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Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health conditions across the globe. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression affects 264 million people to varying degrees. Additionally, almost 300 million people have an anxiety disorder.
When you take a look at the world we live in, it’s probably no surprise why mental health issues seem to be running rampant. In 2020 alone, we’ve seen a global pandemic, sky-high unemployment rates, protests and riots, civil unrest, unpredictable weather patterns, uncontrollable wildfires, and more.
Needless to say, negative events in life will continue to occur, whether you experience them on a global scale or something happens in your own life that causes extra stress.
While it’s easy to put all of your focus on those negative events as they occur, it’s a better option to focus on yourself and your health. By doing so, not only will you be able to get through these events by coping in healthy ways, but you can also do more to make positive changes and help others.
Let’s take a look at a couple of negative possibilities that could impact your life, and how you can prioritize your health as you deal with them.
When Disaster Strikes
We already touched on the COVID-19 pandemic above, but it’s worth bringing up again, since it has been the major story on everyone’s minds for months. Studies have shown that this pandemic has already impacted the mental health of Americans surveyed, with 3 in 5 respondents still living in fear of catching the virus. Other areas of anxiety related to the pandemic include:
- Having to work remotely for the first time
- Losing your job
- Having to homeschool your children or find childcare
- Financial troubles
- Losing a loved one
- Loneliness/isolation
While a pandemic like COVID-19 is rare, disasters strike all the time in our lives. From hurricanes and fires to economical downfalls, sometimes you simply cannot keep negative things from happening. As a result, your mental health is at risk.
It’s so important to seek out help if you feel as though you’re struggling with your mental health. In some cases, that means talking to a professional about your feelings of anxiety or depression. Thankfully, insurance agencies and Medicare often help with mental health care costs, so don’t let the cost of treatment keep you from getting the help you need.
It’s important to know what your resources are when disaster strikes and don’t allow yourself to become isolated. Even during this pandemic when social distancing is the norm, stay in touch with friends, family, and those who love you, and don’t be afraid to talk about how you’re feeling or any struggles you’re having.
When You’re in Legal Trouble
Sometimes, negative events don’t always happen on a major scale. Sometimes, they can be very personal to you. Things don’t always go the way we plan, and you might find yourself facing any number of negative events throughout your life.
One thing many people have to deal with at some point in their lives is legal trouble. According to the World Justice Project, more than 50% of people around the world have experienced some kind of legal issue in the last two years.
When you’re in hot water with the law, it’s far too easy to ignore your mental health. It’s likely that you’re pouring all of your energy into overcoming those problems and hoping for the best possible outcome. But, legal problems can often create lasting problems, including everything from difficulties finding a job to not being able to obtain certain public licenses.
If you’re in trouble with the legal system, you might be tempted to turn to unhealthy (and sometimes dangerous) coping mechanisms, like drugs or alcohol. While these substances might make it easier to forget about your problems for a while, they have serious consequences. In 2016, drug overdoses killed 63,632 Americans. It’s far too easy to become addicted to drugs or alcohol when you use them as a crutch instead of prioritizing your mental health. As a result, you might need to look into addiction treatment centers, peer groups, or individual counseling.
Instead of trying to self-medicate if you find yourself in trouble with the law, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. It is never too late to seek counseling or even talk to someone you trust. Legal troubles are more common than most people realize, and you can find your way out of them eventually, especially if you put value in yourself and commit to a better chapter in your journey.
How to Prioritize Your Mental Health
When any negative event occurs, whether it’s something as major as a pandemic or something as personal as legal issues, making your mental health a priority is the best way to get through it.
We’ve already covered a few things you can do to focus on your health in these specific situations. But, by prioritizing your mental health on a regular basis, you will be better equipped to take on negative events when they do strike on any scale. Thankfully, there are many little things you can do each day to prioritize your mental health, including:
- Engaging in exercise every day
- Keeping a journal of things you’re grateful for
- Spending time with people who make you feel calm
- Getting enough sleep
- Banishing negative self-talk
Many of these techniques can help you to find peace, even during life’s stressful situations. They will help you to stay diligent and on guard, so when bigger negative events show up in your life, you will be ready to handle them in healthy, productive ways, rather than allowing feelings of anxiety or depression to take over.
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