Six Ways to Improve Your Mental Health During MH Awareness Month
Learning how to improve your mental health is a positive goal during Mental Health (MH) Awareness Month. What is the point of raising awareness if we are not progressing in a healthy direction and improving? Given such a focus, it makes sense to share essential tips about how to improve your mental health during this period.
As a provider of mental health treatment services for adults and youth, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) understands the challenges. As part of TTC’s integrated healthcare model, the MH services available at the nonprofit organization are extensive. Indeed, these services run the gamut from inpatient psychiatric stabilization to outpatient treatment.
Improve Your Mental Health: From Microcosm to Macrocosm
Beyond the microcosm of TTC’s MH services, improving mental health is a national issue. Thus, the observance of MH Awareness Month and recent statements from the White House. In a recent proclamation, the White House stated:
“In 2020, less than half of all adults with a mental illness diagnosis received care for it. It is worse for kids — nearly 70 percent of children who need mental health care cannot get it… Two in five adults report experiencing anxiety or depression, and suicide is a leading cause of death among young people. We know that mental health treatment works, but we need to make it more accessible and affordable for all Americans.”
Given such stakes, the goal of how to improve your mental health becomes paramount.
Six Ways to Improve Your Mental Health
Considering our expertise and experience, TTC takes the opportunity to share our informed perspective. Here are six straightforward ways to improve your mental health:
Daily or Weekly Gratitude Lists
Writing a daily or weekly gratitude list is a proven way to improve your mental health. Moreover, many people share these gratitude lists on text chains, helping others.
Guided Meditation with Free Phone Apps
There are tons of free Smartphone apps for meditation and positive spiritual practices. By offering both music options and experienced teachers, these apps help optimize the process.
Outdoor Mental Wellness Activities
We cannot underestimate the importance of avoiding isolation by leaving your house or apartment. Engaging with the world frees your mind, allowing you to embrace real life.
Listening to Music and Music Therapy
The benefits of listening to music have been understood since humans first sat around a fire and banged on rocks. Music connects to the human core, providing relief and happiness.
Creative Projects and Art Therapy
Like music, since the first cave paintings, art has positively supported people. Whether drawing in a notebook, finger painting, or molding clay, the art of creation is fun and liberating.
Eating Favorite Healthy Foods
In 12–Step programs, the acronym HALT has a special meaning: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. If you are experiencing any of these conditions, they could trigger a relapse. Thus, if you are hungry, stop and eat something. Also, healthy food is always the best option.
How to Improve Your Mental Health in Practice
Improving your mental health is no great mystery. Although many people need additional support like professional help and psychiatric medications, you can still help yourself. You will find yourself moving in the right direction by using these six simple ways to improve your mental health. A big step in getting better is accepting the responsibility of helping yourself.