By Drs. Roger Ridgeway and Jasmine Padgett
Spring brings a renewed opportunity to prioritize our physical and mental wellbeing. Recently, Singing River Health System hosted Mental Health Era, an event focused on paving the way for meaningful change in mental health. An esteemed group of experts shared insights on how to cope with grief, societal pressures, anxiety, depression and crisis management while prioritizing preventive care. One key takeaway is understanding the interconnection between physical and mental health. Here are some strategies from the experts to effectively navigate these issues:
1. Understanding grief’s toll
Grief is a natural response to loss, affecting emotions and physical health. Physical effects like fatigue and appetite changes are signs of grief and may signal the need to adopt a healthy coping mechanism. Engaging in gentle exercise, ensuring adequate rest, joining a bereavement support group or seeking professional help when needed are crucial steps in coping with grief. Bereavement support services are free and open to the public at Hospice of Light. Visit HospiceofLight.com for more information.
2. Managing societal pressures
In today’s fast-paced society, people often face immense pressure from various sources, including work, family and social media. Learning how to manage these pressures effectively is essential for maintaining both physical and mental wellbeing. Strategies such as journaling with intention, noting achievements and removing societal pressure triggers can help alleviate stress and prevent burnout.
3. Coping with anxiety and depression
Anxiety and depression are common mental health disorders that can significantly impact overall wellbeing. Engaging in regular physical activity, practicing relaxation techniques and fostering meaningful connections with others can aid in managing these conditions. To help identify if you may be suffering from symptoms of anxiety or depression, a mental health screening assessment is available at Mental Health Mississippi (MentalHealthMS.com), along with aids in seeking the appropriate support and treatment.
4. Crisis management
A crisis can arise unexpectedly and profoundly affect on our mental and physical health. Developing effective crisis-management strategies is crucial for navigating challenging situations. The Department of Mental Health (dmh.ms.gov) provides life-saving information on how to effectively navigate a crisis and how to access a crisis response team in your area.
5. Prioritizing preventative care
Prevention is key to maintaining good health. Regular checkups, screenings and vaccinations with a primary care provider are essential components of preventative care. Staying proactive about your health and addressing any potential issues early can reduce the risk of developing serious health problems.
By incorporating these strategies into your lifestyle, you can spring clean your health and foster a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Dr. Roger Ridgeway is a psychiatrist with Singing River Health System. Reach him at (228) 696-9224. Dr. Jasmine Padgett is an internal medicine specialist and pediatrician with Singing River Health System. Reach her at (228) 872-2403.
