5 Lifestyle Stressors that Affect Mental Health (and How to Cope) 


Sometimes, poor mental health feels like a runaway train. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, or another painful condition, you may believe you are dealing with a relentless and unstoppable force. 

Above all, our team wants you to know that you can take back control of your mental health—no matter how desperate or overpowering the situation may seem. Little by little, and step by step, you can find hope.

One way to regain control of your mental well-being is to assess your life circumstances and choices. Research indicates that healthy behaviors lead to better psychological well-being. With that in mind, here are five lifestyle stressors that could be affecting your mental health:

1. Diet

Your diet and your emotional health are inexorably linked. That’s because the food you eat affects the bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract, which in turn affects the production of your body’s dopamine, serotonin, and other important chemicals. As you likely know, these chemicals play a huge role in many body functions, like memory, attention, and mood.

In other words, if you eat foods that are good for your GI tract and its bacteria, you will feel better and your mental state will improve. Focus on meals and snacks that consist of nutrient-rich items like:

  • Whole foods that are free of preservatives, additives, and food coloring.
  • Plant-based foods that are rich in fiber.
  • Antioxidant-rich foods that help to fight inflammation.

At first, improving your diet may seem like a lot of effort. But as you try new things and build healthy habits, you’ll discover that healthier choices are more accessible than they appear. And it won’t be just your mental health that improves. Healthy diets are proven to boost heart health, prevent diabetes, and lower the risk for cancer.

2. Work

Long-term stress increases a person’s risk for certain mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression. If you are working long hours, have a heavy workload, experience job insecurity, or have conflict with a boss or co-worker, that could qualify as long-term stress.

So, how does one handle work-related stress? It’s not always easy or straightforward. In fact, work-related stress is a growing problem around the globe and a recent Gallup report claims that U.S. workers are among the most stressed in the world. 

To combat workplace stress, the first step is to recognize the common symptoms. Are you feeling fatigued or experiencing muscle tension, insomnia, headaches, and/or heart palpitations? How about persistent irritability, discouragement, and pessimism? Any and all of these symptoms may indicate that your work stress is becoming a serious problem. Here’s what we recommend:

  • Talk to your manager and ask for help.
  • Prioritize your sleep.
  • Reward yourself when you’ve completed an assignment. 
  • Set realistic goals and resist perfectionism. 
  • Organize your desk and workspace.

Sometimes, work stress is a factor within our control. But if you’ve done all you can to improve the situation and haven’t found success, it may be time to consider a new position or career. A financial planner, life coach, or recruiter may be able to help you find a healthier situation. 

3. Imbalanced Immune System

Research denotes a link between a person’s mental health and immune system. In other words, supporting your mental health appears to improve your body’s immunity—and vice versa. This is likely because a weak immune system results in chronic inflammation, which in turn leads to poor mental health outcomes like anxiety and depression.

So, if you’re looking for ways to improve your mental health from home, your immunity is a great place to start. Try eating well, practicing regular exercise and physical activity, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a healthy weight. Additionally, giving up or limiting your use of alcohol and cigarettes can help support a healthy immune system. 

4. Divorce

Even in amicable situations, divorce takes a toll on every member of the family. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, divorce has the power to affect a person’s overall well-being. It may even lead to loneliness, depression, anxiety, and self-esteem issues. 

The best way to navigate a divorce with your mental health (and the mental health of your children) in mind is to take care of yourself and your loved ones every step of the way. Do not forfeit activities you enjoy, take care to maintain your physical health, and prioritize good sleep. If necessary, seek out a professional counselor who can help you and your loved ones move toward happiness and healing. 

5. Technology

We live in a technological world. And in many ways, that is a good thing. But if you are not mindful, technology can begin to impact your mental health in negative ways. Most experts recommend the occasional “digital decluttering,” or taking stock of which technologies you do and do not need in your daily life. You can cut back on screen time and social media use by:

  • Changing your notification settings for non-essential apps.
  • Keeping your phone on “Do Not Disturb” during certain times each day.
  • Tracking your screen time to stay aware of how much time you’re spending on your phone or tablet.
  • Storing your phone beyond arm’s reach while you are sleeping. 

Spending too much time on your phone can lead to increased anxiety. And sleeping with your phone nearby is proven to interfere with your body’s natural sleep patterns. Thankfully, with just a few thoughtful changes to your routine, you can ensure you use technology in a way that does not affect your mental health. 

When Is Improving My Lifestyle Not Enough?

Now that we’ve talked about the various lifestyle stressors that can negatively impact your mental health, it’s time to confront an important truth:

Not all mental health disorders can be fixed with a good night’s sleep or a healthier diet.

Sometimes, professional help is the next necessary step on your journey to wholeness. Therapy and/or counseling can improve a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more. If you’ve tried to reduce stress and make healthier choices in your life and are still experiencing these negative symptoms, it’s time to get help:

  • Hopelessness
  • Insomnia
  • Changes in appetite and/or weight
  • Relationship problems
  • Social withdrawal or agoraphobia 
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Significant mood swings throughout the day

Remember, reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness. 1 in 5 American adults experience mental illness and 1 in 25 American adults experience serious mental illness. Sometimes, the only way forward is with the help of a professional. 

If you are ready to try counseling, give the team at Neal Psychological Specialties a call. We will schedule a free 15-minute meet and greet to ensure you are matched with the right counselor. 
 

Are you ready to take the next step?

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