Speaking Honestly As The Mental Health Generation
Millenilams and Gen Z-ers get a bad rap for being “delicate,” but the truth is that we are the first generation to start taking mental health seriously. We are the first to be aware of how prevalent issues of anxiety, depression, anger disorders, and addiction have been throughout not just our own lives, but the lives of the family we have grown in. As such, it’s important that we should always be aware of the risks of mental health issues and how to address them.
The importance of addressing and committing
The first and most important step is that we are able to admit to and address a problem when it rises. From the outside, it might be easy to recognize an issue with addiction or anger, but confronting someone about their mental health can be difficult. Choosing the right time, creating a safe space for expression, and actively listening to the person you want to help is crucial. Once they can admit their problem, then the next step is easier.
The importance of finding support
Naturally, you’re going to want to play a helping hand in your loved one’s road to recovery, and the best way to do that is to offer support while also looking at treatment options. Therapy, an alcohol addiction treatment center, support groups, can all be very helpful. It’s about finding which best suits your loved one.
The importance of creating the right environment
As an individual, you can only do so much to help your loved one. Help them create and maintain a healthy environment for their own recovery is just as healthy. This can include, for instance, being aware of the emotional triggers of their disorder. For instance, people with addiction issues might find social settings and parties to be a trigger, while people with anxiety might find that a trigger is speaking with a stranger. If you help identify those triggers, you can also help them overcome them.
The importance of a balanced lifestyle
Developing the right habits, hobbies, and ways to spend your time can be crucial. First of all, they can serve as an effective distraction, occupying us to keep our mind off our woes. Healthy fixations such as creative exercises and exercise have also been shown to improve mental health in the long-run.
The importance of setting goals
One of the most effective mental health problems, the 12 steps program for addiction recovery, has been shown to be very effective because it sets and tracks real, measurable goals. When we set and achieve goals, it gives us a sense of self-ownership of our recovery and better helps us appreciate and celebrate steps we’ve taken to make ourselves healthier. Look at some of the goals you might be able to set for yourself.
As the first generation that is truly cognizant of how wide and deep our mental health problems go, as a society, it’s important we set the standards for self-care and caring for one another as well. Hopefully, the tips help you do that.