Mental health is about more than having mental health difficulties.
What is mental health?
Mental health refers to the way we think about things, how we feel and how we act on those feelings.
Some feelings you might experience while growing up
- Sadness
- Loneliness
- As though you are not being listened to
- As though you have lost interest in activities which you used to find fun
- Confusion
- Pressure from classmates / exams
- Frustration / anxiety
It is important to know that it is normal to have these feelings. However you are feeling, there are some healthy practices which can help you cope with your emotions.
Learning to navigate emotions
Some emotions are easier to deal with than others. Learning to cope with these emotions in a positive way can help you live a happier and healthier life.
Some tips for minding your mental health include:
Take regular exercise
There are lots of ways to get your heart pumping!
Stay in touch with friends
Be around people who make you feel good for being you
If you can, relax
Take some time out for meditation or relaxation
Eat a well-balanced diet
What we eat can impact on how we feel
Keep a diary or journal
It can help to write your feelings down
Talk
Remember, talking makes us stronger
Who can I talk to?
If you feel that you are not coping well with your emotions, it can help to talk to an adult you trust. This might be a parent, an aunt or uncle, a neighbour, your school counsellor or a nurse or doctor.
Check these out too:
What are Intrusive Thoughts?
Intrusive thoughts are strange or disturbing thoughts that can pop into our heads without warning, at any time.
What to do if you feel sad or stressed all the time
Life can be difficult but if you feel like you're constantly stressed or sad and don't know why, there are things you can do.
Warning signs and risk factors associated with Suicide
Suicide can be a scary topic to talk about but it's important to know the warning signs and risk factors in order to help.