If the pandemic has taught us anything over the past two years, its the value of connection, community and compassion. This week we focus our attention on mothers, daughters, female entrepreneurs and all women and girls who have been struggling to develop healthy mental healthcare habits.
What are Healthy Mental Healthcare Habits?
Taking care of your mental health as a woman can look different for every individual. We are learning that physical and mental health are more integrated than ever. What we eat, how we sleep and the relationships we develop in our lives can have positive or negative impacts on our overall well-being. If you want to focus on improving your mental health it may be time to evaluate whether there’s room to improve your daily routines.
Whether you are a single woman, a working Mom or a stay-at-home Mom, some questions you can ask yourself during this process include:
- Am I getting enough or too much sleep?
- Am I making good nutritional choices?
- Do I have a consistent exercise routine in place?
- How is my work/life balance?
- Are there relationships in my life that are contributing to my stress levels?
Connection is Challenging to Maintain in 2021
While optimizing your daily routines can work wonders for women, the global pandemic has changed how many of us connect with one another. Many of the places and activities that we enjoyed experiencing with other people have either closed or become inaccessible. Although it’s no substitute, making the most of the digital tools available to stay connected with family and friends is tremendously important. It is still possible to stay connected with your community, even if we’re all doing it from the safety of our own homes. Now may also be a good time to cultivate a new hobby or return to one that you just never had time to get back into.
Monitor Your Mood and Know When to Ask for Help
Habits, hobbies and intentionally trying to improve your physical and mental health are good places to get started. However, they may not be enough for all women. Pay attention to changes in your mood and if you’re experiencing symptoms that seem extreme or inescapable – reach out for help.
Dr. Amanda Itzkoff and her team are dedicated to empowering women of all ages on their journey to healthier mental awareness. From reproductive psychiatry to advanced treatments for depression and anxiety, NYC Psychiatry could be the missing piece in your personal healthcare plan.
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.