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Everyone has 'mental health', just as we all have 'physical health'. And like our physical health, there are times when our mental health is better than others (Mental Health Foundation).
Knowing what is good for us is easy; applying the knowledge to make positive changes can be difficult, especially if you are dealing with mental health issues or daily life is overwhelming you. Physical and mental health are closely linked. Taking steps to improve your physical health, such as better diet or more exercise, can have a big impact on mental health. And when you feel less anxious or are feeling more positive, this can improve physical health problems too.
It can be hard to fit in time for ourselves and for thinking through ways to improve our health. There may be obvious things in your life that you know are affecting your health, such as smoking, drug taking, drinking too much or not sleeping or eating properly. These habits can be difficult to change especially if you do not have, or do not access support for it. Asking for help can be daunting – no-one likes to feel vulnerable or judged. That is why you should seek the support of people you trust – even just speaking about these things can be helpful. If these things are causing serious implications in your life, you should seek the advice and support of professionals – they are not there to judge you and it is their job to support you to make the changes you want to make.
Whether you are looking for advice to make small changes or you need more intensive support – there are always others going through the same thing. Small steps can make a huge difference and can become part of your life over a period of time. The first step is to take a step – no matter how small.
Starting with things you can do for yourself to improve your health and wellbeing, you may want to consider making small changes in some of these areas:
Positive relationships are important but the most important person to have a positive relationship with is yourself. Treating yourself with the care, love and respect you deserve is easier said than done and we can often neglect ourselves while caring for others. Your well-being should always be a priority.
Accessing health and dental care is an important factor in staying healthy and spotting signs of illness and disease. We sometimes ignore symptoms because we are scared of addressing them; which can make our health worse. If you are concerned about your physical health, you should consult your doctor at the earliest opportunity so they can pick anything up that needs to be addressed and best support you. If you are not comfortable with your current doctor/surgery you can register with a new GP. It is crucial that you have a trusting relationships with your GP and that you feel heard and are shown empathy during your visits.
The Scottish Government provides free dental care for everyone up to the age of 26. If you have issues with visiting dentists, you can search different dentists to speak to and chat through your concerns. You do not need to register with the dentist closest to you and it is important that you find someone that makes you feel comfortable and explains things in a way you can understand, allowing you to make informed decisions.
However, the most important person in caring for yourself is you. You know your body, habits and lifestyle better than anyone and only you can decide what steps you can take to improve you health. Start small – small changes one step at a time is the best way to implement new habits and break old habits.
Whether you are looking for some tips for improving your mental health or you need advice on how to access professional help, this guide will offer some mental health advice and links to best support you. Mental health problems are common and affect everybody – regardless of background or circumstances.
