3 Empathetic Ways to Support a New Mom with Postpartum Depression
Welcoming a new baby into the world is often depicted as a time of joy and celebration. However, for many new mothers, the reality can be quite different. Postpartum depression (PPD) — also known as perinatal depression — affects approximately 1 in 7 women after giving birth, and its symptoms can range from mild to severe.
As friends, family members, or loved ones, it’s crucial to provide support and understanding to those experiencing PPD.
Here are three empathetic ways to support a new mom struggling with postpartum depression:
1. Listen Without Judgment
One of the most powerful forms of support you can offer to a new mom with PPD is simply to listen. Create a safe space for her to express her feelings, fears, and struggles without fear of judgment or criticism. Often, women with PPD may feel guilty or ashamed of their emotions, so it’s essential to reassure her that her feelings are valid and that she is not alone in her experience.
Avoid offering unsolicited advice or trying to minimize her emotions; instead, practice active listening and validate her feelings with empathy and understanding.
2. Offer Practical Help
Managing the responsibilities of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming for any new parent, but it can be especially challenging for those experiencing PPD. Offering practical assistance can make a significant difference in helping alleviate some of the burdens she may be facing.
This could include tasks such as preparing meals, running errands, or providing childcare to give her some much-needed time for self-care.
By offering tangible support, you’re not only helping to lighten her load but also showing her that you’re there for her during this difficult time.
3. Encourage Professional Support
While your support as a friend or family member is invaluable, it’s essential to recognize that postpartum depression is a serious mental health condition that often requires professional intervention. If you spot the warning signs, speak up.
Know the signs of postpartum depression. You can identify them here: 8 Early Warning Signs of Postpartum Depression.
Encourage the new mom to seek help from a qualified healthcare provider, such as a therapist or psychiatrist, who can offer specialized treatment and support. This might include therapy, medication, or a combination of both, tailored to her individual needs. Assure her that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and offer to accompany her to appointments or help research treatment options if needed.
In conclusion, supporting a new mom with postpartum depression requires empathy, understanding, and patience. By listening without judgment, offering practical help, and encouraging professional support, you can play a vital role in helping her navigate through this challenging time.
Remember to prioritize her well-being and let her know that she is not alone in her journey towards healing and recovery.
How the NextStep Team Can Help
Our multidisciplinary team can help you navigate postpartum depression as well as postpartum anxiety. To make an appointment in our Louisville, Kentucky, office, click here to get started.
Together, we can create a supportive environment where new moms feel empowered to seek the help and support they need to overcome postpartum depression.
Navigating the Holiday Season: Support for Those Sandwiched Between Childcare and Caring for Aging Parents
The Holiday Stress for the Sandwich Generation
Recognizing Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression
- 8 Risk Factors for Depression
- 11 Ways to Help Someone with Depression
- Anxiety at Christmas
- What Is Generalized Anxiety?
The Importance of Self-Care
- Setting achievable expectations
- Delegating tasks
- Setting aside ample personal time for relaxation and enjoyment
Support Systems and Resources
Establishing a support network is vital. This network can comprise friends, family, and community resources. Support groups tailored for the sandwich generation or caregiver support can provide a sense of community and understanding.
Seeking Professional Help
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Nurturing Minds: Back-to-School Tips to Support Kids’ Mental Health Needs
As the summer days begin to wane, the arrival of a new school year can be both exciting and overwhelming for children. Transitioning from the relaxed routines of vacation to the structured environment of classrooms can put a strain on their mental well-being.
In this blog post, we will explore valuable back-to-school tips that parents, educators, and caregivers can employ to support children’s mental health needs and ensure a smooth and successful transition into the school year. With the right strategies, we can create an atmosphere of understanding, resilience, and growth for our young learners.
Open Communication Channels
Effective communication forms the bedrock of any supportive environment. Encourage open dialogue with your child about their feelings, anxieties, and expectations surrounding the upcoming school year. Actively listen to their concerns and validate their emotions. Assure them that their experiences and opinions matter, fostering a sense of security and trust.
Establish Routines
Predictability and structure provide children with a sense of security, especially during times of change. Create a consistent routine that encompasses daily activities, including regular wake-up and bedtime schedules, homework time, and extracurricular activities. A well-established routine helps children feel more organized, reducing back-to-school anxietyand promoting mental well-being.
Encourage Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Physical and mental health are intricately linked. Ensure your child gets enough sleep, engages in regular exercise, and follows a nutritious diet. Adequate sleep and physical activityboost mood, increase focus, and reduce stress levels. Encourage healthy eating habits by involving your child in meal planning and preparation and emphasize the importance of a balanced diet.
Foster Social Connections
Strong social connections are crucial for positive mental health. Help your child cultivate friendships by encouraging social interactions in and outside the classroom. Arrange playdates, encourage extracurricular activities, and support participation in team sports or clubs that align with their interests. These experiences foster a sense of belonging and enhance social skills, promoting resilience and emotional well-being.
Teach Stress Management Techniques
School life can sometimes be stressful, and teaching children effective stress management techniques equips them with valuable coping skills. Encourage relaxation practices such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or engaging in hobbies they enjoy. Help them identify their stress triggers and explore healthy ways to manage them, such as talking to a trusted adult, journaling, or engaging in creative outlets.
Address Bullying and Peer Pressure
Bullying and peer pressure can have a profound impact on a child’s mental health. Discuss the importance of respectful behavior, empathy, and inclusion with your child. Encourage them to report any instances of bullying, assuring them that seeking help is a sign of strength. Foster a supportive environment at home that promotes kindness, empathy, and standing up against bullying.
Collaborate with Educators
Maintain open lines of communication with your child’s teachers and school staff. Share any pertinent information about your child’s mental health needs or concerns. Collaborate on strategies to address potential challenges and ensure consistency between home and school environments. Establishing a partnership with educators promotes a holistic approach to supporting your child’s mental well-being.
Prioritize Self-Care
Parents and caregivers play a pivotal role in supporting children’s mental health, but it’s equally essential to prioritize self-care. Take time for yourself, engage in activities that recharge your energy, and seek support from your own social network or professional resources when needed. Your well-being sets a positive example for your child and enables you to provide the best support possible.
As we gear up for another school year, let’s prioritize the mental health needs of our children. By fostering open communication, establishing routines, encouraging healthy habits, promoting social connections, teaching stress management techniques, addressing bullying, collaborating with educators, and prioritizing self-care, we create a supportive environment for our young learners to flourish academically and emotionally. Together, let’s take the next step towards nurturing the minds of our children and fostering their mental well-being.
Our multidisciplinary team is here to support you, your child, and your family as you head back to school. To schedule an appointment, click here.
6 Mental Health Wellness Tips
Are you looking for practical ways to achieve better mental health and balance in your life? These mental health wellness tips, which include practicing gratitude, connecting with others, and maintaining physical health can support your mental wellness.
Here at Next Step 2 Mental Health, we focus on a holistic and multidisciplinary approach when it comes to your mental health care. We don’t want you to “just get by”; we want you to thrive.
Mental Health Wellness Tips
Watch the video below for six simple tips for supporting your mental health.
1. Focus on the Positives
Look for solutions that may help you overcome any challenges.
2. Practice Gratitude
Keeping a gratitude journal is a great way to combat anxious thoughts. In fact, writing in a gratitude journal is shown to improve emotional resilience and reduce stress. There are many ways to keep a gratitude journal, but here are some tips:
- Journal first thing in the morning to start the day on a positive note.
- End the day with a quick reflection about things you were grateful for over the course of the day.
- If your child can’t write yet, she or he can draw pictures instead — yep, practicing gratitude is a great way for your child to promote his/her own mental wellness!
3. Connect with Others
This includes your friends, family members, and people in your support groups.
4. Maintain Physical Health
You can take care of your body by taking any prescribed medication as directed, eating right, and exercising regularly.
Eating right
You probably know that what you eat can energize you (or cause a blood sugar crash later on), but did you know that what you eat impacts your brain too? Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids support brain health. This includes salmon, sardines, avocados, turmeric, walnuts, and chia seeds. For more brain-healthy foods, read “11 Best Foods for Your Brain.”
Exercise
Exercise is good for your body and mind — and it doesn’t have to be a rigorous routine either.
Good-for-the-brain exercises include:
- Hiking
- Playing sports like soccer or basketball (even if it’s in your backyard)
- Rollerblading
- Biking
- Dancing
- Jump rope
Walking around the block or playing tag in the yard are good options too!
Self-Care
Did you know that self-care is more than just a mani-pedi? (Although those are nice too!) Taking care of yourself includes:
- Scheduling doctors’ appointments, including regular physical and dental cleanings
- Taking any medication as prescribed
- Taking time each day to focus on things you love (like reading or coloring)
- Getting to bed on time each night
All of these things — eating right, exercising, and practicing self-care — all support your body and your mind.
5. Develop Strong Coping Skills
You can think of your coping skills as tools in your toolbox. If you’re stressed or overwhelmed, you can use these tools to manage stress levels. Coping skills for stress can include:
- Deep breathing exercising
- Exercising (or even walking around the block to “cool down”)
- Brain-storming solutions to the problem (rather than just dwelling on it)
- Knowing where to look when you need help (a friend, a therapist, etc.)
6. Seek Professional Help When You Need It
Sometimes, despite your best efforts at following these mental health tips, you require a little extra help — and that’s okay! Whether that’s therapy or medication, professional mental healthcare can help you get back on your feet.
Seek Help When You Need It
At Next Step, we know how profoundly any mental health condition can impact all aspects of your life, and if you’re struggling now, you don’t have to wait until it gets worse before reaching out for help. Our compassionate, non-judgmental team offers a variety of treatments, including medication and therapy.
To reclaim control over your life, call our Louisville, Kentucky office at 502-339-2442. You can also request an appointment online.
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10 New Year’s Resolutions for 2023 that Support Mental Wellness
Still need to make a few resolutions for 2023? It’s not too late!
In fact, there are many good New Year’s resolutions that can help support your mental wellness.
Let’s take a look at some examples.
10 New Year’s Resolutions to Support Your Mental Wellbeing
- Take any medication as directed
- Exercise regularly
- Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night (read: How Warm-Colored Lights Affect Your Sleep)
- Surround yourself with a supportive team
- Journal regularly (read: How Journaling Supports Mental Wellbeing)
- Eat nutrient-dense foods, especially fresh produce, lean protein, whole grains, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Reach out for help if you need it
- Meditate or pray
- Listen to calming music (read: How Much Affects Mood)
- Set aside time to connect with friends or family
You don’t have to make any grandiose resolutions, especially if that will only add to your stress levels. Resolutions should be realistic goals that support your wellness — not detract from it. For example, if you find that “Journaling Daily” is too stressful, adapt your goal. Try journaling every other day or even simply once a week. Small steps can be a great way to create new habits!
How Can We Support Your Mental Well-Being?
If you need help managing a mental health condition, don’t hesitate to reach out to our multidisciplinary team. Click here to request your next appointment.
Learn MoreHow to Tell If You’re Making Progress in Therapy
Reaching out for help to manage a mental health condition ー whether it’s an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder ー is a sign of strength. Therapy is often included in many different treatment plans. There are many types of therapy ー including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), biofeedback, art therapy, play therapy, couple’s therapy, family therapy ーand they all function a little bit differently.
Regardless of what type of therapy you receive, therapy is an integral part of mental health care.
According to the American Psychiatry Association, therapy “helps build self-esteem, reduce anxiety, strengthen coping mechanisms, and improve social and community functioning. Supportive psychotherapy helps [people] deal with issues related to their mental health conditions which in turn affect the rest of their lives.”
Therapy is very individualized, and because of its individualized nature, no two people experience therapy quite the same way. Building self-esteem, for example, can look different from person to person.
In fact, a common statement we hear is “I don’t feel like I’m getting any better.”
That’s just the topic we explore in this blog. Below, Dr. Dan Guy shares the top signs that help you determine if you’re making progress in therapy.
Therapy Isn’t All or Nothing
Although we’d like therapy to “work” instantly, that’s not the way therapy works. Some people might even say, “I’m not 100% better after one session, so it must not work.”
This is an example of all-or-nothing thinking.
All-or-Nothing Thinking is a Cognitive Distortion, and unfortunately, it’s derailed many people. All-or-nothing thinking means exactly what it says: everything is either a total success or a complete failure.
Example #1 of All-or-Nothing thinking:
“If I am not completely free of whatever ails me, then I (or that doctor or that therapist or that counselor has) have failed. So, I may as well just quit taking this medicine, or stop going to therapy, and definitely stop the hard work of changing my lifestyle. There’s no need to keep exercising, going to bed earlier, eating better, practicing relaxation. If I’m going to keep having depressive episodes, manic episodes, panic attacks, mood swings; why should I make the effort to make these changes that make me uncomfortable.”
Example #2 of All-or-Nothing thinking:
“I’m still feeling anxious about going into the office, so therapy must not be working. I might as well stop going.”
Example #3 of All-or-Nothing thinking:
“I just had my third panic attack month. This medication isn’t working nor is therapy. I thought I’d be free of panic attacks by now.”
All-or-Nothing Thinking happens when you view something (in this case, therapy) as either a success or a failure. The problem with this is that therapy (and the management of mental health disorders) isn’t just black and white. Progress can be measured in increments, not just “success” or “failure.”
Why Therapy Isn’t All-or-Nothing
In the moment (the moment where you think that therapy isn’t working and isn’t worth it), the emotional brain (much of which is in the limbic system of the brain) says, “It’s not worth it.”
However, if you can just tap the brakes, take a breath, pause….the intellectual brain can kick in and point out some things that you may not be thinking of at that moment.
The intellectual brain ーmuch of it in the prefrontal cortex that is responsible for cognitive function ー helps you look at your PROGRESS from a couple of different angles (perspectives, etc.).
Focusing on the Progress You Make in Therapy: Duration, Frequency, and Intensity
Therapy helps you make progress, and as therapists, we know that the key to overcoming your obstacles is to focus on progress, not perfection. You can look at progress in terms of duration and frequency.
“Progress is not achieved by luck or accident, but by working on yourself daily.”
– Epictetus, Ancient Greek Stoic philosopher
Frequency
While the emotional brain says that therapy isn’t worth it if you’re 100% free of your struggles, the intellectual brain says, “How often were you having depressive episodes before you started treatment?” Maybe it was once a week, or maybe it was once a month. Identifying your starting point allows you to assess any progress.
If you slow down and consider the questions from your intellectual brain, you may notice that you haven’t had a depressive episode for 3 months. We are talking about FREQUENCY.
If you are having fewer episodes because of longer periods of time between episodes, you are PROGRESSing.
The chart depicted above, published in this study, shows the correlation between the number of weeks in therapy and the decrease in the frequency of panic attacks.
Duration
Next, your intellectual brain can say, “How long did this depressive ー or panic, mood swing, manic ー episode last. You might notice that each episode used to last for days, weeks, months. If you look at this last episode, maybe it only lasted for a few hours to a day or two. This is DURATION. If the duration of the episode has decreased, once again, this is PROGRESS.
In the chart above, you can see that the duration of depressive episodes is greatly impacted by the type of care received: no care, primary care, mental health care services.
Intensity
Finally, your intellectual brain says, “How bad did your episodes used to be?” If you rated your episodes before treatment, you might have rated it as an 8 out of 10 (SUD: Subjective Understanding of Distress), and this most recent episode was a 6. While it may seem small, it is still PROGRESS.
In the graph above, you can see how therapy (in the case of this study, exposure therapy) helped reduce the intensity of anxiety symptoms. That’s progress, indeed!
Change Is Hard … So Is Therapy
Remember, change is hard; therefore, therapy, at least GOOD Therapy is hard. Progress can be slow; not like the weight loss commercials that claim you can lose 87 pounds in 5 weeks ー with a small print that says, “results may vary.”
Often people in therapy are looking for an excuse to quit the hard work. Then, they can look at their family and friends, and say, “Hey, I tried, but it didn’t work. I gave it a shot. Don’t blame me. Blame them.” (By the way, blaming is another very common Cognitive Distortion that allows a person to stay stuck.)
The Three Keys of Progress: Frequency, Duration, and Intensity
The next time you want to give up, step back, and look at whether you have made progress in any of the areas of FREQUENCY, DURATION, OR INTENSITY. Even if you have made progress in one area, it is still progress. Give yourself some credit for your hard work, and don’t give up because you are too impatient. Your family, your friends, your life is worth the hard work.
Getting Started with Therapy
NextStep2MentalHealth provides adult, adolescent, and pediatric mental health care, and our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to helping our patients with their mental health needs. Call us for an appointment or simply use our online scheduling tool.
About Dr. Dan Guy
Dr. Guy specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, mood swings, relational problems, issues pertaining to self-doubt and self-value, and ADHD. He is skilled in the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution focused therapy, and reality therapy. He also provides psychotherapy for individuals with bipolar disorder and some addictive behaviors. Dr. Guy has helped hundreds of individuals, couples, and families establish loving relationships, healthy communication, and effectively address mental health issues. As a trusted professional, Dr. Guy will walk beside you as you face challenges in your life and will guide you toward healing and fulfillment.
You can now book an appointment with Dr. Guy here or give us a call at our Louisville, Kentucky mental health clinic at 502-339-2442.
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Boost Your Mental Health with These At-Home Activities
Whether you’re stuck at home quarantining after a COVID exposure or you’re simply settling in for a weekend at home, it’s always good to have a list of at-home activities that boost your mental health.
In this blog, we’ve curated a list of at-home activities that support your mental wellness.
Reading
Reading provides many benefits.
“Reading can even relax your body by lowering your heart rate and easing the tension in your muscles. A 2009 study at the University of Sussex found that reading can reduce stress by up to 68%.” (NAMI California)
Reading also provides a healthy escape from life’s daily stress. Unwind after a busy day with your favorite story or favorite characters. Reading also boosts empathy and understanding.
Need inspiration: Explore GoodRead’s list of relaxing books
Reading can be particularly helpful for individuals struggling with hard or sensitive issues. According to NAMI California, reading about similar situations can help teens work through tough challenges, including issues with bullying.
While reading your favorite fictional story can help you relax, there is also merit in reading non-fiction books, including those about particular mental health conditions.
Need inspiration: Read the top 13 mental health books of 2022
Gardening
Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you can’t go outside! Spending time outside boosts your mood (and serves up a nice dose of vitamin D), but you can further support mental wellness by gardening. Gardening:
- Boosts your mood
- Boosts your self-esteem
- Improves your attention span
- Provides a good workout (and exercise helps alleviate symptoms of many different mental health conditions)
- Encourages social interaction
Get more gardening tips here.
Music & Family Time
Both listening to music and spending time with friends and family can support mental wellness. So why not combine both of these elements? You can:
- Watch a concert on TV
- Play your favorite music
- Set up an at-home karaoke session
- Play musical chairs (if you have little children at home who would like to play)
- Play music while you make dinner or while you eat
- Write a song to express yourself
Music can reduce your stress and lift your mood.
Movies
Granted, not all movies support mental wellness. That being said, watching certain movies can have a positive effect on your mental health.
Watching a funny movie can make you laugh and laughing releases feel-good endorphins.
But what about sad movies?
“Similar to laughter, crying could activate the release of endorphins, according to a 2016 study. Dramatic movies could increase feelings of gratitude and reduce feelings of isolation. They could also act as a reminder that everyone experiences struggles of their own and invite viewers to reflect on their own problems.” (PsychCentral)
Games
Games, especially strategy games, can boost your mood, improve working memory, and support emotional regulation. Playing board games can be a good opportunity to talk and bond with children and teens — especially if they have a hard time opening up.
Getting the Help You Need
Reading, listening to music, reading, spending time with family, and playing games are all good wholesome activities that support your mental wellness, but sometimes you just need more support. Here at NextStep2MentalHealth, our multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive care for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and more. Whether you need therapy, coaching, or medication management, we can help you get the comprehensive treatment you need.
To get started, schedule an appointment today.
Learn More8 Early Warning Signs of Postpartum Depression
Just like there are many different types of anxiety, there are also different types of depression. Postpartum depression is a type of depression that affects new mothers, and it can start anywhere from a few days to a year after the birth of a baby.
May 2 – 8 is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, so now is the perfect time to raise awareness of postpartum depression.
What Is Postpartum Depression?
Due to the immense shift in hormones (and the dramatic change in sleep schedules), baby blues are common for most new mothers. Approximately 80% of new moms have baby blues. Baby blues are characterized by crying, feelings of overwhelm, and sadness. However, baby blues typically dissipate a few days (or up to two weeks) after childbirth.
Postpartum depression is more severe than baby blues and doesn’t ease up as time progresses.
Watch the video below to learn more about the differences between baby blues and postpartum depression.
8 Signs of Postpartum Depression
Other signs of postpartum depression include:
- Your baby blues aren’t going away
- Feeling disconnected from your baby (or partner)
- Intrusive thoughts, such as checking repeatedly on your baby
- Intense crying
- Overwhelming feelings of anxiety
- Sadness
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Thoughts of self-harm
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Asking for help doesn’t mean that you’re not a good mother. Asking for help is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your baby. Postpartum depression, and other maternal health disorders, aren’t a reflection of your mothering abilities.
Getting Help with Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression
Taking care of yourself is essential when you’ve just had a baby. Your body needs rest, hydration, and good nutrition. Although the first few weeks can be an adjustment, you can find help in many ways including asking a partner to watch the baby while you practice self-care, shower, eat, and rest. You can consider hiring a cleaning service for a few weeks to assist with household chores while you recover.
That being said, friends and family can help mitigate some of the feelings of overwhelm if you have baby blues, but if you have postpartum depression, you may also benefit from therapy and/or antidepressants. Here at NextStep2MentalHealth, our team is experienced at treating co-occurring disorders, and if you’re also struggling with postpartum anxiety, we can help.
Additional resources:
- BLOG: Overcoming the Negative Self-Talk Cycles of Depression
- BLOG: 11 Ways to Help a Loved One with Depression
- BLOG: 32 Ways to Help a Loved One with Depression (When They Don’t Want to Talk about It)
- Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance
- Postpartum Support International
National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
If you are looking for a trusted and experienced mental health doctor or therapist, contact us today to get started exploring your multidisciplinary postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety treatment options.
Learn More5 New Year’s Resolutions for 2022
Getting ready to celebrate the New Year? Are you making any New Year’s resolutions this year? New Year’s Resolutions don’t have to be out-of-reach goals. In fact, New Year’s Resolutions are the perfect opportunity to create some mental health goals for the upcoming year.
New Year’s Resolutions that Support Mental Wellness
Here are a few more goal-oriented resolutions that support mental health:
1. Add More Physical Activity to Each Day
Exercise is good for your body and your mind. It helps you sleep better at night (which is also good for your mental health), but it also reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, according to recent studies.
Exercise — especially aerobic exercise — boosts your mood, reduces stress, reduces social withdrawal, and boosts your self-esteem. Examples of aerobic exercise include running, jogging, dancing, walking, hiking, swimming, and playing tennis.
Exercise-related goals don’t have to be intense workout regimens. You can sneak exercise into your day in many ways:
- Walking your dog an extra loop around the neighborhood
- Going to the local rec center and walking around the track while listening to podcasts
- Swimming with friends at a local YMCA
2. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
It’s far too easy to stay up late watching another episode of your favorite show, but research shows that getting a reasonable amount of sleep each night can have many positive effects on your mental wellness.
Sleep hygiene tips include:
- Going to bed at the same time every night
- Avoid blue lights for 1-2 hours before bed (What’s a blue light? Find out here: Do Warm Lights Help You Sleep Better?)
- Sleep in a cool, dark room
- Spend some time in the sunshine each day as this helps reset your circadian rhythm
3. Pick Up a New Hobby
Hobbies — like knitting, reading, gardening, fishing — are good for your mental health, according to the Australian Government Health Department. You don’t have to be a pro to reap the rewards of a hobby. Just participating in a hobby can boost your self-confidence, promote feelings of relaxation, reduce stress levels, and improve your overall happiness.
Need a few ideas? Here are some common hobbies:
- Sports and exercise
- Fishing
- Gardening (indoor plants count too!)
- Music
- Drawing and painting
- Crafting, including knitting and crocheting
- Baking
- Reading
- Journaling
4. Spend Time in the Great Outdoors
Spending time in nature can also support your mental health. Just 20 minutes spent outside can make a big difference, according to the experts at Harvard.
Looking for activities to do outside? Check out this article to get a few ideas.
5. Seek Help When You Need It
This is perhaps the best resolution of all! Even with all of these resolutions, you might need a little extra support this year, and that’s okay! The best thing you can do for your mental health is to ask for help if you need it. As a multidisciplinary practice, we can support a variety of mental health conditions with therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, coaching, and more here at NextStep2MentalHealth. Our team of psychiatrists and therapist are here to help adults, teens, and children.
We’re just a call or click away. Call 502-339-2442 or send us a message to request more information.
Learn MoreWhat Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Generalized anxiety disorder or GAD is a condition wherein a person displays an excessive, uncontrollable, and sometimes irrational worry about every day…
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