The issue of mental health and wellness can sometimes be considered a stigma. It’s not something that is easily spoken about. Especially when it’s our own mental health and wellness that is cause for concern. No one wants to admit that they are experiencing issues with their mental health. People of all ages and backgrounds can struggle with mental health issues. From depression to anxiety and stress, it affects us all.
In today’s world, the social issues and societal impacts of the corona virus are causing plenty of grief and hardships on everyone. Some people have experienced job loss, loss of loved ones, illness, loss of income and financial stability. There is an obvious major change that has taken place in our every day lives. We’ve had to accept the changes and regulations that have been put in place for our own safety and well-being. While these changes may be best for our physical health, it has been putting a strain on our mental health. When mental health is an issue, our overall wellness is also at risk.
Taking good care of your mental health is important in achieving overall wellness. It is especially important during this time of the corona virus and the covid-19 pandemic. The effects of COVID-19 have not been easy to deal with and may have caused added stress, anxiety, fear and even loneliness and sadness.
Normally, during times of troubles and stress, we would reach out and surround ourselves with our social supports. Unfortunately, in order to alleviate the risk of contracting the virus, we must refrain from any social activities and limit ourselves to our immediate households. Social distancing has unfortunately become the norm in our everyday lives. In order to protect our health and the health of our families we must continue to isolate and distance ourselves for now. During this time of isolation and distancing, it is essential that we take extra care and consideration into looking after ourselves and our mental health.
When considering good mental health and wellness practices, it is important to take a holistic approach and look at the whole person model. The whole person model includes the physical, emotional, spiritual and mental aspects of well-being. Often, we find that when we work on one aspect, it has a positive impact on the other aspects as well. For example, going for a walk, not only does it benefit our physical being, but it also has a positive effect on our emotional, spiritual and mental well-being. Getting out in the fresh air and going for a walk is known to increase endorphins which reduces stress and gets us into that feel-good state of mind.
Below are some great self-care tips that you can incorporate into your daily life to ensure good mental health and enhance your over-all well-being. When we ourselves have good mental health, we are in a better position to support and help our friends, family and children in their efforts in achieving mental health and wellness. Let’s value and support ourselves and each other by aiming to achieve healthy mental wellness.
Family Enhancement Worker
Yellow Thunderird Lodge YTCCFS