8 behaviors of people who don’t take their mental health seriously, says psychology

Hey there, friend!

Ever pause to think about how important mental health is? Just like keeping our bodies fit, our minds need some TLC too. But guess what? Some people don’t really focus on their mental health.

They might be busy, or perhaps they just don’t realize its importance.

How can you tell if someone is giving their mental health the cold shoulder?

Well, psychologists say there are some tell-tale behaviors that can clue us in.

In this article, we’re going to dig into 8 behaviors of people who don’t take their mental health seriously. Buckle up and get ready for some mind-blowing insights (pun intended)!

1) Ignoring feelings

Ever met someone who brushes off their feelings like dust on an old bookshelf? It might seem like they’re super tough, but in reality, they could be neglecting their mental health.

Feelings, both good and bad, are a crucial part of our human experience. They help us understand ourselves and the world around us. When we ignore or suppress our feelings, we’re denying ourselves the opportunity to process and understand our experiences fully. T

his can lead to mental health issues down the line. Remember, it’s okay to feel. After all, we’re only human.

2) Neglecting self-care

We all have those days when we’re too busy to even grab a bite or take a break, right?

But when this becomes a habit, it might be a sign of not taking mental health seriously. Self-care is not just about bubble baths and spa days.

It’s about taking time to meet our physical, emotional, and mental needs. People who often neglect self-care might find themselves feeling stressed, anxious, or even depressed.

Don’t forget to take a pause sometimes. Your mind will thank you.

3) Overworking

Okay, let me share a personal story.

A while back, I was juggling a full-time job, part-time studies, and a bunch of side projects. I used to think that sleep was for the weak and that I could function just fine with a few hours each night.

Certainly, was I wrong.

My productivity levels started to drop, I was constantly irritable, and my creativity seemed to have packed up and gone on vacation.

It took me a while to realize that I was overworking myself and not taking my mental health seriously.

The moral of the story? Overworking can seriously hurt your mental health. Remember, it’s not just about working hard, but also working smart.

4) Skipping physical exercise

Did you know that physical exercise is not just good for your body, but also for your mind?

Here’s an interesting nugget: a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. It’s like a natural antidepressant!

But folks who don’t take their mental health seriously often skip exercise. They might think that only their bodies will suffer the consequences, but their mental health can take a hit too.

Whether it’s a quick jog around the block or a fun dance workout at home, make sure to get moving!

5) Avoiding meaningful connections

There’s something incredibly special about human connection. It’s that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you share a hearty laugh with a friend or when you get a comforting hug from a loved one after a hard day.

These meaningful connections nourish our souls and strengthen our mental health.

But some people, whether due to fear, past hurt or a hectic schedule, avoid forging these deep relationships. This avoidance can leave them feeling lonely and disconnected, which can harm their mental health.

Let’s make time for those heart-to-heart conversations, those shared smiles, and those moments of togetherness. They’re more important to our mental wellbeing than we might realize.

6) Not seeking help when needed

Here’s something I learned the hard way: It’s okay to ask for help.

A few years ago, I was going through a rough patch. I felt like I was drowning under the weight of my problems, but I was too stubborn to reach out to anyone. I thought I could handle everything on my own.

But guess what? I couldn’t. When I finally reached out to a therapist, things started to get better.

Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. It shows that you’re brave enough to admit when things are tough and smart enough to get the support you need.

7) Downplaying mental health issues

Let’s be brutally honest here.

Sometimes, we’re our own worst enemies. How many times have you heard someone say, “Oh, I’m just a little stressed,” or “I’m fine, just a bit tired,” when you can clearly see they’re not?

And let’s admit it, we’ve all done it at some point ourselves. We downplay our mental health issues, brush them under the carpet, and put on a brave face.

But here’s the hard truth: mental health issues are real and they’re serious. They’re not something to be ashamed of or to be ignored. It’s high time we start acknowledging them for what they are and addressing them head-on. Because only then can we start to heal.

8) Poor sleep habits

Here’s a confession: I used to be a night owl. Burning the midnight oil, binging on TV shows, or scrolling through social media until the wee hours of the morning was my norm. I thought I was making the most of my day by staying up late.

But boy, was I wrong! My concentration suffered, my mood swings became more frequent and my productivity went downhill.

It was a wake-up call (no pun intended) for me to realize that poor sleep habits were taking a toll on my mental health. So, I made changes.

Now, I make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. And let me tell you, it has made a significant difference in my mental wellbeing.

Sleep is not for the weak; it’s for the wise.