How to keep on top of mental health

loveisdivine

I'm just looking for a bit of advice on how to improve my mental health.
Ive suffered with anxiety a lot in the past. Been through some very difficult situations and had some counseling.
At the minute I consider myself to be in a fairly good place mentally. I have a few medical problems that cause me some anxiety but I'm handling it ok. I don't feel like I need to have more counseling at this time.

However, I know how quickly things can change. Depression runs in the family and although I have never been truly depressed, it is something that I worry about from time to time.

Is there anything I can do to keep on top of my mental health that may help avoid a decline in the future? I've started doing a small amount of meditation, which I'm really enjoying. I'm also trying to have a more relaxed outlook on life. If I catch myself worrying needlessly I try and stop, decide if its a real worry that warrants attention and if its not try and let it go.

I'm also on Propranolol at the minute for migraines. I suspect this is helping me take a more relaxed approach on a day to day basis.

People do weights/exercise to improve their physical stength. What can be done to improve mental strength?

finbazorange

Considering you find meditation helpful and enjoyable are you aware of the meditation classes provided by Tara Kadampa Buddhist Centre on overcoming anxiety & stress? They have classes in Dublin, Galway & Limerick www.meditateinireland.com Each class includes two lovely guided meditations with a talk in between on methods to overcoming anxiety & stress. It's for everyone, not just Buddhists.

Hope this helps.

Love,
b.

loveisdivine

Thanks for the reply. I'll check out that website now

Mental health has to be worked for and requires discipline. A good routine, quality sleep, exercise, good food and a good support network being the key things, I have found.


Things that may help:

Keep a mood diary to help plot your life, identifying the things that help you and the things you don't.

Find somebody you trust that you can talk to and be open with and use them as a soundboard to gauge where you at.

Yoga can have a big impact.

Put in place a action plan to help brake the anxiety cycle i.e. music, meditation cd's etc.. and follow it.

Don't rule out counciling if your anxieties get bad as you may not have met the right councillor yet.

Good luck, Gary.

Frito

Gary's advice is good, AWARE run a series of lectures at St. Pat's which are available online-you may find some tips. You may also find Mary Ellen Copeland's WRAP model helpful, it's a recovery based model with attention given to maintaining health and minimising relapse, and is used in acute mental health services. Having said that, you could find you are actually doing as much as you can do, which will reassure you. Hope this is useful and good luck.

briocht

Here are some things that I find helpful for maintaining good mental health:

1) A good diet

Cut out the junk food and eat a healthy balanced diet. Cut down on alcohol as much as possible. Get a bloodtest done every couple of months to ensure that you are not deficient in any vitamins or minerals, deficiencies can significantly contribute to poor mental health.

2) Exercise

Even if you can only manage going for a short walk, exercise will improve your confidence and help keep you physically and mentally healthy.

3) Ensure Social Support

Invest time in relationships. Build up friendships so that if you start to feel blue you have support around you.

4) Keep a Diary

This is a good way to get out all your frustrations and can help you track your mood or deal with problems that are particularly difficult.

5) Meditate

Keep up the meditation, it really is excellent for your physical and mental health and can supposedly increase your IQ!

6) Spend time in Nature

Spending time outside has been shown to reduce stress levels and help you feel happier. It also gives you a chance to stock up on Vitamin D levels, which can effect mood.

7) Take Supplements

A good general multivitamin may help you keep healthy. Vitamin D spray is a good thing to incorporate into your day, especially coming into the winter when people can become deficient.

8) Take time For You

Just take some time out of your day to do something you really enjoy. It sounds simple but it really can make your day that bit brighter and if you set a time aside it gives you something positive to look forward to!

loveisdivine

Thanks everyone, there's some really good advice here.

Some of the things I already do, but its good to know in on the right track.

I must admit, I don't really have any friends, not in this country anyway. It's something I would like to remedy but I do find it very difficult to make friends.
Something for me to work on!