5 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health this Spring

Just because spring is almost here doesn’t mean that your seasonal affective disorder will melt like the snow. In fact, mental health experts are warning that chronic mental health conditions can actually get worse when spring rolls around.

“The general public tends to think that winter — with seasonal affect disorder (SAD) — is connected to higher rates of suicide, but that’s simply not true,” says social worker Cheryl Wallace. “We are natural beings and our serotonin is affected by winter months. We slow down and kind of hibernate, but in the spring, when sunshine actually brings more energy, we see more suicides because of that very same energy.”

This surge of warmer weather can even result in higher rates of suicide among people with serious mental health issues. The increased energy garnered from the sunshine can give those with suicidal tendencies the final burst of energy to make a mistake from which they will never recover.

As such, it’s more important than ever to take care of our own mental health and notice the warning signs of mental illness in our loved ones. Doing something as simple as offering support to your loved one or validating their feelings can help them get through these tumultuous few weeks.

Without further ado, here are some of the primary ways you can boost your own mental health as spring weather starts to shine.

Declutter your space

Spring cleaning is an annual affair for a reason. Not only can performing an annual cleaning overhaul organize your space but it can also organize your mind. Cluttered spaces can cause feelings of stress and anxiety. You can also feel better knowing that your donated goods will help people all over the world. In fact, more than 14.3 million tons of donated goods and textiles help people across the globe.

While cleaning house isn’t a cure-all for depressive symptoms, it can certainly help minimize daily stressors that contribute to feelings of being overwhelmed.

Don’t doubt the benefits of medication

While medication doesn’t work for everyone, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can still help countless people cope with chronic mental health conditions. There is a common stigma surrounding medication, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. When you’re matched with the best medication to manage your chronic condition, you will feel more like yourself.

Unfortunately, this might not be achieved with the first medication you try, or even the second. It can take a bit of trial and error to find the best medication that works for you. When you want to learn more about medication options, talk to your mental health professional or doctor today.

Try holistic medicine

If you’re not one for modern medicine, there are a number of holistic options designed to alleviate chronic pain, stress, and anxiety. For example, a typical acupuncture treatment will only take around 60 minutes to complete from start to finish, but you might experience the medical benefits for days following the procedure. In fact,CBD Oil has shown to have a variety of benefits for our mental health

Try meditating

Practicing daily mindfulness has been proven to help your mental health in a big way. In fact, a recent mindfulness study of more than 50 students in Bristol saw that nearly every participant benefited from daily meditation of 30 minutes. This was performed in conjunction with a mindfulness program offered by their school. Though more research is needed, the students claimed that their empathy and communication skills improved by the end of the eight-week program.

Meditation can also lead to a better night’s sleep. In fact, more than 80% of Americans find a single hour of extra sleep is incredibly valuable. When you sleep better, you might find you feel better as well.

If you’re not one for meditation, investing in a mindfulness journal can help achieve similar meditative effects. A daily gratitude journal can help remind you of the things you love, thereby boosting positive feelings.

Avoid negative triggers

It’s essential to remember that your happiness is of the utmost importance. If you’re feeling stressed out by negative feelings, friends, or television, simply unplugging from these negative sources can greatly benefit your mental health.

If you’re unable to detract yourself from certain negative emotions, like work or family, this might necessitate making some hard decisions. But identifying these points of contention is a great first step to taking your mental health into your own hands.

If you’re feeling stressed out by the changing season, don’t hesitate to try these simple tips to boost your mental health. They might not be a cure-all, but they can certainly help mitigate some of the worst of your daily stressors