What Factors are Affecting Mental Health: Tips to Improve Well-Being | Max Hospital

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Key Factors Affecting Mental Health & Proven Tips to Boost It

By Ms. Vishakha Bhalla in Clinical Psychology

Jul 04 , 2024 | 2 min read

Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It involves individuals, families, communities, and society as a whole. Understanding mental health is an essential step toward creating a more compassionate, supportive, and inclusive world for everyone. A good understanding of mental health helps individuals recognize and address their own struggles, leading to overall well-being.

In this way, they can provide better support to friends, family members, colleagues, children, or anyone in the community who might be struggling. Comprehensive understanding helps break down barriers to care and support.

Mental distress: Refers to stress in various areas of functioning (personal, social, psychological, physical), and finding it challenging to manage how we think, feel, act with respect to daily stresses. The quality of life declines, hence can impact a person's thoughts, emotions, behaviors.

However, it depends on the specific condition or disorder a person experiences, as it affects everyone differently. It is never a weakness- but just a response to what is happening, has happened, to us and around us.

Family dynamics
Financial issues
Grief and loss
Loneliness and isolation
Physical problems, accidents or injuries
Lifestyle changes
History of trauma
Changes in mood, like persistent sadness, hopelessness, irritable attitude most of the day.

These Factors may Contribute to:

Behavioural changes: Withdrawal from social activities and hobbies, changes in sleep, appetite changes or restlessness
Emotional Instability: Intense mood swings and emotional outbursts which are inappropriate for situations.
Physical pain: Prolonged headache, immuno-suppression, gastrointestinal issues, muscle tension.
Distorted concentration: Regular negative beliefs about oneself and the world. Excessive worry and paranoia about life.
Substance use: Increased reliance on alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs to cope with emotional distress.
Anger: An intense emotional response manifesting in various intensities, from mild irritation to intense rage.
Stress: A natural response to a perceived external pressure. The body's way of reacting to demanding or challenging situations.
Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
Anxiety: Excessive worry, fear, and nervousness, making it difficult for employees to focus.
PTSD: Intrusive memories, flashbacks, and emotional numbness.

Tips to Improve Mental Health

Boundary Setting: Define your own limits, learn to say "no" occasionally and communicate with close people and colleagues.
Socialize and connect: Spend time with supportive friends or family members. Talk and share your feelings with someone you trust to help alleviate anxiety.
Limit caffeine and alcohol: Excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol can worsen anxiety symptoms. Try to reduce your intake or avoid these substances, especially when you're feeling anxious.
Quick exercise: If you feel jittery, try 20 jumping jacks, 10 pushups or sit-ups, or running in place for 30 seconds—a burst of activity gets your heart rate up, including dopamine or serotonin, that enhances your mood.
Seek professional help: If your stress is chronic or overwhelming, consider speaking with a therapist or psychiatrist who specializes in techniques for mental health issues.
Recognize and reward achievements: Acknowledge and reward people for their accomplishments and contributions to the home & organization.
Games: To distract yourself, do crosswords, sudoku, doodles, online puzzles, and burst bubble wrap ( to get rid of destructive emotions).