15 Common Things that Can Damage Your Mental Health
Mental health is such an important aspect of our overall wellness. However, several factors in life can affect your ability to think, feel, or enjoy life. The following are fifteen everyday things that could destroy your mental health and how to cope with them.
1. Neglected Emotional Development
If, during childhood, you don't learn how to process your emotions and communicate with others effectively, it can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Seek the support you need to work through any problems this could have caused.
2. Basing Your Self-Worth on Achieving a Goal
While having goals and aspirations is a good thing, tying your self-worth to external achievements can be dangerous. Learn how to develop your self-worth outside of external factors like your achievements, and give yourself the grace to make mistakes as you go along.
3. Loneliness
Humans are social creatures and need connections to thrive mentally. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and make new connections. If you're feeling lonely, it's essential to reach out to loved ones or join groups and communities that align with your interests.
4. Social Media
Despite its many benefits, social media can be a source of stress and anxiety. Comparing yourself to others online will leave you feeling inadequate as a result, can be damaging to your mental health. Set boundaries with your social media use to avoid spending too much time on the apps.
5. Lack of Exposure to Nature
Being away from nature can be damaging to your mental wellness. Find time to take a walk, go hiking, or spend some time at your local park. Spending time in nature will reduce anxiety and stress, improve your mood, and improve mental wellness.
6. Dwelling on Past Mistakes
Living life focusing on the past can seriously harm your mental health. While you should be using mistakes as opportunities to improve, dwelling on them and beating yourself up could damage your mindset. Practice self-compassion and focus on the present in order to move forward and be healthy.
7. Toxic Job Environment
We spend most of our waking hours during the week at work. If you have a job that's causing you stress, you need to take the necessary steps to change your situation. Your mental health should always take priority over employment, even if it means finding a new job.
8. Being a People Pleaser
While being considerate of others is an excellent trait to have, constantly putting the needs of others above your own is detrimental to your mental health. You need to set boundaries and find a balance between helping others and yourself.
9. Failing to Set Boundaries
When we fail to set boundaries, we may find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, resentful, and stressed. Every healthy relationship requires boundaries to protect ourselves from being taken advantage of. Communicate your boundaries with others to ensure you preserve your mental health.
10. Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse can be just as harmful as other forms of abuse. It can include verbal insults and threats to manipulation and control. If you've experienced emotional abuse and it's affecting your mental health, seeking support from a friend, family member, or professional could help you get back on track.
11. Grief
Grief is a natural response to loss, but it can also destroy your mental health. When going through the loss of a loved one, a job, or a relationship, you might feel overwhelmed with sadness. While it can be a long and challenging process, with time and support, we can learn to heal and move forward.
12. Poverty
Financial issues can definitely impact your mental health. If you lack the basic necessities like food, water, shelter, or healthcare, it can leave you feeling hopeless, guilty, or isolated. It can be difficult to get out of poverty, but you could try to seek support from community resources and social services.
13. Unresolved Traumas
So many people have unresolved traumas that can impact their mental health. If you have unresolved traumas that are affecting your mental well-being, seek professional help to address the root of your trauma and learn how to cope with them.
14. Poor Eating Habits
Poor diets have been proven to impact your mental health negatively. When we eat a diet that is high in sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats, we may experience mood swings, fatigue, and brain fog. However, a balanced and nutritious diet will help improve your mental health and overall well-being.
15. Poor Work-Life Balance
A poor work-life balance can destroy our mental health. If you're constantly working and have no time for leisure or rest, you may feel stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed. Always prioritize self-care and setting boundaries between your work and personal time.
She started her blog, The Money Dreamer, when she realized the 9-5 job was not the lifestyle she wanted anymore. After designing for a while, she wanted a more meaningful life, which was freedom, so she decided to venture out. She took action so that she can live her dream life and decided to help people to live theirs by helping them how to save, budget, and invest.
