This month is Mental Wellness Month. When it comes to our mental wellness, there are a lot of factors that can influence it. It’s important to be aware of the things that can impact your mental health so that you can take steps to protect yourself. Our mental wellness can be influenced by our physical health, relationships and social life, job or financial situation, and even our environment.

Physical health

Our physical health also plays a big role in mental wellness. When we’re feeling physically unwell, it can be difficult to focus on anything else or take care of our mental health. It’s important to take care of our physical health, such as getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet.

Our relationships with family, friends, and acquaintances play an important role in how we feel mentally. Having a strong support system can be a great way to help us stay mentally well. We should also take time for ourselves and do activities we enjoy, such as hobbies and other interests.

Our job or financial situation can affect our mental health, especially if it causes us stress. It’s important to find ways to manage our stress and take steps to improve our financial situation if needed.

Our mental wellness is complex and multi-dimensional, and it is influenced by various factors, including our genetics. Researchers have found that certain genetic variants are associated with an increased risk for certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. However, it is important to remember that genes are just one piece of the puzzle. Environmental factors, such as trauma or stress, can also contribute to mental illness.

Finally, our environment can also impact our mental wellness. Being constantly in a stressful or overwhelming environment can start to affect our mental health. Creating a peaceful and calming space for ourselves can help to protect our mental health.

Trauma and abuse can have a profound impact on mental wellness. Experiencing trauma can lead to feelings of fear, shame, and isolation. It can also trigger flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts. Sometimes, it can even lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Abuse, whether it is physical, sexual, or emotional, can also cause lasting damage to mental health. Victims of abuse often suffer from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. They may also struggle with trust, self-esteem, and intimacy issues.

When we’re going through a difficult time, it’s natural to want to cope in whatever way we can. Whether it’s numbing our feelings with alcohol or shopping or trying to push ourselves to keep going no matter what, we all have our own ways of dealing with tough times. But sometimes, our coping mechanisms can do more harm than good. If we’re not careful, they can take a toll on our mental health.

For example, if we’re relying on alcohol to help us deal with our problems, we might find that we’re drinking more and more over time. Or, if we’re pushing ourselves to keep going no matter what, we might find that we’re constantly exhausted and stressed out. This can lead to burnout and make it even harder to cope with our challenges. It’s important to be aware of how our coping mechanisms are impacting our mental health to ensure we’re taking care of ourselves in the best way possible.

Another thing that can influence our mental wellness is the people we surround ourselves with. If we’re constantly surrounded by negativity, it can start to wear on us mentally. On the other hand, if we have a strong support system of family and friends who encourage us, lift us up, and offer unconditional love and acceptance, it can have a huge positive impact on our mental health.

Having someone to talk to when things get tough can be incredibly helpful. It’s important to find supportive and understanding people who can provide us with emotional connection and guidance. A therapist can also be a great source of support, providing an impartial third-party perspective and helping to ensure that we’re staying grounded in healthy coping strategies.

Regardless of our life experiences or genetic makeup, taking care of our mental health is vital to living a full and meaningful life. Finding the right balance between mental and physical health is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By nurturing our mental wellness, we can ensure that we’re making the most of our lives and setting ourselves up for success in all areas of life.

Just as our physical health can suffer when we don’t take care of ourselves, our mental health can also decline when we don’t attend to our emotional needs. If you’re struggling with mental health issues, it’s important to seek therapy. Therapy provides a safe and supportive space to explore your thoughts and feelings. It can help you to understand your emotions and to develop healthy coping mechanisms. If you’re struggling with mental health issues, seeking therapy can be an important step toward recovery.

Serene Health offers a variety of behavioral health and mental health services, including individual, family, and couples counseling. We have flexible appointments available through our telehealth platform, so you can speak to a therapist online from wherever you choose. Give us a call at 844-737-3638 or visit www.serenehealth.com to make an appointment.