Have you ever stopped to think about your mental health?

To those who like to resolve problems internally, voicing our feelings and emotions can seem like a rather alien concept. But, this has shown to have a worse effect on our mental health in the long-term. It’s something we’re discouraged from doing in today’s world. And rightly so; we’re always told the importance of looking after our physical health.

Regular exercise reduces our risk of chronic illness. And it’s about time mental health received the same level of awareness, too.

So, why is it so important that we pay more attention to our mental health in today’s world?

Our mental health is vulnerable

In a world where technology is beginning to take over, our mental health is highly vulnerable. We’re exposed to the views and opinions of others, who aren’t afraid to express their feelings across social media.

We see plenty of this in printed media forms, too, and many other forms of public communication. It takes a strong and resilient mind to be able to read and accept these opinions, before separating them from our own personal beliefs. But whilst we’re all improving our tech skills, we’re not training our minds to deal with its consequences.

Like you would if someone was telling you a story, you can listen to what they have to say. But you don’t have to let it taint your personal opinions or feelings. Try taking this approach next time you’re scrolling on your phone, tablet or computer. Aim to separate yourself from the opinions and views that you read.

A holistic perspective on mental health

Although our mental state is arguably more vulnerable, we’ve developed new practices that can help us take control of our emotions.

Yoga and meditation have boosted in popularity in recent years, with people of all ages and abilities giving them a try. Taking a holistic approach to health, they perceive the mind and body as whole. 

Without stretching our muscles and elevating the heart rate, we can’t expect our mental state to be in top condition. Similarly, without engaging in mental de-stress exercises, we can’t expect our physical and physiological health to reach its full potential.

Bearing this in mind every day will help us to achieve a more positive whole state of being. This is particularly important in today’s world, since we’re constantly busy juggling many aspects of life. Without careful attention, we can become disconnected, succumbing to feelings of stress and/or anxiety.

Fighting stress and anxiety

In 2018, 74% of people felt so stressed that they became overwhelmed, or felt that they were unable to cope, according to Mentalhealth.org.

Our genetic makeup is only partly responsible for the onset of such emotions. Our surrounding environment is accountable, too. And with the pressures that come with modern society, it’s no wonder the statistics are so high.

If we want to live a long and healthy life, though, we can’t let ourselves fall ill to the anxieties and stresses we feel. In most cases, it is easier said than done, and it’s not a simple case of ‘switching off’ our feelings.

That’s why meditation and mindfulness practices have become more popular. They can help to manage these negative feelings and put them into perspective. As a result of a weakened immune system, stress can be a causing factor of a wide range of health conditions. These can range from insomnia and depression, to heart problems and diabetes. 

Whilst diminishing feelings of stress and anxiety as a nation may be unrealistic, there are things we can do as individuals to reduce our stress on a daily basis, like talking to our loved ones. Take a read of our previous article to find out more.

Looking out for each other

And last, but not least, it’s important that as a society, we make the effort to look out for each other whenever we can.

Our internal battles are often kept silent, with people resisting the urge to speak out in fear of ridicule from others. But particularly in today’s world, to preserve a good state of mental health, it’s important we speak to our loved ones about any problems we’re facing. Often, when we voice our worries, they don’t sound as serious as they do within our own conscious thoughts.

To find out more about how you can protect your mental health in today’s world, take a look at our previous article.