- Set realistic goals. Don’t over commit.
- Surround yourself with positive people.
Remember, everything starts in the mind, and our mind needs to be healthy too.
Monaye
Unbreakable Survivor 