Let's admit it! We have all been through our own phases of ups and downs in our life. But, did our ups mean that we were ecstatic or downs meant depressive? No, right? They are just a part and parcel of our life. When it comes to illness, we have broadly classified it into Physical illness and Mental illness. But the stigma around mental illness is way more stronger than that of physical illness. Similarly, does physical illness mean cancer? Does mental illness mean Schizophrenia? No. Even a mild fever is a physical illness and there are mental illnesses which are in the mild or acute stage. But, for it to reach even the mild stage, it has to start from somewhere, right? So, where is that some point? How to spot that? Let's see.
It all starts from our own mind! Sometimes, there are external triggering events and sometimes its our own mind triggering the condition. Either way, it 'will' majorly affect our everyday functioning. Everyday functioning include five major areas.
1. SOCIAL
Our behavior in social surroundings or events will now be different from how we previously functioned. we may no longer feel like talking to people, we no longer enjoy social gatherings, avoiding eye contacts in social situations to not deal with people, etc. If these characteristics have always been a part of you, then you have nothing to worry. But if you were a different person before, and all of a sudden, from nowhere, if you begin to exhibit these characteristics, then it may be a sign of an unhealthy mind.
2. OCCUPATIONAL
Our functioning in our workplace might have drastically started to change for worse. There could be decrease in performance, efficiency, quality of work, motivation to work. It might have become difficult to work and there may be possibilities of complaints being raised on you. Working in teams may just seem impossible, etc. These may even take an emotional toll on you.
3. EMOTIONAL
Our emotions begin to not support us to function in our everyday routine. One may suddenly feel low and begin to cry, there is feeling of being lost, feeling hopeless,etc. Our feelings begin to go against us. Our emotions do not remain in our control, which evidently make our everyday functioning and dealin with people difficult.
4. PHYSICAL
It could be strange, but true. Sometimes, our mind's activities translate into physicality. A very common example is stress being translated into pain in the neck or spine. So paying attention to physical changes that may have been a result of mental activity can help spotting the signs or symptoms. Another major example for this is Hypochondriasis.
5. PSYCHOLOGICAL
Ultimately it all ends up in us being psychologically not so fit. All the above combined, lead to unhelpful, unhealthy thoughts, overthinking and worrying in our mind. Hence, if you consciously observe and found that your mind is not really helping to build healthy thoughts in recent days, is significantly coming in your way of functioning, do not neglect it. Work towards making it healthy.
So, what are the remedies for all this?
If you feel that things are not under your control and you need some help, then it is highly suggested to consult a therapist. In today's day and age, you need not even step out of you home to consult a counselor. They are just one tap away from your phone. Online counseling have been found quite effective as well. However, Meditation and exercises have 'always' been helpful. Include meditation in your daily routine, for 10 minutes atleast. It is highly helpful in reducing unhealthy thoughts and emotions, thus making you more mentally fit.
I will be writing on meditation also in my upcoming blogs. Stay tuned.
And always remember, panicking, worrying and overthinking never help. Keep working towards being calm. See you :)
This is so knowledgeable 👏🏻👏🏻
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