World Mental Health Day: How to Take Care of Your Mental Health

October 10th will mark World Mental Health Day, a fairly recent commemoration which has gained a lot of traction in the past few years, as mental health concerns are finally getting the level of attention they deserve. The World Health Organization estimates that one-in-four people worldwide suffer from some form of mental illness, with diagnoses rising at an ever-increasing rate.

Mental illness has the same potential for harm as any physical illness, which is why treatment should be approached with the appropriate level of seriousness and maturity. Here are some ways that you can take care of your mental health this year.

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Open up 

The first step towards effective mental health care is being able to talk about your situation with others. This doesn't mean you need to pluck up the courage to shout it from the rooftops (although that's also fine). Rather, simply taking the step to tell someone you trust will open the door towards effective treatment and recovery. This can be a friend, family member or loved one, or even a mental health professional or volunteer. It's about being honest with yourself and knowing that support is available. 

Seek therapy

Fortunately, the stigma that was once attached to seeking professional help has mostly faded away. Speaking to a qualified professional will allow you to better understand your condition and plot a roadmap to recovery. Of course, with long waiting times for publicly provided therapy and prohibitive costs for many private options, some people may feel this option is out of reach.

However, there are alternatives which are catered to people with all kinds of conditions. Those who may feel too anxious to leave the house may prefer courses that they...