Mental health is about maintaining a strong, balanced mind that allows you to cope with life’s challenges. Everyday stressors at the individual, family, workplace, community, and societal levels can significantly affect mental wellbeing. Chronic stress or ongoing, unaddressed challenges can affect your emotional wellbeing and over time, also take a serious toll on your physical health. For example, prolonged stress or low mood can increase the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Even people who feel generally feel well can be affected by stressors, highlighting the importance of actively caring for mental health at every stage of life. Prioritizing your mental wellbeing helps improve coping skills, overall health, and quality of life.
Workplace stress is a common cause of declining mental health in adults. Stress at work can affect not only the worker, but also the people they care for and the quality of services they provide.
Symptoms of workplace stress may include:
- Feeling irritated, angry, or anxious
- Feeling helpless or unmotivated
- Burnout
- Trouble sleeping
Self-care strategies:
- Take short breaks throughout the day
- Stay physically active, even with quick walks or stretches
- Practice mindfulness, deep breathing, or meditation
- Set boundaries between work and personal life
- Prioritize tasks and delegate when possible
- Stay connected with supportive friends, family, or colleagues
- Maintain a healthy diet and sleep routine
Taking care of your mental health is an ongoing process. Small, consistent steps whether at work, at home, or in your community can make a big difference.
Remember: prioritizing your mental wellbeing is not a luxury, it’s essential for living a balanced, healthy, and fulfilling life. If you need support, help is available, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.