Mental Well-being
“Mental health is not a destination, but a process. It’s how you drive, not where you’re going.” – Noam Shpancer, Ph.D., Psychology
Your mental health, which includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being, is just as important as your physical health. It has a big impact on your life, affecting how you think, feel, act, and relate to other people. Reach out to family or friends if you’re feeling sad, anxious, or lonely. Sometimes, just connecting with others can be helpful.
Change can affect mental health
If you experience any changes in your life, such as serious illness or the loss of a friend or loved one, you may feel anxiety, grief, or loneliness. How you cope with these feelings is important to your mental health. Recognizing any signs of a problem is the first step to maintaining your quality of life.
Anxiety
We all feel anxious sometimes – about money, health, family, or other things in our lives. But if anxiety doesn’t go away and gets worse over time, you could have an anxiety disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder is the most common type of anxiety and can last months or even years. Some common symptoms include:
- Feeling restless or on edge
- Difficulty concentrating and controlling feelings of worry
- Being irritable or easily fatigued
- Feeling of sadness or hopelessness
- Ongoing headaches, digestive issues or pain
- Difficulty sleeping
Depression
Depression is a common but serious mood disorder that can affect people of all ages. Diagnosis required that symptoms be present for at least 2 weeks. Some common symptoms include:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, irritability, frustration, or restlessness
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or sleeping
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Physical aches, pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems
Practice self-care
It’s important to practice self-care to help maintain your mental health and to seek treatment if you are struggling. Activities like exercising, meditation and deep breathing can boost your mood. Setting goals and reaching out to friends and family can also help keep your mind focused on positive things.
Keep in Good Company with SilverSneakers + Stitch
SilverSneakers members now get a complimentary membership to Stitch – a trusted social community for anyone over age 50. Through Stitch, you can find other people who enjoy the same things you do. You might meet people in your community who like to play cards or connect with people from around the globe who have an interest in gardening or history. Most importantly, you can find people to talk to so you’ll never feel disconnected. Start making new friends today.
Learn more at go.silversneakers.com/stitch.
Seek professional help
If your symptoms last more than 2 weeks, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional. Mental health disorders are treatable. Your PCP can give you a referral to a professional if you’re not sure where to start. If you ever have thoughts of suicide, call, or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to chat with someone.