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Prevention and awareness of mental illness
Mental health is central to all health and well-being because how we think and feel has a strong impact on our physical health. Mental well-being, like physical health, is something we need to promote and protect.
To maintain good mental health and to help prevent mental health problems you need to be aware of your risk factors.
Risk factors
Risk factors to mental health can occur within your everyday life. They are found in childhood influences; in family relationships and the home; in schools and workplaces; in interpersonal relationships of all types; in sports, art and recreation activities; in media influences; in social and cultural activities; and in the physical, social and economic health of communities.They also include physical problems that may be caused by disease or disability such as:
- cancer
- cardiovascular conditions
- chronic conditions such as arthritis
- the effects of a stroke
- head trauma
- diabetes
- high cholesterol
- smoking
- excess alcohol
- use of non-prescribed drugs
Once you have identified your risk factors you can decide what action you might need to take to lessen them.
Read more: About grief, loss and support
Maintaining good mental health
Older people who live in the community experience the best mental health in Australia. This is generally because they have good physical health, supportive relationships and social interactions.But sometimes unexpected events occur that affect our physical and mental health. Not surprisingly, simple things like physical activity, nutrition and sleeping well are important in maintaining good mental health.
Social contact is also important. It may involve meeting or having contact with your family, friends, social group or club regularly. Keeping in touch can also help fight boredom, loneliness, and depression. Many people find joining a group or a club can help overcome these feelings by allowing them to meet new people, make new friends, have fun and increase their confidence.
Read more: Keeping in touch
Stress
Finding ways to combat stress is another way of protecting your mental health. Try to identify what makes you feel stressed and try and make changes to lessen the feelings of stress. Here are some tips to help you reduce stress in your life:- Get enough rest
While each individual may need a different amount of sleep, we all need the right amount for us. Lack of sleep may lead to problems, including reduced alertness, shortened attention span, slower-than-normal reaction time, poorer judgment and more, which may heighten stress levels. - Recreation
Increase your physical activity, if possible. Walking is a good way of alleviating stress because activity increases the flow of chemicals in the body called endorphins, which improve mood. Try gentle exercise such as swimming or tai chi. Have a massage or practise some relaxation techniques such as meditation. - Nutrition
Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and cereals. This maintains your blood sugar and promotes energy. - Reduce stimulants
Caffeine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system causing stress. There are many non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages from which to choose. Decrease your caffeine intake by drinking more water or herbal teas. - Quit smoking
Smokers should consider quitting this habit. Nicotine also stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and causes stress. - Share your thoughts
Try to discuss the causes of your stress with people who understand your situation. They may be able to help you develop coping strategies. Joining support groups or developing new interests may help. - Find alternative ways of doing things
Lighten your load where possible and give yourself a break. Each day make a list of things that you want to get done, put the actions in order of priority and simply cross off the last half. Respite care can help carers, who may experience high levels of strain that are often unrecognised.
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