According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately one in five adults in the U.S. experiences mental illness in a given year, and the prevalence of mental illness is particularly high in California. In California, around 2 million people experience a serious mental illness each year. Suicide now ranks as the second leading cause of death for young people aged 10-24.
Mental health is essential to overall health and well-being. Good mental health helps individuals to cope with the daily stresses of life, build healthy relationships, and lead productive and satisfying lives.
While California has made strides in recent years to improve access to mental health services, many individuals still face barriers to receiving the care they need. Common barriers include high costs, lack of insurance coverage, and shortages of mental health professionals in some areas. Barrier-free access to mental health providers like Jessica Laing Santa Cruz is vital to decreasing these poor statistics.
Practicing Self-Care
One way to increase mental health in California is by encouraging the practice of good self-care. Self-care practices such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, engaging in hobbies or activities that bring joy, and setting boundaries can all help to promote good mental health. People who struggle with self-care may need help to get back on track with daily needs such as consistent personal hygiene, eating healthy meals, and setting boundaries. For these people, professional help can be one way to increase the amount of self-care a person performs.
Seeking Professional Help
Individuals experiencing mental health challenges can benefit from seeking help from mental health professionals such as therapists or psychiatrists. In California, there are a variety of resources available to help individuals find mental health care that is affordable and accessible. Connecting with professionals can help people learn to live healthier lives, give them access to the best treatment options for their needs, and allow them to receive diagnoses that can lead to better care.
Connecting With Others
Strong social connections are important for good mental health. All people benefit from spending time with friends and family, joining support groups, attending religious activities, or participating in their communities. Even those with good mental health can suffer when they are not in situations where they can connect with people.
Take Supplements
Some supplements, such as ashwagandha and magnesium have shown positive benefits and may help to support mental health. Some of these supplements help to replace nutrients that many modern humans are deficient in, such as vitamins and minerals. Others are herbs and plant-based supplements that work with the body in complex ways that may not be completely understood. And just like with other medications and therapies, not all supplements help everyone in the same ways.
Remember that in many cases, supplements have no scientific evidence, and some can even have harmful side effects and conflict with medications, so it’s always important to learn about each supplement ingredient and check with your doctor or mental health professional before starting a new supplement.
Engaging in Physical Activity
Regular exercise has been shown to be beneficial for mental health. Even simple activities such as taking a walk can help to reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being. Californians can take advantage of the mild weather and beautiful scenery to take walks in natural areas. For people who have a hard time engaging in physical activity on a consistent basis, joining an exercise class or a regular walking group can help provide the motivation they need to be more consistent.
Finding Meaning and Purpose
Engaging in activities that provide a sense of meaning and purpose, such as volunteering or pursuing a creative hobby, can help to improve mental health and overall life satisfaction. For people who don’t have satisfying hobbies, it can help to consider what interests they have and what kinds of activities attracted them as children. In many cases, people will have to try several different hobbies or activities before they find their niche.
Volunteering is also a good way to boost mental health and give people a sense of purpose. Many people have trouble finding a suitable volunteer organization to work with while others know instantly what they would enjoy and find meaning through. Volunteer opportunities to consider include volunteering at local hospitals and youth centers, working with foster families or boys and girls clubs, walking dogs at local animal shelters, and sewing or crafting items to raise money or donate. Many people wait until retirement to begin volunteering, but it’s one of the best ways to increase your happiness and satisfaction at any age.
Conclusion
Mental health is an essential part of overall health and well-being, and it’s important for individuals to prioritize their mental health and seek help if needed. People can help lower the rate of mental health challenges in California and help themselves stay healthy by employing these strategies.
