Many individuals are grappling with issues related to their mental health and overall well-being, encompassing aspects such as physical health, cognitive functioning, and emotional stability. Thankfully, World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10th, serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about mental health and dismantle the stigma often associated with mental health struggles.
The objective behind this day is to raise awareness about mental health issues and destigmatize the topic to have an open discussion about mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.
Here at Exhibit, we’re all about tech, and of course, technology does play a role in mental health. In today’s world, social media seems more happening and fun than people’s regular lives which led to a rise in these platforms having a strong link with issues like depression, loneliness, and negative feelings in general.
However, social media does not comprise tech as a whole and there are many ways in which tech can play a major role in improving your mental health. Below, we’ll take a look at the way technology can help with mental health:
Regardless of whether you personally experience mental health difficulties, you can show your support and commemorate this day by engaging in various activities, advocating for mental health, and adopting inclusive approaches.
Importance of Mental Health
World Mental Health Day was initiated in 1992 through the collaborative efforts of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global organization with a presence in 150 countries. Their mission is to draw attention to the importance of mental health and its global impact.
Regrettably, the call for greater awareness and advocacy in the realm of mental health remains pressing. According to a survey conducted by Monster, a staggering 63% of individuals described their mental health as either poor (35%) or fair (28%).
Additionally, a survey by Muse, involving 5,000 respondents, revealed that 44% to 38% of people were grappling with feelings of being overworked or experiencing burnout. Many reported a lack of joy and a sense of underappreciation, with 47% attributing their negative experiences primarily to stress.
Stress is a palpable and substantial concern for various demographic groups. Polls conducted by Stress in America found that 62% of women and 51% of men aged 18-34 were overwhelmed by stress. Furthermore, a survey by Cigna showed that 91% of Gen Z individuals reported experiencing stress, with a striking 98% feeling burnt out.
Participate by Sharing
Wondering how you can mark World Mental Health Day or show your respect for it? One effective way is to focus on promoting awareness. Share your own personal mental health journey and engage in activities such as posting, liking, and sharing content to underscore and strengthen the significance of mental health.
Participate by Engaging
Another meaningful way to observe this day is by immersing yourself in the field of mental health. Take the time to expand your knowledge about its prevalence and the factors that influence mental well-being. Explore local organizations dedicated to supporting mental health and discover opportunities for volunteering and contributing positively to your community’s mental health.
Notably, according to a Soliant assessment, the states with the most favorable conditions for mental health include Nebraska, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Vermont, Colorado, North Dakota, and Utah.
This evaluation takes into account various factors, such as the number of mental health days, access to physical activity, availability of mental healthcare, employment opportunities, the rate of violent crime, safety levels, air quality, and the well-being of young people.
Take the initiative to understand the unique circumstances that either promote or hinder mental health within your community, and actively engage in efforts to enhance conditions wherever possible.
Mark the Occasion By Influencing Your Employer
Companies also wield the power to influence mental health positively. They can take various steps, such as organizing events and featuring mental health content on internal platforms, encouraging employees to share their personal experiences, and establishing affinity groups all of which can foster improvements in mental health within the workplace.
Work constitutes a significant portion of our lives and can profoundly affect our self-esteem and sense of fulfillment. Employers have the capacity to enhance overall well-being by addressing broader aspects of employees’ lives.
This includes reinforcing a sense of purpose in every role, offering opportunities for ongoing learning and growth, and aligning employees with tasks and responsibilities that align with their personal passions and interests. All these factors contribute significantly to an overall sense of well-being among employees.
Take Meaningful Steps to Observe
Recognize the importance of understanding that life can be challenging, and endeavors that are truly worthwhile such as achieving excellence in work, nurturing meaningful relationships, and making a positive impact often require diligent effort.
Life won’t always be smooth sailing, but you can cultivate resilience by reminding yourself of your abilities, your priorities, and the supportive network of individuals around you.
On World Mental Health Day, celebrate by actively seeking constructive challenges, embracing opportunities to acquire new knowledge and skills, and venturing beyond your comfort zone.
While happiness certainly springs from cherished moments spent with family and friends, it also stems from embracing novel experiences, pushing your boundaries in a positive way, and emerging from difficult situations with valuable lessons.
Agency, the sense of control over your actions and empowerment to shape your future, is a concept elucidated by research conducted by Thomas Bateman.
According to Bateman, you can bolster your agency and promote mental well-being by engaging in forward-thinking, goal-setting, and simultaneous action, all while taking care of your emotional and stress-related needs. It also involves introspection, reevaluation, and making necessary adjustments as circumstances evolve.
Part of maintaining good mental health involves recognizing when to seek assistance when it’s needed. It encompasses continuous growth, learning, adaptation, and the development of your capabilities to confront the various challenges that life presents.
Celebrate and Honor
The concept of “celebrating” World Mental Health Day might initially appear unconventional. However, it is fundamentally about showing deep respect for the significance of mental health, demonstrating appreciation for those facing mental health challenges and providing them with support.
It also entails recognizing and respecting the initiatives aimed at fostering a society that is mindful of mental health and actively advocates for the well-being of its members.
How to Gain Your Mental Health Using Technology?
Routine Checkups
Last but not least, go for regular checkups with a doctor. Your mental health is as important as your physical health. Mental health issues are not visible on the outside; therefore, most people tend to ignore them. It is primarily the reason not even half of the people diagnosed with mental health disorders get treatments.
If you feel stressed, restless, agitated, or low frequently, you must consult a physician immediately. Similarly, symptoms like difficulty concentrating, loss of sleep, appetite issues, or persistent fatigue also indicate the presence of a mental health disorder.
It is said that mental health issues make you suffer in the shadows and it goes without saying that increasing technology only makes the matter worse. Hence, you must be mindful of all the symptoms mentioned above.
Technology (Apps)
Exploring mental health services on the internet can be overwhelming, particularly in a tech-driven world.
However, for those who may be hesitant to address their mental health concerns in traditional face-to-face settings, many remote options are available. Whether it involves engaging in online therapy or utilizing mental health apps, there are virtual resources at your disposal.
Mental health apps offer convenience and accessibility, serving as valuable tools for individuals seeking ways to engage their minds, alleviate stress, monitor their emotional states, or establish and adhere to a daily routine. For instance, meditation apps are a prime example, as they enable users to enhance their breathing techniques and promote relaxation.
Exercise
First and foremost, you need to increase your physical activity. That’s right. You must add exercise to your everyday routine if you want to lead a mentally and physically healthy life.
Regular exercise can uplift your mood and boost your energy by increasing the number of endorphins in the bloodstream. It’s also a great way to shed those extra pounds, something that can significantly upgrade your self-confidence.
Since it’s a technologically advanced world, you don’t need to join a gym in order to stay mentally healthy. You can simply bring a treadmill or a cycling machine home. Morning work is another amazing idea. It can relieve stress and anxiety naturally.
Multivitamins and Other Health Supplements
Whether you’re a workaholic or stay-at-home person, you must never forget about multivitamins and other health supplements. All these technologies, gadgets and machines, not only make you slow but also drain your energy. Health supplements can help you stay active while keeping your energy levels intact.
If you’re not comfortable with such allopathic medicines, you can switch to plants and herbs. Several plants and herbs are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and natural healing properties, precisely what you need for top-notch mental health.
Appropriate Sleep
Most people compromise on their sleep for late-night texting and video calls these days. It’s the easiest thing to get away with, but do you know how harmful it is for your mental health? Sleep deprivation is one of the most prominent causes of persistent anxiety, stress, and depression.
Thus, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy sleep-wake cycle. As mentioned by the Sleep Foundation, an individual needs 7-8 hours of sleep per day in order to function actively through the day. If you’re a night owl, it’s time you get your sleep cycle back on track.
You must sleep for at least 8 hours a day. Oh, and make sure to reduce the screen time at night. Keep your cellphone and laptop away when you’re in bed. It’s the best way to maintain a healthy sleep pattern.
Conclusion
World Mental Health Day on October 10th reminds us that mental well-being matters and we should be open about it. Technology, like apps, can help with mental health. Let’s celebrate strength, support mental health, and create a society that cares about everyone’s well-being.
