Taking Care of Your Mental Health

Your mental and physical health are equal components in your overall health and wellness. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects every aspect of our lives – including how we think, feel, and act, as well as how we handle stress, relate to others, perform at our jobs and the choices we make.

Taking care of your mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Why is caring for your mental health important?

Mental health is essential to your overall health and quality of life. When your mental health is in a good place, you feel good. You may feel calm, content, hopeful, accepting of yourself and valued by others. Having good mental health can help to make life easier and help you to cope with changes, fears, losses and uncertainties in life.

You need to be just as proactive about caring for your mental health as your physical health. Nurturing your mental health can help you to:

Cope with stress
Have strong relationships
Make meaningful connections with others
Improve your sleep
Increase productivity at school or work
Manage your emotions
Boost confidence
Realize your full potential

Addressing both your mental health and physical health needs can improve your overall health.

What can affect your mental health?

Your mental health can be affected by many factors and it can change because of various circumstances like physical health, relationships, finances, jobs, and things that are beyond your control including your genes, world events like the pandemic and even the weather.

Having good mental health does not mean that you feel good all the time. Your mental health can go through positive periods and bouts of dealing with difficult emotions. Life includes unavoidable situations, stress, worries, and losses. You may experience sadness or stress for a short period of time and quickly bounce back; other times you may struggle for much longer.

These feelings are normal and it may help to seek support from family and friends and talk about how you are feeling.

“Nurturing your mental health is just as important as physically taking care of your body. Prioritizing your mental health is a vital component of leading a healthy and fulfilling life.”

Ronald L. Brenner, MD, Chairman of Behavioral Health Services at Catholic Health

How can I improve my mental health?

There are things that you can do to support and improve your mental health. Practice self-care by taking time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical and mental health since they are closely connected. Prioritizing your mental health can help you to manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. The following self-care tips can help to boost your mental well-being:

Get regular exercise – 30 minutes of physical activity a day can help to boost your mood.
Eat healthy meals and stay hydrated – A balanced diet and proper hydration can improve your energy and keep you focused throughout the day.
Get enough sleep – Sleep affects your mood, so make sure you have a regular sleep schedule and get enough quality sleep every night.
Practice mindfulness to reduce stress and anxiety – This can be achieved with techniques like meditation or breathing exercises.
Stay positive - It's important to try to have a positive outlook. Take a break from negative information on the news and social media- which can directly impact your emotional well-being.
Connect with others – Spend time with friends and family. Friendships and positive relationships can enrich your life and improve your mental health.
Practice gratitude – Remind yourself of things you are grateful for every day.
Participate in healthy activities you enjoy – Like listening to music, reading, playing sports, or hobbies.
Spend time in nature – Spending time outdoors can improve your mood, reduce feelings of stress, and have a relaxing effect on your mind.

When should you seek professional help?

Everyone experiences periods of sadness or negative emotions. But if your emotions and anxiety are overwhelming and affecting your daily activities, seeking professional help can make a difference. If you experience severe symptoms that last over two weeks, seek assistance from a mental health professional. These symptoms may include:

Difficulty sleeping
Changes in appetite
Unplanned weight changes
Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
Fatigue and decreased energy
Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning
Difficulty concentrating
Loss of interest in things you usually enjoy doing
Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness
Inability to complete usual tasks and activities
Persistent headaches and digestive problems that do not subside with treatment

Treatment Can Help

If you have concerns about your mental health, speak with your primary care physician. They can refer you to a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist who can help you figure out the next steps.

Treatment for a mental health issue may include therapy and medication. A mental health professional will decide which type of treatment will work best for you.

Find Care at Catholic Health

Catholic Health Behavioral Health Services offers personalized treatment for mental health issues to improve your well-being and get you back to living your life.

Find a Catholic Health doctor near you. Or call 866-MY-LI-DOC (866-875-3117).

November 7, 2025

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