Mental health ...

 Mental health is becoming a priority for many people. Nearly half of both Gen Zs and millennials ranked their mental health as their first or second priority in life, with only physical health ranking higher on the list of priorities. To make mental health a priority, you can talk about your feelings and emotions, realize self-care is a necessity, block time for yourself and put it on the calendar, make self-care part of your daily routine, value your physical health, set boundaries, explore mindful living, redefine the value of perfectionism and schedule time for activities that promote mental well-being such as exercise, meditation or reading.

Some common mental health problems include 

• anxiety disorders, 
• depression, 
• bipolar disorder, 
• obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), 
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 
• and phobias. 

These mental health problems are called ‘common’ because combined they affect more people than other mental health problems.

There are several ways to prevent mental health problems. Some ways include 

• eating healthy, 
• exercising, 
• getting closer to nature, 
• managing your feelings, 
• talking to someone you trust, 
• and avoiding drugs, alcohol, smoking, and vaping. 

Eating healthy can help reduce your risk for developing mental illnesses and improve your mood and energy levels. Exercising can boost the chemicals in your brain that help put you in a good mood and eliminate toxins, low mood, anxiety, stress, and fatigue. Getting closer to nature can help you relax and appreciate your surroundings. Managing your feelings can help you understand and cope with difficult emotions. Talking to someone you trust can provide you with support and comfort. Avoiding drugs, alcohol, smoking, and vaping can prevent you from worsening your mental health symptoms and harming your physical health.

Some healthy foods for mental health include fruits and vegetables, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes, such as beans and lentils. Almonds, with their high vitamin E and monounsaturated fats, are great for preventing cognitive decline and memory loss. Walnuts are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can boost brain cell communication and growth.