Vinspired
Vinspired
25 May 2024 ·

How I Improved My Mental Health

The initial symptoms of mental health challenges can feel bizarre and confusing. Unlike familiar physical symptoms like a cough or cold, mental health issues often emerge during our teenage years, leaving us feeling alone and bewildered. Yet, in reality, mental health concerns are widespread, affecting 1 in 4 people at some point in their lives.

Breaking the Stigma

For many, the hardest part of dealing with mental health issues is confronting the stigma. The label of having “mental health issues” can be daunting, causing many—especially men—to deny their existence. Societal pressures often discourage men from showing vulnerability, making it difficult to speak out. However, expressing your feelings remains one of the most effective ways to cope with mental health challenges. Without communication, negative internal thoughts can lead to a paralyzing mental state.

Understanding Anxiety and Depression

Through personal experience, I’ve realized that much of my anxiety and depression stem from a fear of rejection and non-conformity. These fears were not inherited but developed through challenging circumstances, suggesting they can be managed.

I’ve discovered two key strategies to manage my mental health when I’m alone:

1. Rationalizing Negative Thoughts:

Speak your negative thoughts aloud and rationalize their validity. For example, I often struggled with public speaking. My mouth would dry up, my throat would clog, and I’d stutter, forcing me to pause mid-sentence. However, upon reflection, I was speaking to familiar peers and had prepared adequately—there was no need for anxiety. Rationalizing these fears helped me gain control.

2. Engaging in Joyful Activities:

Pursue activities that bring you joy. I find solace in sports, which provide an escape from daily stressors and allow me to channel frustration positively. Additionally, I enjoy writing, particularly sports writing, as a form of self-care. Writing to myself might sound unusual, but it’s a powerful way to combat self-deprecation and foster self-love. Adapt this to your preferences; if writing isn’t your thing, perhaps writing a song that celebrates your strengths might resonate with you.

Personal Stories of Resilience

These techniques have significantly impacted my mental health journey, but everyone is different. It’s essential to find what works for you. I recently watched a film and podcast about someone named Nick Yarris, who spent over twenty years on death row for a crime he didn’t commit. Despite enduring severe hardships, Nick learned to love himself and remained optimistic. His story exemplifies resilience, illustrating that mental health issues can be overcome.

Reducing Stigma and Promoting Mental Health

Understanding mental health is complex, compounded by the stigma surrounding it. By reducing this stigma, we can encourage more people to seek help and live fulfilling lives. If you’re facing mental health challenges, explore our video with 10 tips on improving mental health. For additional support, consider contacting organizations like Mind or The Samaritans.


For further insights, discover how others have improved their mental health and learn more about choosing happiness over stress in our podcast on beating exam stress.