In our modern world, mental health seems to be on the decline–partly due to our fast-paced lifestyle, partly to the intrusion of technology in our lives, and perhaps partly due to the food we eat and the pollutants in our environment.
Whatever the causes, if you’re experiencing mental health issues, such as anxiety, stress, depression, extreme mood swings, or any other problems, do not ignore these symptoms. Start making some changes to improve your mental well-being and reach out for help from a professional, if needed.
Lifestyle causes
Most of us find our days flying by without being able to take the proverbial breath. Work consumes most of our days and we allow few opportunities for recreation or healthy interactions outside of work. If we have families, we may be touchy and stressed when we get home, causing a negative atmosphere in the one place where we should be able to relax and unwind with those we love.
The constant fast pace can make it very difficult to relax enough to sleep well. On top of that, most of us sit for the majority of our days and grab quick meals of questionable dietary value, filling ourselves with coffee or some other stimulant to keep us going when our bodies are trying to tell us to stop.
Technology causes
There’s no doubt that the internet and more specifically the smartphone and social media have had a very negative impact on mental health, especially the mental health of young people. While social media was initially intended to bring people together, it seems to have had the opposite effect. While it’s great to be able to keep in touch with loved ones living on a different coast, in some cases, social media has become a replacement for meaningful, face-to-face relationships, creating a feeling of isolation and loneliness for many people.
Since people tend to post the best versions of themselves online, social media users may begin to compare their own lives to the idyllic versions of someone else’s life, leading to lower self-esteem and greater dissatisfaction with oneself and one’s own life. The posting of ideal bodies, often adjusted by filters, causes body-image issues, especially in young women. Online bullying has become a serious problem as well, as bullies have such a wider audience and a single incident can humiliate a person in front of thousands and potentially millions of people.
The technology itself may also cause mental and physical harm. Some people are adversely affected by the electromagnetic waves produced by cell phones that are held against the ear for hours. The blue light emitted from computer screens throws off our circadian rhythms and damages our sleep cycles.
Environmental causes
While there is some disagreement regarding what constitutes an environmental hazard and what may be affecting human health, both physical and mental, there is no doubt that our soil, water supply, and even our food contain a variety of chemicals, microplastics, and very low-level toxins. What is considered a “safe” dose of pesticide?
What you can do
Your body is a holistic system and your mental, emotional, intellectual, and physical health are interconnected. Making some lifestyle changes and adjusting your inward dialog will improve your overall health.
Start by considering what factors may be causing you to feel imbalanced, unwell, or mentally off. As a psychotherapist in the New York City area, I have helped many clients examine their lifestyles and their environments to determine what may be causing their mental or emotional health concerns. Together we create a plan to address these factors and create an atmosphere of positive energy.
Consider taking these steps before reaching out to a mental health professional. You may find that these are all you need in order to dramatically improve your emotional well-being.
- Turn off technology. You may need your computer and cellphone for work or to keep in touch with your spouse or children when you’re not around, but pick a time every day that you turn off the technology. Whether it’s the constant distractions or the electromagnetic waves that are bothering you, separating yourself from technology for at least an hour every day and working up to longer periods will likely result in a calmer, more peaceful you.
- Make it a point to have some recreation period every day that doesn’t include technology. That might be reading a book over a cup of tea to unwind at the end of the day, or it may include just walking the dog without listening to a podcast, perhaps taking time to appreciate nature or spend quality time with a loved one.
- Exercise. Studies indicate that a daily brisk walk is as effective as medication for moderate depression due to the chemical changes that take place in the brain when we exercise. It is also extremely valuable for the body, getting the lymphatic system circulating, drawing fresh air into the lungs, and strengthening the muscles.
- Get enough sleep. Turning off your technology early and keeping the phone on the other side of the room at night may help you get your healthy sleep cycle back. If necessary, develop relaxation techniques to do before bed.
- Eat a healthy diet, avoiding processed foods and fast foods. Try whole, natural foods as much as possible and organic foods if you can get them. Replace sodas, which are full of sugar and additives, with clean spring water.
- Develop positive thinking patterns and habits of thankfulness, mindfulness, and generosity to others. When you change your thinking you change your world. When you give to others, you forget your own problems, at least for a little while.
If you find these steps too difficult to implement without help, reach out to a friend or loved one to make the changes with you. If you don’t have that option, or if that doesn’t work, reach out to a mental health professional. Many people are still embarrassed by the notion of talking to a counselor or therapist, but there is no shame in getting some assistance in talking through life. Of course, our work is ALL confidential.
But whatever level of help you need, whether from a friend or a therapist, do reach out to someone to help you make these changes. You deserve to be happy and at peace in your heart and mind. If you’re in the NYC area, reach out to me to see how I can help you make a plan to get you to that state of peace.