10 Ways to Protect Your Mental Health

Health is the entirety of mental and physical well-being.

Health is the entirety of mental and physical well-being. According to Specialist Psychologist Ezgi Dokuzlu from Anadolu Health Center, "Mental health disorders account for 5 out of every 10 illnesses. These include depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder." She further explained, "If these conditions are left untreated or neglected, they can lead to functional impairments, family problems, and cause physical or psychological harm to others." Psychologist Ezgi Dokuzlu shared 10 ways to protect mental health...

Research shows that one in four people will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives. The majority of individuals with poor mental health, however, do not seek professional help due to societal pressure and prejudice. Everyone may face challenging times or feel overwhelmed occasionally. While we may have loved ones or others we can seek advice from, there are times when professional help is necessary. Just like when we have a physical wound, which has a treatment, we may also have emotional wounds that can be healed with proper treatment.

Psychological Support Should Be Sought in Case of Lack of Concentration and Productivity

There is no need for individuals to experience a specific problem in order to seek psychological support. Talking about emotions, thoughts, and the behaviors they influence, increasing awareness, exploring oneself, and making life more productive and meaningful can all be reasons to seek support. However, psychological support is often sought when problems become overwhelming. Sometimes, these symptoms bother the individual themselves, while at other times, others may notice them, and the person may be referred to a professional. If you feel that your quality of life is deteriorating, or you are struggling with concentration and productivity, it is important to seek professional help.

Ezgi Dokuzlu explained that neglecting or suppressing mental health issues can lead to more difficult and severe psychological problems over time, and she shared 10 recommendations to protect mental health:

Accept the Situation

Get to know yourself well, avoid comparing yourself to others, and work on improving your current state. Our mental health and life do not always have to be perfect. Ups and downs are inevitable. Problems that arise may sometimes be a lesson for us or a sign that we are not on the right path. Rather than feeling defeated by every setback, seeing them as tools for personal growth and accepting them will be beneficial.

Reduce Stress Factors

It is impossible to live a life completely free of stress. However, for a high-quality life and mental health, it is important to try to reduce stressors as much as possible. There are many ways to manage stress, but sometimes, if you are unable to cope, you may need to seek professional support.

Practice Mindfulness and Stay in the Present Moment

Mindfulness helps bring our mind to the present moment. This state of awareness helps you focus on the concrete problem or situation at hand, assisting in dealing with life's challenges.

Sleep Regularly and Eat Healthily

Getting regular sleep, limiting caffeine intake, avoiding eating at least 2 hours before bedtime, exercising regularly, and making the bedroom quiet, dark, and slightly cool are basic sleep hygiene practices. Healthy sleep is fundamental to psychological well-being.

Try to Exercise Regularly

Having a short but regular exercise routine is one of the most effective ways to cope with stress and distance yourself from daily negatives. Research shows that people who exercise regularly have less stressful lives compared to those who do not.

Communicate with Loved Ones

In difficult times, feeling the presence of a loved one always helps. Sharing emotions and thoughts, and feeling understood, has a healing power. Receiving support and asking for help from loved ones plays a crucial role in dealing with life's challenges.

Be Open to New Things

Consider that every new experience can bring both challenges and ease, and try to be prepared for these situations. To deal with the challenges you will encounter, recall how you overcame similar challenges in the past.

Set Realistic Goals

Rather than setting unattainable goals and facing disappointment, achieving small goals step by step or adjusting goals when necessary helps to prevent hopelessness and pessimism.

Review Expectations

Regularly review your expectations from life, from yourself, and from others. Modify expectations that are unrealistic, draining, or difficult to meet in accordance with circumstances.

Make Time for Yourself

Every day, set aside a few minutes for your hobbies, and take a break at work to just relax. Short breaks not only refresh your mind and soul but also help you feel less fatigued. Even closing your eyes for 3-4 minutes a few times a day in the hustle and bustle of life will aid in relaxation.