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Breaking poor mental health patterns can feel impossible, but with a little determination and hard work, you can break through the psychological walls of denial and negativity that have restricted you from moving forward in life. Here are some tips on how to break poor mental health patterns and start over in your life.
1. Remind Yourself That You Are Not Alone
It’s always good to remind yourself that some people are going through the same struggles as you and if they can manage them, so can you. Others have been at your life stage and come out on the other side. Maybe hearing about their journey can help put things in perspective for you and make it easier for you to move forward.
2. Go To Therapy
Start going to therapy as soon as possible. It might feel really scary at first, but it’s important that you go. Therapy will help you process what has been happening in your life and how it has affected you. There are lots of different types of therapy, including online therapy, so even if you don’t know what kind is right for you, try them all. Over time, as your feelings change and get stronger, you may find that one type of therapy suits you better than others.
3. Avoid Alcohol and Other Drugs
Many people struggling with poor mental health often use alcohol or other drugs to self-medicate. But the harms of both alcohol and drugs far outweigh any benefits. Alcohol, for example, can lead to memory problems, increased risk of alcohol dependence, dementia, and more. Avoiding alcohol and drugs will help keep your mind clear, so you can get on with life.
4. Set Realistic Goals
Your goals should be challenging but attainable and in line with your current skills and knowledge. For instance, if you want to quit smoking, start by setting a date when you will stop smoking. Tell all your friends that you are quitting and ask them to congratulate you when it comes. Afterward, celebrate your new self with a great meal or outing.
5. Break Up the Monotony
You can get out of a rut by seeking new experiences, traveling, and trying new hobbies. The key here is to break the pattern of indulging in unhealthy habits, such as binging on junk food or staying away from social events, so you can develop a new healthier way of living.
6. Get Good Sleep
Lack of sufficient sleep, whether from insomnia or other factors like stress and depression, can increase your risk for mental health problems. But with the right tools, you can make sleeping a little easier. Try to create a white noise masking sound, so you will wake up early and feel refreshed.
7. Reframe unhelpful thoughts
How we think about ourselves and the world around us affects our mental health. For example, people with a negative view of themselves are more likely to feel unhappy, stressed, and get the blues even if they have a better life than others. So, if you have a negative thought pattern, you need to reframe it. The more often you think about a problem in a positive light, the less likely it will become a problem in your life.
8. Exercise
For people suffering from poor mental health, exercise can be a great way to break the cycle of depression and anxiety. A body that is regularly engaged in 40 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity daily can help to improve your overall mood, reduce symptoms of depression and boost your self-confidence. Burning more calories than you consume can also help to balance hormones and promote emotional stability.
9. Avoid common triggers
Avoid common triggers that get you down and cause you to dwell on negative and depressive thoughts. For instance, if your family or friends start saying or doing things that make you feel angry or sad, don’t react. Also, if your stress level rises and you find yourself looking at too many bad news headlines, distract yourself by listening to music, walking outdoors, biking, and other healthy activities that inspire positive feelings.
Conclusion for Fixing Poor Mental Health Patterns
Anyone can recover from mental illness with practice, patience, and a good support system. In the end, take good care of yourself and surround yourself with good people. There are many broken souls out there who understand what you are going through, and together you can rise again.
