WIB-San Diego: Living Well – Practical Insights Into Managing Mental Health and Emotional Wellness

The Women In Bio San Diego Chapter recently hosted an interactive event centered around empowering individuals with practical tools and knowledge to support their mental and emotional well-being. Attendees walked away with valuable strategies and insights to navigate their journeys to better mental health. The event featured a fireside chat with Julie Benn and Cathryn Nacario, two expert speakers from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Diego and Imperial County. They shared their expertise on mental health topics, including self-care strategies, coping skills, and ways to support loved ones with mental health conditions. 

What is Mental Health? 

Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel, and act and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Good mental health is essential at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. 

Maintaining Good Mental Health 

Creating positive habits and developing coping skills are key to maintaining mental health and managing symptoms of mental health conditions. Consider these practical tips: 

• Positive Habits: Establishing healthy routines helps support mental health and build  resilience  
• Coping Skills: Implementing effective strategies allows you to manage difficult  situations and lessen unpleasant emotions, thoughts, or behaviors  
• Self-Care: Prioritizing self-care—such as nutrition, sleep, relationships, and stress  management—prevents worsening mental health symptoms and enhances overall well-being 

When to Seek Help 

Knowing when to seek professional help is critical. Look for changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors significantly impacting daily functioning. If you or someone you know needs assistance, reach out to crisis counselors or explore interactive help-finding tools. For more detailed information, you can visit Mental Health America, SAMHSA, or the CDC.

Key Takeaways

• Impact of Social Media on Teens: Social media can negatively influence teenagers'  mental health, affecting various aspects of their lives. Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor and guide their teens’ social media usage, fostering healthy habits and open communication about their online experiences. 
• Connection Between Nutrition and Mental Health: Research suggests that dietary patterns may contribute to mental health conditions like depression and ADHD. Small dietary changes, such as reducing junk food and processed food while increasing wholesome, nutrient-rich foods, can significantly impact mental health.

How Caregivers Can Offer Support

Supporting a loved one with a mental health condition can be challenging, but there are  several ways you can help: 

• Educate Yourself. Learn about the specific mental health condition your loved one is experiencing. Understanding their condition can help you provide better support.
• Listen Without Judgment. Be a good listener and let them express their feelings without interrupting or judging them. 
• Encourage Professional Help. Encourage them to seek professional help, such as therapy or medication, and support them in sticking with their treatment plan.
• Be Patient and Understanding. Mental health conditions can be unpredictable. Be patient and understanding, and avoid taking their behavior personally. 
• Create a Supportive Environment. This can include reducing stressors and encouraging healthy habits.
• Take Care of Yourself. Supporting someone with a mental health condition can be emotionally draining. Make sure to take care of your own mental health as well.
• Stay Positive and Hopeful. Offer hope and reassurance. Remind them that recovery is possible and that you are there for them. 
• Separate the Person from the Illness. Understand that mental health conditions do not define the person. 
• Recognize the Cyclical Nature of Symptoms. Mental health conditions can have cycles, with periods of symptom severity and improvement. 

If you need more detailed guidance, you can check out resources like NAMI California’s guide or Mayo Clinic's tips. 

Submitted by Liz Paz