We’ve all had those moments in time when everything that’s going on in our lives just weighs too heavy on us. This burden of stress can strike everyone differently. You could have moments where you feel like you’re not catching your breath or you may just want to scream out at the top of your lungs. The important thing to remember is that everyone deals with stress, and as we break the stigma around mental health, it’s important to know there are ways to cope with those feelings.
Positive Thinking
Our mental health issues may stem not only from issues happening in real time, but from emotions buried deep within that we have shrugged off. There’s a deep psychological impact of negative stigmas that can have direct effects on our self-esteem and quality of life. An inability to recognize your own inhibitions can lead to intolerance towards those around you who are expressive. In some ways, it’s anger that a person can operate regardless of sexual orientation or without qualms of any self-stigma. This underlying psychological distress wears over time.
Ultimately, self-love helps put you on a better path of mental health treatment that curbs internal stressors. Experts have put a focus on eliminating these stigmas by starting within with a focus on positive thinking. By taking a stressful situation and reflecting on the pros as opposed to the cons, you are taking the first step in better handling stress. While these negative attitudes should not be cast aside, it will allow you to center on better qualities that help to curb symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Meeting With a Therapist
With the stigma surrounding mental health being broken down with each passing day, more Americans are turning to forms of therapy to better assess their mental health problems. You could feel a little bit of nervousness and anxiety when going into a therapist’s office for the first time. If you don’t know what to expect during your first therapy session, this hesitance is common. It’s best to enter with an open mind about mental health services. The first session will often focus on disclosure, getting an idea of what brought you here, and what health outcomes you’re anticipating.
This assessment can allow for a therapist to get a good idea of your troubles or even direct you to mental health specialists who are more adept at treating patients battling substance abuse or other underlying conditions. A therapist could also direct you to those with greater insight into mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses. You may experience discomfort, but finding the right therapist is critical to building a level of trust that can combat these negative feelings.
Healthier Lifestyle Choices
If you’re dealing with stress, you may want to consult with a health care provider for better life choices beyond the therapeutic process. Some experts have linked mental health stigma and struggle to lifestyle choices that amplify stress, creating physical health problems. Members of your health care team may encourage you to look into supplement companies to take multivitamins or other capsules as a part of your daily regimen to potentially benefit your overall health. They may suggest this in conjunction with prescription medications covered under your health insurance.
Some health care providers may suggest a change in diet and exercise to help better address stress. This can include foods rich in vitamin C and calcium while avoiding fattier meats, caffeine, and alcohol. A regular exercise routine has become a common suggestion in mental health help to expend the energy brought on by stressors, triggering negative feelings and behaviors. After all, coping with stress is not about avoidance, but about addressing issues free of judgment and misconception.
