Whether you live in the heart of Washington Park, on the outskirts of Denver, or anywhere else in the country, you likely face all kinds of mental health challenges, issues, and concerns. The COVID-19 pandemic shined a spotlight on mental health, and while stigmas are breaking down everywhere, prioritizing your mental wellness can still be difficult. If you're exploring ways to boost your mental health in Denver, Highlands Ranch, or elsewhere in Colorado, you've come to the right place.
At Larson Mental Health, we are solely focused on the well-being of our patients, and we strive to ensure everyone gets the treatment and care they need to support and enhance their mental well-being. As such, we've rounded up a series of insightful mental health care tips that can make a significant difference in your long-term wellness. It does not matter what you've already tried or what diagnoses you've received - for your mental wellness, it's a good idea to explore the following insights.
Rethink Your Nutrition
As the old adage goes, "You are what you eat." While that phrase is not entirely true, you can boil it down to a broader concept: "Be mindful of what you eat."
Numerous studies have assessed the relationship between diet and mental wellness, and the growing body of evidence has shown that food choice strongly influences mental health risks. This is because nutritional deficiencies, like low levels of vitamin B12 or zinc, can lead to symptoms of depression, such as low mood, fatigue, cognitive decline, and irritability. What's more, diets that are rich in ultra-processed foods (e.g., potato chips, cereals, instant soups, etc.) have shown strong correlations with increased risks of developing mental health disorders, like depression and ADHD.
It's in your best interest, for your physical and mental health, to ensure you're eating a well-balanced diet that features plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins/meats. This is obviously easier said than done, but when you focus on your nutrition and optimize your eating behaviors with healthy foods, you will undoubtedly see improvements in your mental health in Denver.
Get Outside and Get Active
Do you work from home? If so, when was the last time you went outside? When you're feeling down and don't know what to do about it, one of the best things you can do is take a walk outside. Research has shown that vitamin D is as vital for mental health as it is for physical health - a vitamin D deficiency can lead to depression-like symptoms and may worsen other mental health issues. Sometimes, all you need to boost your mental wellness is a little bit of sunshine on your skin.
Beyond the nutritional perspective, physical activity and exercise can also be a game-changer for your mental health. Even on the days that you don't feel like exercising, it's wise to make time for some yoga, an outdoor run, or an hour at the gym. It's not only good for your physical health, but your mental health too. Research suggests that even a short burst of 10 minutes of brisk walking increases mental alertness, energy, and mood. In addition, regular physical activity can increase self-esteem, reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and help prevent the development of mental health problems. This is because exercise stimulates the release of endorphins (i.e., "feel-good" hormones) that quell anxiety and promote feelings of calmness and clarity.
If you want to boost your mental health in Highlands Ranch or Denver, try incorporating regular walks in the sunshine and spending time exercising into every week.
Explore Self-Care Activities That Work for You
From journaling exercises and sauna therapies to skincare routines, breathing exercises, and more, all kinds of self-care activities have been well-documented as effective remedies to mental health concerns, like stress and anxiety. While these activities don't deliver the same results for everyone, it's worth your time to branch out and try new self-care pursuits. Who knows - maybe you'll discover a new passion or favorite pastime.
Please note that these activities won't solve your mental health issues; instead, it's best to think of them as supportive tools that can help you process issues, develop reliable coping mechanisms, and iteratively boost your state of mind. Here are some self-care ideas that are effective at boosting mental health:
- Explore meditation and breathing exercises to restore feelings of control and calmness
- Practice daily journaling to record thoughts and explore gratitude exercises
- Bring the outdoors into your home with your favorite houseplants
- Increase your self-compassion and practice positivity whenever possible
- Pamper yourself with at-home spa days
- Cook a new recipe every week to reinforce your creativity and achieve a tangible sense of accomplishment
- Try alternative therapies like infrared saunas or neurofeedback to treat symptoms at the source
- Get into the habit of regularly calling close connections and staying in touch with them to maintain your support system
Get Started with Medication Management Services
It can be tricky to find long-term symptom relief from mental health conditions and disorders, even when you follow the tips outlined above. One of the most beneficial things that you can do in the short and long term is explore medication management services with a psychiatric professional. Why? Because prescription medications have a long-documented history of improving mental health in patients of all ages.
After receiving a diagnosis from your psychiatric practitioner, they'll develop a custom medication treatment plan for you to alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life. When your mind is free of symptoms, you can enjoy a happier lifestyle every day and work to treat the underlying issues contributing to your symptoms. Simply put, prescription medications are one of the most reliable solutions to improving mental health, regardless of your condition or concern.
Boost Your Mental Health in Denver with the Larson Team
If you've been feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of daily life and your negative symptoms, our team can help at Larson Mental Health. From Denver and Highlands Ranch to Boulder, Fort Collins, and beyond, we provide high-quality mental health care services across Colorado to support your mental health goals. We can help diagnose your mental well-being and provide personalized medication management services to optimize your state of mind and mitigate your symptoms. With our support, you can finally live the life you've always dreamed of.
Schedule your 90-minute psychiatric evaluation today and we'll chart your path to improved mental health in Denver, Highlands Ranch, Boulder, or Fort Collins.