Mental health struggles are not unique to any one demographic or type of person. Anyone at any time can find themselves depressed, anxious, or otherwise grasping to maintain hold of their emotions. However, the standard advice of therapy, meditation, and medicine don’t always work. While we can’t guarantee that any of the advice below will replace these tried-and-true methods, everything you do to improve your mood is a boon to your overall emotional wellness.
Add a new app.
Better mental health might be right at your fingertips. The bStable app ensures your healthcare provider is just a tap away. Whether you struggle with depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or any number of other concerns, it allows you to access support from the comforts of your own home.
Paint.
Painting in itself is a great form of therapy. However, when you spend the time to paint for a purpose, you can do both yourself and someone else a bit of good. My Verona New Jersey shares some information on how to paint and tag suicide prevention rocks, which might just help somebody reach out for crisis support when they need it most.
Switch up decor.
Most of us think of home as a respite from the rest of the world, but you might be surprised to learn that the environment in your digs could actually damage your mental health. Clutter is an often-cited culprit in undermining wellbeing, but don’t overlook the role color can play as well. Changing the hues on your walls can give your mindset a boost. Choose colors like orange for more energy, green to reduce stress, or blue for its soothing qualities. Don’t feel like painting your walls? Give rooms a refresher with wallpaper instead. Peel and stick wallpaper can be a great option; it’s forgiving since you can move it around, and you can even get a test swatch to help determine whether the pattern and color you choose will give the effect you want.
Get a pet.
Dogs are man’s best friend, but any type of animal companion can help you overcome your mental health struggles. Specific to dogs, canines can reduce your blood pressure, keep you moving, and reduce the sensation of loneliness. Plus, you have a sense of purpose and get to experience unconditional love.
Be charitable.
Altruism is a great way to improve your outlook on life. If you’ve already overcome previous turmoil, you may find that volunteering, or even starting your own nonprofit to help others do the same, can actually keep you in a place of light over the dark. Volunteer opportunities abound, from offering your time at a local museum to cleaning parks or walking dogs.
If you decide to establish a nonprofit, the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy explains that you have to have bylaws, which are essentially bullet points that illustrate how you plan to run your nonprofit corporation (frequency of meetings, conflicts of interests, government, etc.). When you have this in place, it’s not that difficult to get started and apply for public and private grants.
Try hydration therapy.
When depression has you down, try hydration therapy. According to Mobile IV Medics, IV therapy can boost your energy levels while providing your body with vitamins and minerals. It might also be effective at helping to stave off migraine headaches, which can exacerbate mental health struggles.
Consume coffee.
Eat your way to a hormonally balanced brain by consuming food and drink like turkey, Brazil nuts, carrots, and (excitingly) coffee. However, OnHealth cautions that coffee might make postpartum depression or panic disorders worse.
Sing.
You might not want to belt out a tune in public, but singing sends a trigger to your brain that can make you feel good. According to Your Tango, singing is a great aerobic exercise that can help you express yourself emotionally while having fun. You will reap the same benefits whether you choose to sing solo in the shower or spend an evening with friends doing karaoke.
Clean the house.
If you’re looking for a way to squash stress, look no further than your utility closet. Grab a broom and your yellow rubber gloves, and get to work. Cleaning can boost your feel-good neurochemicals while also creating a calm space for you to enjoy.
Conclusion.
Depression, suicidal thoughts, and constant anxiety are difficult to live with. But, through these unique self-care strategies, you’ll be one step closer to taking control. No two people are alike, so you may need a combination of activities, but never give up on yourself and your mental health.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255
Special Thanks to Dana Brown (dbrown@healthconditions.info) for contributing to this article!
