The Alarming Rise in Suicide Rates: Self-Care Habits to Improve Mental Health

Surprising Facts & Figures:

1. Each year, around 720,000 people across the world die by suicide.
2. Almost 56% of suicides worldwide are among men, which is likely double that of women.
3. An estimated 20 suicide attempts occur for every suicide.

Scaring?

Well, that’s the worst that our society is facing. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), every 40 seconds, a person makes the difficult decision to end their life through suicide.

Especially in young adults between 15 and 25 years of age, the suicide rate has been increasing rapidly at an alarming rate. In fact, suicide has become the second leading cause of death in this age group.

Your life matters a lot, and for every cheerful Instagram post or professional success, there may be someone who has battled a lot with their inner demons and mental health. It highlights that mental health awareness and support play a crucial role in preventing such tragic outcomes.

The gap between the polished life that we aim to live v/s the struggles between the scenes is completely vast and is often not visible. But let’s be clear – seeking help is not a weakness; it’s a courage that can save lives.

In this post, we will explore the practical and science-backed self-care habits that will not only nurture your mental health but also contribute to your overall well-being and success in life.

Remember, your story isn’t over until and unless you drop the pen and stop writing. The best chapters always come when you learn to prioritize your mental health and practice self-care consistently.

Breaking the Silence: Why Mental Health Deserves Your Attention?

Mental health is an important aspect of your daily life that determines how actively you can engage with the world around you. Whether it’s for work, relationships, or personal growth, having an awareness of and impact on your mental health can significantly impact your success and happiness.

Specifically, mental health refers to an individual’s capacity to manage the typical stressors of life.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) report, one out of five adults suffers from major mental health issues. This lays the foundation for the importance of prioritizing mental health and seeking help when needed.

Nowadays, mental health issues not only lead to depression or anxiety but also contribute to other physical problems such as heart disease, stroke, and type-2 diabetes. There have been numerous reports of individuals neglecting their mental health, which has resulted in serious physical health issues.

However, dealing with and overcoming mental health is not a one-time event. It’s a long-term journey that requires ongoing care and attention.

“The true definition of mental illness is when the majority of your time is spent in the past or future, but you rarely live in the realism of now.”- Shannon L. Alder

Rewriting Your Inner Script: The Power of Positive Self-Talk

“Our greatest battles are those with our minds.” — Jameson Frank

Self-talk is the way we used to talk with ourselves in our minds, and it can greatly impact our mental health. All of our ideas and perspectives are formed by the constant back-and-forth that occurs between ourselves and our minds.

Engaging in powerful and positive self-talk can change your entire mindset, ultimately leading to a more positive outlook on life and better mental health. It’s a kind of inner dialogue that elevates mood and fosters a sense of contentment and joy. It helps individuals embrace their imperfections and view themselves with kindness and respect.

Take a step back whenever you find yourself trapped in negative thinking. Sit, relax, and start talking to your inner mind. Treat your mind as your closest companion and engage in self-talk filled with love and encouragement.

So, monitor your stress levels and prioritize self-care and self-compassion in your daily routine.

Tip: Get rid of negative people from your surroundings. The five individuals with whom you spend the majority of your time shape you the most. Therefore, surround yourself with positive, supportive individuals who uplift and inspire you. Always cultivate a positive mindset and focus on personal growth and self-improvement.

Positive self-talk and reflection are powerful tools for building self-confidence and boosting self-esteem.

How to Instantly Overcome Suicidal Thoughts?

Sometimes, life can be overwhelming, and moments of despair can make us feel like there is no better tomorrow.

But the truth is that negative thoughts and struggles do not define your future. What actions did we take to overcome those thoughts that define our strength and resilience? At the same time, suicidal thoughts can be very dangerous. Sometimes, these thoughts can even get past our brains and lead to impulsive action.

But, as the storm gets over, you can clearly see that life is breathtaking and filled with endless possibilities and opportunities for growth and happiness. No matter what situation you are facing, your life is most precious to you. Despite your belief that no one loves you, there are always people who want to help.

In order to help you overcome suicidal thoughts and prevent impulsive behaviors, here are some useful techniques and tricks:

• Talk with your parents, guardians, partner, or kids. These are the ones that we all love the most. Talk with them and remember what will happen to them if you commit suicide. No one can fulfill your position in their lives.
• Keep yourself away from danger. If you are experiencing severe thoughts of suicide, it is important that you avoid any situations where you could hurt yourself. Avoid being alone and stay away from sharp objects, substances, or places.
• Indulge in physical or mental activities. Try either running, gymming, skipping, or meditation. This will keep your mind busy in a positive way and help distract you from negative thoughts.
• Don’t stay alone. Get in touch with the ones you love, spend time with them, and don’t isolate yourself.
• Don’t indulge in drugs or alcohol. These kinds of substances worsen your mental state. Your brain won’t be able to function properly, and you can’t control yourself from taking harmful actions.
• Take a warm shower or bath. This will help relax your muscles and calm your mind.
• Don’t rashly drive when you’re depressed. It can be dangerous for you and others on the road.

Small Steps, Big Impact: Daily Habits for Mental Clarity

Our lives are filled with bumps and obstacles that can cloud our mental clarity. But it doesn’t mean that we should end our lives. Remember, the taste of success is more rewarding when you have overcome life challenges and barriers.

Here are some effective and simple daily habits that you can incorporate into your day-to-day life to maintain your mental health and clarity.

• Limit Screen Time: Take consistent breaks from the screen and digital devices to reduce eye strain and mental fatigue.
• Connect with Nature: Spend time in nature to refresh your mind and improve mental clarity.
• Always stay positive: Speak kind words to yourself and remember that this time shall pass too.
• Set Boundaries: Stay away from negative people and say no to tasks that drain your energy and don’t allow you to focus on your mental well-being.
• Indulge in breathing exercises and meditation. This will help calm your mind, reduce stress, and improve your overall mental health.
• Celebrate Small Wins: This will give you the opportunity to smile and boost your self-esteem, no matter how small the achievement may be.
• Love Your Passion Limitless: Whether you love to drive, sing, dance, go to the gym, go to clubs, or anything else, make time for your passion and let it bring you joy and fulfillment.
• Love Everyone: Don’t limit yourself to a few people. Instead, spread love and kindness to everyone you encounter. This will not only improve your relationships but will also contribute to a more positive and fulfilling life.

Incorporating these kinds of small activities will help you to cultivate a more positive mindset and joyful lifestyle, leading to a greater sense of overall well-being.

Your Way to Enjoy Stress-Free Life

Life is full of unexpected turns, twists, and challenges. Whenever you think that your life is becoming overwhelming, just take a step back and focus on activities that make you happy. Always remember that this bad time will pass too, and each dark night ends with the sunshine.

Your mental health is your biggest asset. So, invest in it, and you will be able to navigate through life’s ups and downs with a sense of peace and resilience. Self-care is not selfish; it’s the first step toward achieving a stress-free life filled with positive motivation.