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Why you should make your mental health a priority

mental health issues

Stress and anxiety have been higher this year than any in the last century.  Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t have systems in place to let them deal with this stress and are left vulnerable to it.  Our mental health is more than just how we feel at any given moment.  It affects every part of our lives- here are some of the ways.

1. Sleeping

Our bodies need seven to nine hours of sleepThis side effect may seem small, but anxiety, depression, and many other mental illnesses can affect how people sleep.  It can go either way, from getting less than four hours of sleep, to getting over ten hours of sleep a day- either way can be bad for you.  Our bodies need seven to nine hours of sleep every night to be able to run well.

Poor sleep can lead to other health issues, from back and heart complications, to light sensitivity and migraines. Rest is usually one of the first large changes if there’s a mental health issue, so keep a careful eye out for any large changes in this.

2. Eating

Our food intake can be affected in the same way that our sleep is.  Even ADHD can affect food, boredom making people eat more- and hyper fixation, causing people with the disorder to forget to consume food at all.  It’s obvious how food can affect our bodies, everything from our hair to our organs is affected, and a poor diet will worsen mental health beyond current problems.

3. Physical Health

feeling lethargic and refusing to exerciseAlong with how we eat and sleep, our mental health also controls a lot of how we view and treat our bodies.  Certain illnesses can make people want to work out too much- while others can leave people feeling lethargic and refusing to exercise at all.

People need at least forty-five minutes of physical exercise to lower their risk of cardiovascular death by nearly forty percent.

4. The People Around You

You may think it’s personal since it’s your brain and your body, but your mental health can affect the people around you.  If you’re prone to outbursts, or changing sleeping schedules, you could throw off the social balance in your home.  People can tell when someone around them is depressed or hurt and needs help. If someone has mentioned that you may need to see a professional, take them at face value. There are behavioral health services in Scranton, PA, that are there to help you.

5. Long Term Effects

Alzheimer PatientStress and anxiety can physically shrink and wrinkle your brain. This change causes long-term damage that can lead to Alzheimer’s down the road. Stress can also lead to stomach ulcers, heart problems, and many persistent illnesses that could get avoided with help.  Your brain is an organ, like your liver or stomach, and it deserves the same care that you put into the rest of your body. Don’t tell yourself, ‘Oh, I’m just sad, it’s nothing,’ because ‘just sad’ can add up to a lot.  You must take care of your health now so that you don’t have to deal with the side effects down the road.

Article Submitted By Community Writer

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