Let's talk mental health

June 20, 2017, 8:37 pm

By Celeste Bingham

Mental health affects a huge number of people. To give you some perspective, 1 in 4 of people will experience a mental health issue at some point in their life. It could be the woman sitting across from you at school. It's a colleague who you've never really spoken to before. It's your friend who keeps it well hidden.

Anxiety causes both physical and mental symptoms. It is not just "in one's head." Research has shown that a bad diet, poor sleeping habits and lack of exercise can have negative effects on one's mental state. There are three things doctors suggest when one is suffering with depression and anxiety.

First, look at your diet. Are you eating a high-sugar diet with little to no vegetables, fruit and/or protein. Getting that rush of energy from your sugar will give you that burst of energy, but you will have to come down. This can be an exhausting cycle both physically and mentally.

Second, consider your sleep habits. Do you have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep? Do you allow yourself to relax before bed? Experts suggest that you do not look at electronics for 30 minutes before bed. This allows your mind and eyes to rest. You can also find mediation recordings online to help you fall asleep. The suggested amount of sleep is 8 hours. I know for some this will be hard, but trying will help.

Lastly, are you stagnant? You need to get up and move. Don't be afraid of the word "exercise." You don't have to do CrossFit or run a marathon, just going for a 20 minute walk each day can help. Our bodies were made to move. Only within these last decades have we stopped because of our desk jobs.

Let's fight the stigma attached to mental health. You are not alone if you are suffering from mental health. It does not define your worth. Reach out to those that are safe for support. If you feel that you do not have anyone, call the Utah Crisis Line for support and resources in the community. Talk to a doctor if you think you struggle with mental health.

The community news source for Eagle Mountain Utah, Saratoga Springs Utah, Lehi Utah, American Fork Utah, Highland Utah, Alpine Utah, and The Cedar Valley, including Cedar Fort Utah and Fairfield Utah. Copyright 2024 The Crossroads Journal LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Let's talk mental health

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