At the start of 2023, reports the American Psychiatric Association (APA), two out of five Americans rated their mental health as fair or poor (up from 31% a year ago), and more than one in four said they anticipated experiencing more stress.
What’s more, around 29% resolved to take their mental health more seriously. The APA’s President, Dr. Rebecca Brendel, stated that the present was a “time of unprecedented mental health crisis,” stressing the importance of solutions that connect people to affordable, effective care.
Sources of Mental Health Woes
The above findings, published in the Healthy Minds Monthly Poll, showed that the top causes of worry and anxiety for Americans are personal finances, uncertainty about what the year will bring, their physical health, their mental health, their relationships with family and friends, their job stability, and romantic relationships—to name just a few.
What is evident is that issues such as job security and finances are curveballs that many people simply cannot avoid. However, this does not mean they should simply let anxiety, depression, and stress take hold. Rather, it is vital to prioritize mental health and take simple yet powerful steps that can reduce distress and anguish.
Two in Three Americans Are Considering Therapy
The poll showed that Americans are keen on taking steps to improve their mental health. In fact, two out of three of them are considering therapy.
Gold standard treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) have been proven in numerous studies to help with problems like stress, anxiety, overthinking, and emotional regulation. DBT is particularly useful for people who find it hard to deal with intense emotions and struggle with self-soothing in the face of triggers.
Acceptance and Change Go Hand in Hand
DBT is based on CBT, but it has a strong mindfulness core. Persons are taught to mindfully accept difficult emotions and “ride through” them, while keeping in mind that these emotions do not define them. DBT also proposes the use of the “Wise Mind”— a mindset that sits between the emotional mind and the reasoning mind.
DBT isn’t just centered on mindfulness, however. It also advocates change. The idea is to accept that life won’t always be easy, but you can take proactive steps to make it better. This can be achieved through self-care, fostering sound interpersonal relationships, and learning how to tolerate distress.
Both CBT and DBT are best carried out as part of professional therapy since a therapist can help patients identify the negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that may be standing in the way of their progress.
Prioritizing Self-Care
For those who do not wish to opt for therapy, simply prioritizing their self-care can go a long way. Self-care encompasses a wide gamut of behaviors that work together to boost calm, resilience, and confidence.
It includes establishing a sound sleep routine, eating a healthy diet, and exercising daily.
Self-care also extends to using social media wisely and moderately, and making it a point to establish and maintain healthy social relationships. Sound interpersonal relationships are a known buffer against common mental conditions like anxiety and depression.
The APA’s Healthy Minds Monthly Poll indicates that most Americans wish to prioritize their mental health. Doing so may involve therapies such as CBT and DBT, which help patients embrace healthier mindsets and behaviors.
Self-care and stress-busting approaches such as mindfulness, meanwhile, can be used to boost resilience, stay positive, and build healthy relationships with others, so that people can stand strong when tough times arise.
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