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Eranai Campbell

Mrs. Perkins

English 101

June 27, 2023

Taking Care of Your Mental Health

Mental health is a complex issue that can affect anyone, no matter the age, race, or

gender. This topic is often overlooked and misunderstood, leaving some to feel ashamed or

embarrassed to seek help. The struggle to maintain good mental health tends to grow more and

more popular with each generation. This may prevent individuals from receiving the care they

need. If left untreated, it can leave a significant impact on someone’s ability to socialize, work, or

carry out any daily tasks. In this essay, I will provide different ways to treat mental health such as

attending therapy, exercising, and the effectiveness of having a social support.

One reason therapy is an effective tool for managing mental health is because it provides

a safe and supportive environment to express your emotions. For example, if someone is

experiencing any trauma, going to a therapist will give them the support that they need. Trauma

therapy helps a person process their traumatic experience by helping them to identify triggers,

understand their reactions, and acquire coping mechanisms to help them to manage thoughts and

feelings (Smith). Understanding your emotions and learning how to cope with them is important

to lead a healthy, balanced life. When we understand our feelings, we can identify unhealthy

patterns and behaviors contributing to our mental health issues. With this knowledge, we can

make proactive and positive changes to improve our well-being (Roubinek). Seeking

professional help causes misconceptions of others but it should never discourage anyone from

getting it. You don't have to have a mental illness to benefit from therapy -- and seeking therapy
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does not mean you are mentally ill. Nor is it a sign of weakness. In contrast, it's a sign of

resourcefulness. When life feels like it's spinning out of control, therapy is one tool to help you

control the spin (Bhandari). With help of a professional, understanding what they are feeling and

why will become clearer over time.

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Exercising can be a great way to

improve one’s mentality because it can enhance self-esteem issues and confidence. Regular

activity is an investment in your mind, body, and soul. When it becomes a habit, it can foster

your sense of self-worth and make you feel strong and powerful. You'll feel better about your

appearance and, by meeting even small exercise goals, you'll feel a sense of achievement

(Robinson). Exercise helps prevent and improve a number of health problems, including high

blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis. Research on depression, anxiety and exercise shows that

the psychological and physical benefits of exercise can also help improve mood and reduce

anxiety (“Depression and Anxiety”). Exercising can make someone feel more in control of their

life, no matter what that person is struggling with. Even though people experiencing mental

health issues may not want to be physically active; research shows that mental and physical

health goes hand in hand.

Initially, social support is another essential aspect in maintaining your mental health

because it provides a sense of belonging. Attending meetings or just reaching out to someone

about your mental health can approve your ability to express yourself. Many may feel like they

are going through struggles alone, but the reality is that there are countless others who share the

same feelings. Social support provides physical and psychological advantages for people faced

with stressful physical and psychosocial events, and is considered as a factor reducing the

psychological distress when faced with stressful events (Harandi et al., 2017). A support group
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for your mental health can provide plenty of tips and resources from people sharing their stories

and the strategies that have helped them cope. Some support groups, such as Dialectic

Behavioural Therapy groups, focus on specific coping skills that you can use every day. You may

also have an opportunity to learn about books, websites and other useful resources through the

group members and facilitators. Furthermore, listening to others can help you to better

understand the difficulties you have been facing which will help you to get a strong footing for

your self care (Kane). Finding a supportive group of people with similar hardships would make

someone feel less alone.

Mental health often goes unnoticed and is misinterpreted by many. Looking for signs and

symptoms can help someone identify the problem before it gets worse. Consider consulting with

a professional when experiencing any delusions, extreme mood swings, or inability to cope with

daily tasks. Drastic changes in eating or sleeping schedules as well. Some people are not

fortunate to have someone looking out for them so if you or anyone you know is struggling with

finding help, please contact a professional. Looking out for others can help better a community

and prevent tragic events from occurring.

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Works Cited

Bhandari, Smitha. “Depression Therapy: Myths, Facts, and More.” WebMD, 11 Nov. 2021,

www.webmd.com/depression/ss/slideshow-therapy-myths-and-facts#:~:text=You%20don

%27t%20have%20to%20have%20a%20mental%20illness,one%20tool%20to%20help%2

0you%20control%20the%20spin.

“Depression and Anxiety: Exercise Eases Symptoms.” Mayo Clinic, 27 Sep. 2017,

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art

-20046495.

Harandi, Tayebeh Fasihi, et al. “The Correlation of Social Support with Mental Health: A

Meta-Analysis.” Electronic Physician, 25 Sep. 2017,

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5633215/.

Kane, Claire. “Benefits of Joining a Support Group.” Centric Mental Health, 30 Sep. 2022,

https://mentalhealth.ie/blog/the-benefits-of-joining-a-support-group-for-your-mental-heal

th

Robinson, Lawrence. “The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise.” HelpGuide.Org, 28 Feb. 2023,

www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercise.htm.

Roubinek, Darren. “5 Benefits of Working with a Mental Health Counselor: Avila University.”

Avila University - Be Inspired., 13 Dec. 2022,

www.avila.edu/2022/12/13/5-benefits-of-working-with-a-mental-health-counselor/.
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Smith, Tracy. “How Does Trauma Therapy Work?” E-Counseling.Com, 12 Mar. 2023,

www.e-counseling.com/articles/how-does-trauma-therapy-work/.