LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — May is Mental Health Month, and MSU researcher and psychologist Crystal Cederna has tips on how you can take care of your mental health and find people to turn to for help.
Cederna says mental health starts with the basics. Daily habits such as getting proper sleep, staying hydrated, eating nutritious food, and staying connected socially can help — as can regular participation in hobbies, exercise, or spirutual practice.
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“When people are overwhelmed, stressed or burned out, the first step is often to simplify,” Cederna wrote in a release obtained by 6 News. “This allows time and space to rebuild the mental and physical resources that help people cope and limit how much they need to cope with in the first place.”
People can struggle with their mental health for any number of reasons, but Cederna says the risk for mental health issues rises with stress, whether it stems from work, parenting, finances, trauma, current events, caregiving — or even a mix of all of the above.
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Ongoing stress can snowball, wearing down someone’s ability to cope with it and leading to burnout.
“When stressed, people also can experience a decline in creative problem-solving, their ability to manage strong emotions, and coping with everyday life events and stressors,” Cederna said. “Often when stressed, people isolate or withdraw from others, limiting chances for meaningful connections, help and support. They may miss out on some of the basics too, like adequate sleep, hydration and healthy food intake.”
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Cederna says one of the biggest warning signs that someone may need help is a “lasting and significant change from their usual behavior,” often causing interpersonal issues. Some of these signs include:
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Feeling sad, anxious, or irritable most of the time
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Changes in sleep or appetite
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Withdrawal from social life or hobbies
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Trouble functioning at work or school
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Increased interpersonal conflict or withdrawal
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Feelings of guilt or hopelessness
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Disproportionate reaction to stressors
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Feelings of being overwhelmed
Parents should note that mental health struggles are distinct from “typical teenage moodiness” in that the onset of these signs can be more abrupt and noticable, lasting days to weeks.
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Cederna also says it’s importnat to know when to reach out for help — whether it be help for yourself or help for others.
“When symptoms are really troubling or begin interfering with daily life, relationships, work or school, professional support is helpful. I encourage people to reach out before they are in severe distress or problems stack up,” Cederna said.
An intervention with a loved one might be difficult, but Cederna says there are several ways to facilitate open conversation.
“First, set the stage. Approach the conversation gently and without judgment. Minimize distractions. Make it a side-by-side partner conversation rather than a front-facing conversation. Take a walk or a drive. Start the conversation by pointing out changes you’ve noticed,” Cederna said. “Avoid making assumptions, stay curious and keep creating spaces for others to share.”
If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
For those who need to seek professional support, Cederna says they have many options. A primary care physician may be able to connect you with resources and medication when appropriate, but individuals can also find a therapist, psychologist, or counselor — even if thery are initially hesitant to seek help in the first place.
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“Some people don’t get mental health support because they’re not ready to examine what’s going on, they believe it’s not okay to ask for help, or they think they should be able to ‘handle it’ on their own. But humans are not made to live in isolation — it takes a village.
“It can be uncomfortable to share your story with someone you’ve just met, and it takes courage to make that first phone call to schedule the appointment,” Cederna said. “But once people get in the door, most are grateful they did. Many say they wonder why they waited so long.”
Watch: Full WLNS Mental Health Month special
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