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Mental health is an integral and essential component of our overall well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act and influences how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize and take care of our mental health as much as our physical health. However, feeling empowered can often be challenging in a society where mental health is still taboo. That is why, in this blog post, Todd Kennedy, Rochester, New York expert, will explore seven ways to feel empowered about your mental health and prioritize your well-being.
1. Identify and Acknowledge Your Feelings
The first step towards empowering yourself about your mental health is identifying and acknowledging your emotions. This means recognizing what you are feeling, why you are feeling it, and maybe even finding where it stems from. By placing your emotions, you can validate them, thereby prioritizing your feelings. Understanding your mental health is just as critical as your physical health. So remember, your feelings are valid and deserve to be heard.
2. Seek Help
Always remember that seeking help when you are struggling mentally is a sign of strength, not weakness. There is no shame in asking for support from loved ones or seeking professional help from a mental health counselor or therapist. Regardless of what you might be dealing with, reaching out for help is an empowering step toward prioritizing your mental health.
3. Practice Self-Care
Self-care is an essential aspect of mental wellbeing. It often involves making time for activities that bring you joy and help you relax. You can take care of yourself by practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation, anxiety rings or yoga, pursuing hobbies, getting enough sleep, and eating nutritious meals to boost your mood. Remember to prioritize yourself before others and incorporate self-care practices into your lifestyle for your overall well-being.
4. Educate Yourself
Knowledge of mental health conditions and treatment options can give you the confidence to make informed decisions about your mental health. You can research online or read books to learn about different mental health disorders, their symptoms and causes, and, most importantly, how to manage them. This will help you better understand mental health problems and empower you to seek the right help and treatment.
5. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is the act of being thankful and appreciating what you have. Practicing gratitude regularly can help shift your focus away from negative thoughts and emotions, increasing happiness and positivity. You can practice gratitude by keeping a journal or making daily lists of things you are thankful for, no matter how small they are. This can help you feel more empowered and boost your mental wellbeing.
6. Remove Stigmas Attached to Mental Health
Stigmas attached to mental health creates a divide, making those affected feel isolated and different. Empowering yourself means accepting your condition while becoming actively involved in reducing stigmas, starting with yourself and gradually spreading it to others. Openly discussing mental health problems with friends and family and challenging unreasonable societal stereotypes can help remove stigmas related to mental health.
7. Celebrate Your Progress
Lastly, celebrate your progress on your mental health journey, no matter how small it might seem. Empowering yourself about your mental health is a process; little steps can help you progress significantly. Review your progress regularly, no matter how small the improvement might feel. Celebrating your victories will empower you to keep moving forward on your journey to mental wellness.
Todd Kennedy, Rochester, New York expert, says mental health can be challenging, but empowering ourselves to prioritize our overall well-being is essential. Implementing these seven ways to feel empowered is an excellent way to start taking control of your mental health. Remember, the journey to mental wellness is not a sprint, and progress can be slow, so it’s important to celebrate even small steps. Empower yourself by acknowledging your feelings, seeking help, practicing self-care, educating yourself, practicing gratitude, removing stigmas, and celebrating progress. Remember that you are not alone in your journey, and it is okay to seek help. Your mental health matters; empowering yourself can only lead to a happier and healthier life.
