By Gary Wolfe, RN, CCM, FCM
How is your mental health? Since May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, we celebrate National Nurses Week, and many case managers are nurses, I will focus on your mental health. Mental health is essential. It is one of the keys to a successful, meaningful life. So, just what do we mean when we are talking about mental health? The World Health Organization defines “mental health as a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their ambitions, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.” It comes down to a presence of well-being and the ability to thrive. Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health. They are both linked and impact each other.
So why is mental health important? Mental health touches all aspects of our lives. The following are just some of the factors touched by mental health: self-esteem and self-worth, the way we socialize with others and our relationships, resilience, the way we find meaning and value in life, a stronger ability to cope with life’s stressors, a positive self-image, healthier relationships, better productivity, higher quality of life, our memory and problem-solving skills, and physical well-being.
Many factors influence our experience of optimal mental health, such as family and community, access to opportunities, and environmental circumstances. We know there are risk factors that contribute to mental health.
- Poor emotional well-being or coping skills
- Social isolation
- Ongoing/chronic medical conditions
- Use of alcohol or drugs
- Adverse childhood experiences
- Lack of access to housing, healthcare, education
- Social drivers such as experiencing interpersonal and institutional discrimination
- Stressful life situations
Optimal mental health depends on a balance of factors, and several elements may contribute to mental health.
So, how do you know your mental health is in the weeds? Often, symptoms of mental health can be invisible to the world and even to yourself. It is important to acknowledge when you are feeling your mental health is taking a hit. The signs of showing we have mental health issues can be subtle and frequent symptoms we brush off. Here are a few of the signs of having mental health problems:
- A sudden switch in eating habits – overeating or undereating
- A noticeable change in energy levels
- Indulging in alcohol, tobacco, or other substances more than usual
- Experiencing unexplained anger, confusion, worry or guilt
- Many mood changes
- Engaging in verbal fights with family, friends, and coworkers
- Being unable to perform daily tasks
- Shying away from others and feeling despair
So, what can you do when your mental health starts getting wonky? First of all, you must make mental health a daily practice. Don’t wait until you feel your mental health slipping; this is what you want to avoid. It should be built into your routine. The focus must be on self-care. Here are a few suggestions which I have found helpful.
- Get regular exercise and that doesn’t mean joining a gym, but it could but even a short, relaxing walk, or yoga.
- Eat healthy, regularly and stay hydrated.
- Make sleep a priority.
- Do something relaxing: reading, spending time in nature, low-stress hobbies, listening to music, breathing exercises, meditation, just get out and play.
- Set goals and priorities and learn to say “no.” You can’t do everything that everybody wants or needs and maintain your own mental health.
- Practice gratitude. There is much to be grateful for, and focus on positive things. If you want to focus on the negative and all the things wrong in the world, go for it, but you will be unhappy.
- Stay connected to friends and family who can provide support and practical help. Focus on real, authentic connections.
- Be kind to yourself. Give yourself a break. Don’t put yourself down. Treat yourself with compassion and understanding just like you show to a patient in your case load.
Mental health is so important. To a great degree, you are responsible for your own mental health. Check-in with yourself every day. Make the commitment and do the work for positive mental health; you will reap rewards. Good mental health is the foundation for a healthy life.
You bring your best to everyone you support—now it’s your turn.
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Bio: Gary Wolfe, RN, CCM is the Editor-in-Chief of CareManagement. A past president of CMSA as well as a CMSA Chapter leader, Gary has significant leadership experience in managed care organizations. Currently, Gary's focus is on improving professional case management practice through education.