The topic of mental health has been widely discussed in recent years. From personal development books flying off of the shelves to more downloads of meditation apps, people are interested in taking care of their mental well-being.
As it turns out, there are many benefits to understanding the complexities of mental health. Not only are you able to identify mental health struggles in the people you care about, but learning about mental health can lead to many different career opportunities in a growing health sector.
So let’s discuss the importance of learning about mental health and learning about different modalities and therapeutic approaches.
Preventative Mental Health Care
The more informed people are about mental health, the more they know about living a lifestyle conducive to good mental health. A person who studies mental health through books or with the help of a qualified therapist fills up their metaphorical toolbox with coping and life-enhancing strategies. Some of these strategies could include:
- Meditation
- Self-regulation strategies
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Somatic breathing
- Exercise
- Medication
- Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy
People generally wait until they are distressed to seek help to improve their mental health. Preventative care is vital for everyone to understand. Filling your mental health toolbox with proven methods that work can save lives and increase the day-to-day life of everyone.
Identifying Mental Health Struggles in Yourself and Others
It can be challenging to identify mental health struggles when you are in the midst of them. It can be easier to identify them in others, but we are often blinded by our perceptions and emotions and can’t see the bigger picture when we struggle. Knowing the typical signs of mental health disorders like depression and anxiety can help you identify triggers and behaviors that signal your mental health is in decline.
Signs of declining mental health include:
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Constant sadness
- Constantly crying or feeling like you might cry
- Isolation
- Problems focusing
- Low appetite
- Overeating
- Feeling constant guilt or shame
- Relapsing into old habits
- Poor hygiene or self-care
If you notice these behaviors or feelings in you or someone you know, there is help. Please check out these resources from Lifeline, including a 24-hour text hotline to connect with a trained professional who is there to listen and understand. Call or text the number 988 to receive help if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. If you or someone you know are in a state of emergency, call 911 immediately.
Careers and Opportunities in the Mental Health Sector
If you find that you are especially interested in the topic of mental health, maybe you follow therapists on social media and love to engage and learn from their content or devour the Self Improvement section at your local bookstore, then a career in the mental health sector might be for you!
Today, there are many avenues to pursue in the mental health sector. From psychiatry to psychology, personal coaching, or more holistic approaches, the mental health industry is booming with thought leaders. Now more than ever, trying out an online master’s degree in social work is easy. If your goal is to write a personal development book, become a public speaker, operate a practice or psychology, or work as a school counselor, now is the time to take your studies online and pursue your passion for mental well-being.
Summary
Knowing the signs and symptoms of deteriorating mental health can save lives. Likewise, learning preventative measures can increase your quality of life. If you find yourself inspired by the topic of mental health, it might be time for you to pursue a degree and bring more wellness to the world. Check out the healthcare courses in Canada for International students.