World Mental Health Day falls on Tuesday, October 10. The day aims to raise awareness of mental health issues and the need for positive change. This year’s theme is: “Is Mental Health a Universal Human Right?” The answer is yes if humanity aspires to a society in which everyone has the skills to form useful relationships with others and realize their potential.
Unfortunately, mental health concerns are still met with a lot of stigma, which can promote ignorance. What are some myths and facts about the human psyche that everyone should understand? Here are five things you need to know on World Mental Health Day that will help you be a better person the other 364 days of the year.
1. How exercise affects mood and mindset
Could someone in your life benefit from a little exercise but seems reluctant to follow your advice? The problem may not be stubbornness, but undiagnosed depression. While exercise is a useful holistic treatment for this condition, it’s not as simple as saying, “Go to the gym and you’ll feel better.” The disease affects levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine that motivate you, making getting off the couch a task akin to the 12 labors of Hercules for those affected.
However, you are more likely to try the ‘cure’ exercise if you know how little it costs. Research from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America just shows five minutes of aerobic activity starts to lower your cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone, but what does it have to do with your neurotransmitters?
Every chemical in your body affects others. When cortisol levels rise, dopamine and serotonin decrease, which affect your mood. It’s one reason why traumatic stress is so bad for your mental health. However, lowering your cortisol levels leads to a corresponding increase in these neurotransmitters, improving your outlook. You can do anything for five minutes!
2. How your diet affects your mood
Could your diet be making you anxious or depressed? Certainly deficiencies can worsen these conditions and nourishing your body with the raw materials needed to produce various neurotransmitters can change your mood. What should you eat?
Start with your intestines. Feeding your microbiome—the healthy bacterial colonies of your gut—can affect the same areas of the brain as synthetic antidepressants. Please note:
- Yogurt
- Kombucha
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Miso – fall is soup season!
Also, eat more nuts, as they contain a lot of magnesium, selenium and zinc – three minerals that have a positive impact mental health. Consuming deep leafy greens and a rainbow of fruit and vegetable colors ensures your body gets the nutrients it needs to make neurotransmitters.
3. How inequality affects mental health
Your health shouldn’t depend on the contents of your wallet, but in the United States that often does. One of the biggest problems politicians ignore is how many Americans can’t seek basic care, or don’t want to, because it means choosing between their health and their housing. Medical debt creates an unfair burden on manyespecially people with chronic diseases.
Few things weigh more on your mental health than knowing that you need care but don’t have the resources to seek it. The trauma of poverty can be that endangering entire generations and there are few safety nets. This has significant implications for people with invisible disabilities who appear outwardly healthy but struggle with typical workplace demands or activities of daily living.
Unfortunately, the trauma that inequality and poverty cause affects everyone in society. These individuals are more likely to lose their homes or succumb to addiction, increasing public risks. Furthermore, they are likely to pass on their maladaptive beliefs and behaviors to their children, perpetuating the cycle.
4. How to recognize the signs of a crisis
Despite all the talk about “suicide awareness,” relatively few people know how to recognize the signs of a mental health crisis. Look for the following in yourself and your loved ones, and seek help if you notice them:
- Appearing sad, depressed, or angry all the time
- Anxiety, sudden mood swings, insomnia and agitation
- Feeling hopeless, like there is no reason to live
- You feel like a burden to everyone – excessive guilt, shame and feelings of failure
- Increased substance or alcohol use
- Loss of interest in school, work, previously enjoyed activities
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Excessive anger, violent outbursts, such as punching a wall
- Increased risky behavior such as drinking and driving
- Giving away valuables, tying up loose ends, putting things in order
If you recognize these signs in someone you care about (or in yourself), reach out for help. The National Suicide Crisis Line advises involved parties, not just those in crisis. Call 988 or text ‘help’ to 741741.
5. How to find the help you need
You may be eligible for medical coverage if your life circumstances change. Visit Healthcare.gov to check your eligibility. Low-cost community clinics often offer assistance on a sliding scale. Additionally, today’s apps can provide treatment for less than the cost of traditional therapy.
What if poverty is behind your crisis? You are far from alone. While not ideal, free resources can help. YouTube now allows licensed professionals to upload verification, and highly skilled professionals like Doc Snipes and Dr. Daniel Fox offer free videos packed with advice. Also, dive into holistic free healing alternatives, such as:
- Yoga and meditation
- Spending time outdoors
- Visiting your library for mental health books
- Participate in an online or in-person support group
- Working or spending time with animals
What you need to know about World Mental Health Day
Mental health is a universal human right. By healing others, people truly lift themselves up. Educate yourself on these five things you need to know about World Mental Health Day. Then find a community event or do your part to raise awareness by sharing information on social media.
