Today’s youth are grappling with a mental health crisis of epic proportions. New CDC data shows that 44% of teens in the USA report are persistently sad and hopeless.

The astonishing data shows how our youth’s mental health crisis has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC published a report highlighting that over 1/3 rd of high school students are reporting mental health issues.

It can also be noted that suicide cases have been rising because of mental illness. A large number of the global population suffers from anxiety and depression and other mental illness.

Signs of mental illness are often ignored or taken lightly, which aggravates the condition in youth who could recover sufficiently with timely help. It is important that those with mental issues should be screened, counseled, and provided treatment as early as possible to prevent suicidal tendencies.

Family members should take the first step and offer them help rather than overlooking any sign of distress if observed.

Friends, Each day is challenging for us. We encounter so many problems and try to find solutions. Our minds are sometimes exhausted and feel depressed. We may feel as if we are suffering from mental illness.

The busy, urban life and tremendous pressure to perform are leading to disconnect and isolation that often encourages suicidal tendencies.

If there is a tendency we should not ignore :

• Previous suicidal attempt.
• Mental disorders
• Harmful use of alcohol and drugs
• Job or financial loss
• Chronic pain and illness
• Family history of suicide
• Genetic biological factors.

While more people now acknowledge and recognize mental illness as a disease, there is still a tendency to ignore it. Aggravation of depression could not only jeopardize the life of the patient, but it can also derail the family as a whole.

It is therefore very important that we should have good physical and mental health. Yes, this is the first step to enjoying a beautiful life.

Protecting our mental health is not so tough if we follow some tips on a regular basis. We can follow some simple activities every day that may be helpful in maintaining good mental health. 

Trying new things can sometimes feel uncomfortable at first, but they usually get easier the more we practice them.

One thing to remember is that none of us are perfect. We all have our limits. We should love our life in whatever circumstances. There are some tips to avoid mental disorders and help us to lead a happy life.

I have chosen to be happy because…

Come closer to nature

It is the fact that we all live with worries and fears, uncertainties, losses that leave us sad, and pressures that make us feel stressed and depressed.

Nature can have a really calming effect on us. I had an opportunity to visit the forest area near Jalpaiguri six months back. I felt happy that nature helps us to refresh and feel calmer, more hopeful, and less alone. I think this is the best way to cope with the stress and depression that arises because of adverse situations.

In Japan, some people use “forest bathing”, which may improve their mental health.

So, when we visit a forest area we can experience the different smells, sounds, and textures that may really help in relaxing our minds.

To get the best out of nature’s healing effects, try tuning your senses to what is around you in that greenery – the trees, plants, birds, and animals.

Take a deep breath and see how you feel. The idea is to get connected with the natural surroundings.

Learn to understand and manage your feelings:

Sometimes, we feel very upset because of some reasons, that make it hard to think clearly. We find difficulty in working, relaxing, studying, sleeping, or dealing with other people.

Many of us will know when we’re upset but not be sure what we’re feeling. Is it sadness, fear, shame, loneliness, anger, or something else? We don’t know why we’re feeling that way.

We can talk to ourselves: “I’m feeling really irritable today but also sad.” In the same way that we might reassure a small child who we care about, is also important. It can be very comforting. You might feel uncomfortable at first but give it a go.

Talk to someone you trust.

Many of us have learned to bottle things up inside us,  and we try to ignore painful feelings.

Yes, It can take a lot of courage to tell someone else about how we’re

really feeling pain, especially if we don’t usually do that kind of thing.

But in reality, just talk things through with a person whom we trust. It can be helpful in feeling like a relief.

Write down your feelings :

Some people feel better if they write down how they are feeling in a notebook. That may be helpful to keep cool. I am also exercising this way to avoid our pain.

Try Positive affirmation:

You can also try repeating something

Positive affirmation about yourself a few times each day.– Today’s affirmation is  — “I am on a journey, growing and developing”.

Research shows this type of positive affirmation reduces negative thoughts

and feelings.

Some people also feel that an activity called “mindfulness” is helpful.

Happiness depends on ourselves

Beware of using Drugs/ alcohol :

Many of us sometimes use alcoholic drinks to block out our “difficult” feelings, such as sadness, fear, or shame.

In fact, no one wants to feel bad in any circumstances. That is why some people use drugs or alcohol that may offer temporary relief.

Unfortunately, they don’t stop the feelings from returning and that may make things even worse or create other problems, including damage to mental and physical health, relationships, and working ability.

If you think you may use drugs or alcohol to cope with hard feelings, then it will never be a wise decision.

In recent years, there has been increasing acknowledgment of how important role mental health plays in achieving global development goals as illustrated by the inclusion of mental health in the Sustainable Development Goals.

Depression is one of the leading causes of disability. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds. People with severe mental health conditions die prematurely.

Despite progress in some countries, people with mental health conditions often experience severe.

But all these mental diseases are preventable and many mental health conditions can be effectively treated by adopting some measures mentioned above.

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Categories: motivational