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How To Improve Your Mental Health Without Antidepressants: Some people live with mental health disorders and conditions like depression and anxiety. If you’re such an individual, you are likely here today because you want to do something about it – but you don’t want medication to fix your problems.
The truth about antidepressants like Prozac (Fluoxetine) is that they can become addictive, and people can find it challenging to come off such medication. Another fact about antidepressants is that they often have a long list of side effects.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to improve your mental health that don’t require you to consume prescription medication. The following outlines some of the most common pathways to boosting one’s mental health:
Improve Your Sleep
Although advice varies depending on whom you ask, many medical experts suggest that adults should get around seven hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.
When you get plenty of sleep, it gives your mind and body the time needed to perform some internal housekeeping tasks, so you feel refreshed when you wake up in the morning.
If you have trouble sleeping at night, the following might be the cause:
- Uncomfortable mattress or pillows on your bed;
- Having screen time right before you go to sleep;
- Consuming drinks with caffeine in the evening;
- Getting disturbed by your bed partner’s restlessness;
- Getting disturbed by lights or sounds in your bedroom.
Drink Decaf Coffee
There’s no denying that coffee is a delicious hot beverage. Millions of people worldwide consume it each day, with some drinking more of it daily than others! But, if you’re drinking regular coffee with caffeine in it, your daily vice could be affecting your mental health.
Coffee with caffeine is okay to consume each morning, but avoid having it in the afternoon and the evening. The reason is simple: caffeine can impair your sleep patterns and disturb your body’s natural sleep-wake cycles.
Spend Some Time In The Sun
Have you ever noticed that you feel happier and more optimistic about life when the sun’s out? Sunshine undeniably makes people feel good about themselves, but it also helps boost your body’s Vitamin D levels.
What is that so important from a mental health perspective, you might ask yourself? Some nutrient deficiencies can wreak havoc on a person’s mental health and wellbeing.
If you live in an area where the sun doesn’t come out often each year, talk to your doctor about getting some vitamin supplements.
Enrol In A Rehab Facility
Many people find their mental health has plummeted due to specific events in their lives, such as abuse, trauma, and loss. Taking antidepressants might be an easy way to numb the pain, but it doesn’t tackle the source of one’s depression and sadness.
A better idea is to share what’s on your mind with other people, such as professionals at a rehab facility. The simple act of talking about how you feel, what makes you feel the way you do, and when you first started feeling down is an essential first step to improving your mental health.
Remove Toxic People From Your Life
Believe it or not, most people have toxic people in their lives, but they just don’t realize it. Toxic people are individuals whose behavior adds negativity to one’s life and will often find ways of upsetting you to suit their own agendas.
Such individuals might be friends or even family members. Think about who you surround yourself with in your life and consider who might be toxic to your mental health and wellbeing.
Next, cut those people out of your life. You’ll soon find you have a mental health boost afterward!
Try A New Diet And Exercise Regime
Did you know that eating the wrong foods and leading a sedentary lifestyle can negatively impact your mental health and wellbeing? You don’t need to have a strict diet or spend every waking hour at the gym pumping some iron.
However, what you should consider doing is reviewing your eating habits and looking at ways to cut down on foods that are bad for you, such as those high in fat and cholesterol. Also, look at how you can incorporate some gentle exercises into your daily routine.
Stay Sober
Last but not least, avoiding anything alcoholic will give your mental health a positive boost. You may not realize it, but alcohol is a depressant and can severely impact your sleep and the quality of sleep you get.
Alcohol also diminishes your inhibitions and can lead you into making risky decisions in your life, sometimes resulting in negative consequences.
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