Dakota Center for Independent Living

Dakota Center for Independent Living

Mental Health Awareness Month #3

Scientific studies have repeatedly shown that stress can in fact contribute to mental illnesses.  Job related stress can affect you emotionally and mentally.  Luckily, there are steps that you can take to limit stress.

Get enough sleep. Not only can stress and worry cause a lack of sleep but, it can also leave you vulnerable to even more stress.  When you are well-rested, it is much easier to keep an emotional balance, which is key to dealing with job and workplace related stress.

Prioritize and organize.  Leave early in the morning.  5-10 minutes can make the difference between frantically hurrying to your desk and having time to slowly ease into your day.  Running late will only increase your stress levels.  Break projects and tasks into small steps.  If a project seems to be overwhelming, make a step-by-step plan.  Focus on one small task at a time, rather than taking on everything at once.

Does your mental health affect your relationships?

All mental health professionals will tell you the answer is a ABSOLUTELY!

Your mental state contributes immensely  to your ability to form close bonds with others.  Many people with mental health problems lack the skills needed to create or sustain vital relationships, whether it be with a spouse, family members or friends.

Try not to be concerned about the small things. People with mental illness (particularly depression) often focus on their faults.  Seek to look at the big picture, including the things that you are doing well.

Express yourself.  Express your feelings; I cannot stress this enough!  Keeping your feelings inside (Whether good or bad) if never a great idea.  Talk it out, release your thoughts, worries, and concerns.  Holding your emotions will eventually cause bad feelings to accumulate and further damage your mental state.  This can be done in a respectfully way.