Did you know May is the global mental health awareness month? Mental health problems have become commonplace in our societies, with most people experiencing them at some point in life. One thing about mental illness is that it does not discriminate; everyone is a potential candidate.
James Sebastiano is a professional psychologist, writer, producer, and the main character of ‘Chasing the Present’ – a documentary where he tries to unearth some causes of mental health problems and how to overcome them. Having suffered from anxiety for over a decade and attending therapy from his early twenties, he knows well the toll it takes and the stigma victims of mental health problems have to deal with, which is why he is working towards helping other victims overcome the problem.
Here are three steps to overcoming mental health problems, as shared by Sebastiano:
• Learn how to deal with stress
Stress is the main contributor to mental illness; coping mechanisms will help you overcome stress. Like it or not, stress is part of life and will always be there, so you should learn ways to deal with it. Some of these ways can be talking, walks, or exercising.
• Value yourself
To overcome mental illness is all about self-discovery and self-empowerment. Even when things do not work out, learn to treat yourself with kindness, reward yourself for the small achievements and avoid self-criticism. By treating yourself with love and respect, you can face the causes of your mental health problem and learn ways to overcome them.
• Have a sound support system
Surround yourself with good people, ones who understand you and respect you. Try to distance yourself from people who judge your every move. They say there is power in sharing; by sharing your problems with friends and family, you are one step closer to healing. Also, try some fun activities with them.
To help reduce mental health problems, we all have a role to play. Having attended therapy sessions for a big part of his life, James Sebastiano says it is also essential to seek professional help. His self-discovery journey could not have become a success without the help of some experts in matters of mental health.
Considering the rise in mental health problems, especially during the Covid Pandemic, most people are in a state where they are not mentally fit. With the above points, let us all join hands and help each other overcome mental illness.