World Mental Health Day Round Up
Happy World Mental Health Day! Today on the blog we are going to share the mental health tips we have shared on our social media this week for World Mental Health Day!
Eating Disorders are a Mental Health Disorder with physical components. So while they are complicated and nuanced, you can’t talk about eating disorders without talking about mental health.
Eating disorders are often comorbid with anxiety, depression, OCD and suicidal ideation.
When we talk about eating disorder treatment, we must also talk about mental health treatment. I do firmly believe that if more than one mental health concerns are present, we must first treat the eating disorder, but that does not mean the other concerns aren’t just as important.
I believe depression, anxiety , OCD, or other mental health conerns cannot improve if the eating disorder is not being properly treated. If you are not eating enough, depression and anxiety will not get better. If all of your time, energy, focus and life is being drained from you by the eating disorder, you will not get better. Mental health is complicated and treating multiple diagnosis is complicated. Make sure your treatment provider knows about the eating disorder and is well trained in proper treatment. If you want your other mental health concerns to improve, you must seek eating disorder treatment first. If you are looking for eating disorder treatment in Columbus, Ohio or eating disorder treatment in Ohio, visit my website to learn more.
OK now that I got my message across (hopefully)- Let’s start with our Mental Health Tips!
Tip #1- Take a Break from your Phone
6 Benefits of taking a break from your phone
Be less distracted & more productive
Give your eyes a break from screen time
Improve sleep
Stronger connection with those around you
More present in the moment
Focus on cultivating other hobbies
Tip # 2- Reset Your Mindset
Sometimes our mind can tell us lies and play tricks on us. One quick way to improve our thinking and mental health is to work on shifting from a negative mindset to a neutral or optimistic mindset.
Instead of thinking:
I give up ——> I can try again
I am not ___ enough——-> I am complete as I am
I can’t do this ———> I can learn
I might fail——-> I can learn from my mistakes and come out stronger
Tip # 3- Daily Affirmations
Another way to help your brain shift from negative thinking to positive thinking is to practice daily affirmations. You have to repeat them over and over again and you have to say it with confidence. Think fake it ‘til you make it! The key is to keep them short & sweet. They don’t have to be something you 100% believe right now, but believe 1%. You will get there!
I feel calm and positive.
I am confident in myself and my ability to heal.
I deserve love and happieness.
I am kind and patient with myself.
I am surrounded by caring and supportive people.
Tip #4- Get better sleep!
Sleep is so important to mental health, mood and all around functioning! Here are some things you can do after a long day to prepare your body for a good night’s rest.
Cook or order a comforting dinner.
Take a warm bath or shower.
Light candles or essential oils.
Make a cup of hot tea.
Read or journal in bed.
Avoid phone or TV in bed- the light can disrupt sleep signals in your brain.
Tip # 5- Self-Care
We have all heard self-care preached over and over- but here’s the thing- it really helps our mental health! Below are some ideas if you don’t know what to do for self-care, are bored or unfullfilled with your current self-care or just need a reminder of something you used to enjoy! Make it a priority!
Do a random act of kindness
Do something creative
Stay off social media for a day
Declutter your room
Spend time with a loved one
Dance it out!
Spend time with animals
Give yourself a compliment in the mirror
Spend a day in nature
Dress up and take yourself out on a date!
If you or someone you know needs eating disorder treatment in Ohio, please visit my site to learn more about eating disorder treatment in Ohio. I provide virtual eating disorder therapy services from Columbus, Ohio and work with teens and young adults in college. I treat anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa in adolescents in Ohio.
Schedule a free consultation call.
This blog is intended to be educational and informational and does not substitute for professional medical and therapeutic help, which is highly recommended when treating an eating disorder. If you would like help treating your child’s eating issues or want to learn more, Schedule a free consultation call today.