The sad facts: one in four people will develop a mental health disorder in a given year, about 10% of children have a mental health disorder at any one time, depression affects one in five people, and the UK has the highest rate of self-harm in Europe. The good news – between 70 and 90 percent of mentally ill people who received treatments showed great improvement in their quality of life.
Whether it is depression, anxiety disorder, or any other mental health issue you are dealing with, here are ten ways to speed up your recovery:
1.Know your enemy.
The internet gives us a large source of information that will help you understand the mental health disorder you are going through. Also, don’t hesitate to seek opinion from a medical professional. There are a wide variety of mental health disorders and they vary in symptoms. When you know who your enemy is, you can find the best weapon to beat it.
2.When changing habits, don’t rush.
But make sure you do your best. According to neuroscientists, humans have the ability to re-wire themselves. That means no matter how hooked you are by a negative habit or behaviour, you can always change it for the better. But you have to work hard. It takes courage and a lot of energy to change but the moment you succeed, you will never regret it.
3.What you think doesn’t define you.
People with mental health disorders are usually flooded with negative thoughts. Such thoughts can make you feel weak and worthless. But those are just thoughts. Remember that you have a very powerful mind. You are capable of changing your thoughts to form positive emotions that will make you feel better.
4.Seek help.
You can’t get through it all alone. You need support from your family, friends, and other people who understand you. But not anyone can help you so be careful when choosing people to confide in. Find a good therapist who’s going to guide you in your way to full recovery.
5.Nourish your body to nourish your mind.
A healthy body makes a healthy mind. Invest in your health. Eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol drinking. You may also engage in mental exercises that are proven to promote a higher sense of wellbeing, such as meditation and yoga.
6.Don’t feel ashamed of your condition.
Mental illness is as common as physical illness. Mental illness is something that you should not be ashamed of. In fact, facing it with courage is an achievement. Once you’ve gotten through it, you become an inspiration to others who are also going through the same situation.
7.Don’t make love with your illness.
Many people do have the habit of romanticising with their health problems. It’s time to let go of the drama. Stop thinking you are different. Stop wondering why on earth you have to suffer from whatever mental health issue you have. Before you think or do something, ask yourself – will it improve my condition?
8.Never get tired of finding reasons to smile.
Having a mental health disorder could mean being soaked in negative emotions. But if you try to find peace and happiness even in the smallest things and most usual events, you will feel much better. Keep yourself busy. Do things you enjoy. Read books, watch movies, and entertain yourself.
9.Fight for others.
Getting over a mental illness isn’t just about you, but also about everyone else struggling with poor mental health. Stand up for them. Inspire them. Show them it is possible to recover from a mental illness. Be their role model.
10.Focus on the now.
Never let the regrets of the past overwhelm you. You can’t turn back the time, that’s true. But you can do something to change your future. Use your energy wisely. Invest it on things that will help you recover and not on things that will make your condition worse.
