Just like physical health, our mental health exists on a continuum from illness to wellness. As we can fall physically sick from time to time, so can we experience psychological distress.
No one emotion usually lasts permanently – it is impossible to always be happy. However, there are times when emotions – particularly sadness and anxiety – persist.
So what signs could indicate it's time to seek help, from a GP or mental health professional?
- Things you normally enjoy are no longer enjoyable;
- Your sleep and/or appetite is affected;
- Your concentration is poor and you find completing tasks difficult;
- You avoid doing things, like going out or seeing friends;
- You're unmotivated and fatigued; and
- You think about death and harming yourself.
About 45% of Australian adults will be affected by mental illness at some time in their life. One in five Australians experience a mental illness very year.
So how can you maintain good mental health?
- Take care of your body: get adequate sleep, eat balanced and timely meals, and exercise regularly.
- Practice meditation, like mindfulness, to help keep yourself relaxed, increase concentration and improve awareness of your thoughts and feelings.
- Maintain close, trusting relationships, which contributes to a sense of belonging.
- Keep a journal, to express your thoughts and feelings.
- Engage in a hobby and set aside time each week to enjoy it.
- Do something for others: volunteer or engage in some form of community service.
There are times when we will all feel stressed, when the demands of life exceed our ability to cope. During those periods, it can be useful to spend time with a pet, play with a child, go for a walk, practice yoga or meditation, or speak to a friend.
Experiment and see what works best for you. Remember, the same strategy will not always work every time.
If you continue to feel stressed or distressed, seek professional help or call Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 224 636).
In the next instalment, we will focus on social media - the good, the not so good, and the downright worrying.
Follow the links for previous instalments: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 9, Part 10
Cassandra Sundaraja is a clinical psychologist, currently pursuing her PhD in Psychology at the University of New England. She had her own psychotherapy practice in India, where she worked with children, adolescents, adults and couples. Learn more about studying Psychology at UNE.
