Common mistakes that are most likely affecting your mental health

According to a recent study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health, almost 16 million people from the United States have been diagnosed with various mental health issues. If you are facing something similar, then be assured that you are not the only one. Even if you are seeking professional help and taking medication, coping with mental health can still be extremely difficult and overwhelming.

It goes without saying that in the bouts of depression, it is redundant and illogical to be told look at the positive things in life. It does not lessen the suffering, but adds to the misery. However, we are here with a gentle reminder about things that you might be doing unconsciously in your daily life, but need to stop. We promise your life will be more manageable once you stop sabotaging your own mental health.

Having said that, every individual’s coping mechanism with mental health issues and the path to recovery is different. So it is always important to do what you feel is the best for you.

While you can get an overview on ways to stay mentally healthy from online sources, we will provide you with a list of most common mistake that have a detrimental effect on your mental health:

Sleeping too much or too little

Those suffering with depression are familiar with this symptom of depression. While insomnia is more commonly known, sleeping too much is the other extreme that often affects those suffering with depression.

Giving in to the urge to staying in bed all day or staying awake all night while scrolling through social media are only going to make you more depressed and miserable. One of the most useful tip we have come across is restrict the use of bed for other activities apart from sleeping. By doing so, your mind will receive a sign that conveys that the bed is strictly for sleep at night. A simple nighttime ritual before your bedtime, and waking up at the same time every day might also help to hold on to a normal sleeping schedule.

If none of these, it is time to see your doctor and talk about the lack of sleep or the abundance of it.

Obsession with social media

We are all guilty of scrolling through Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and ending up with a lot of negative feelings. However, the negative effects only get amplified if you are already depressed.

On the other hand, research has also stated that it is more likely for depressed people to be addicted to the various social media. They tend to compare themselves with those on the screen.

The best way to cope with the constant urge to look at your Instagram is to uninstall the apps for a while.

Ruminating on the negative thoughts

Yes we know it is easy to say that one should focus on the positive aspects of life. But dwelling on the negative thoughts is the easiest way you can sabotage yourself.

To break this cycle, you can try to distract yourself and keep yourself busy in activities like watching a movie, colouring books, taking a walk. Such things will help take your mind off till the wave of negativity passes.

Isolating from your loved ones

One of the most common coping mechanism for those suffering with depression is self-isolation. Socializing is the last thing on you mind when you struggling with your mental health, and you hardly want to leave your house and be around other people.

Dr. Steve Illardi says that “social withdrawal amplifies the brain’s response to stress. Social contact helps out the brakes on it.”

Nevertheless, we would not suggest you to set out to attend a four day long musical festival with a bunch of unknown people to just shake off the negative feelings (BUT, do it if that is what you want to!)

You can consider asking a close friend to drop by for a few hours if you do not want to leave your couch but still socialize in some form. A weekend with your family might also be helpful!

Increasing dependence on alcohol

One of the most common forms of self-medication for those suffering with is to seek refuge in alcohol.

However, Dr. Jean Kim warns us about the consequences being much worse since alcohol makes depression worse, owing to alcohol’s depressant effects.

We understand that you want to have a drink or two to forget that you were depressed in the first place. But refrain from reaching out for the next glass of whiskey.

Not seeking help

There is no beating around the bush with this- the only way you can begin your journey of healing is by seeking help.

If seeking a therapist seems to be an overwhelming step, you can talk to your family physician and seek for advice along with referrals.

Once you get the kind of professional help you truly need, the positive change and difference that you will see in your life will make you wish to have done it sooner.