I’ve been struggling recently to understand just what a diagnosis means to those who have a mental illness. I have been diagnosed with a few (depression, generalized anxiety, adult ADHD), but sometimes I don’t know that this is accurate. Most of it fits, but the medication I am on better aligns with other disorders, such as Bipolar II or Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). And when I look back at the past 10 - 15 years, I can see indications of where these other diagnoses may have been more appropriate. But when I was seeing doctors and therapists, I may not have been exhibiting all the symptoms (such as mania), so they found another explanation. I am not questioning the abilities of my healthcare providers in the least. This is more of a philosophical question to ponder. (Note, only a certified mental healthcare professional can issue a formal diagnosis. This article is not intended to encourage self-diagnosis. Rather, I want this to encourage asking questions.)

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It’s Valentine’s Day and you’re without a date. This can be difficult for anyone, especially those with mental health conditions. Our deepest fears are reinforced and we often choose to blame ourselves. This can lead to a downward spiral of self-deprecation and potentially dangerous and destructive behaviors.

See, Valentine’s Day is simply not meant for singles, unless, of course, you want to throw caution to the wind and play the rebel. And why not? There’s no reason to ruin an otherwise wonderful day. Too often, we find ourselves stuck in a pattern of self-loathing, wondering why we’re single, talking down to ourselves, and negatively affecting our self-image, our self-esteem, and our overall mental wellbeing. With that in mind, here are some ways that you can treat yourself and join in on the fun on your own terms. You may have more fun than you expected and give yourself a mood boost in the process. After all, taking care of your mental health is critical. A little self-care goes a long way.

Buy Yourself a Gift

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Australian Men’s Health is something that has been transformed in recent years. With substantial innovation and product availability from around the world, it has never been a better time to increase your vitality and well-being as a man. Australian men are also choosing to research and identify products that are useful to them such as rehabs for men to help with addiction and mental health. The branching out that has taken place helps new products get introduced in Australia.

There are a lot of reasons that mental health needs more attention. With changing socioeconomic climates and the rapid rate of globalization, mental health has taken on a new meaning in the present decade. It means being ready for the unexpected or having the confidence to weather unforeseeable circumstances. Men in Australia are subject to these pressures and it may affect their mental health. This year, the state of people seeking treatment at rehabs for men shows that it is an important part of the national conversation. Addressing mental health initiatives can help create a better workplace and environment for change and progress. It can also improve the quality of life that many Australian men have.

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Acceptance

Driving away from the Panera Bread on a late Monday afternoon, I was elated. To think, she kept our brochure for a month after she got off the Behavioral Health Unit! That is so awesome! I thought to myself.

Every other Friday, I give a talk to the patients on the Behavioral Health Unit at a local hospital. I tell my story and talk about the support groups and classes National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers. The patients hear there is life after a mental illness diagnosis.

Anne* had been a patient about a month ago. She kept our brochure and contacted us, which is a positive difference from my own past experience. When I was on the Behavioral Health Unit ten years ago, no one told me about NAMI. Seven tough years went by before I heard that NAMI could help. When we started the NAMI affiliate in Brown County, I was determined I would do for mental illness patients what no one had done for me. As we say in NAMI, “If I can make a difference in one person’s life, it is worth it.”

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A cloudy weekend invites you to stay indoors, wrapped in your favorite flannel pajamas. While it might be comforting to wallow in bed and binge-watch your favorite soap opera from 10 years ago, there is a better way. Face it, we are all a bit lazy on the weekends, falling back into old and comfortable habits.

Break out of those old habits and face the sun. Scientists are finding that spending time outdoors can give your mental health a well-deserved boost. You’ll surprise yourself with the fun you’ll have. So, dress well, pull on your boots, and see if you don’t find these benefits within just a few hours.

There are places in every corner of the world that offer splendid scenery, great exercise opportunities, and fun for people of all ages. Don’t worry if you can’t climb a rock face or bike for 26 miles; there’s activity for persons with any ability. There are many benefits for persons from five to ninety-five.

Five Mental Health Benefits of Spending Time in Nature

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Men have a unique set of issues to cope with in our society today, and some serious mental health concerns come along with those. For example, statistically speaking, men are far more likely to suffer from addictions and tragically, also more likely to commit suicide. These are significant facts, with many related problems in a mix of biological, cultural and social causes. Men are, of course, physiologically different than women, and they are socialized differently-held to different cultural and social expectations. Consequently, psychologically and in behavior, too, men have a unique experience. Unfortunately, that experience can be debilitating in many ways when mental health concerns arise. And, often three significant mental health issues come together for many men. These are trauma, addiction and the potential for suicide.

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