While we have come a long way in being more open about our mental health. For the most part, we still struggle to be fully honest about our feelings. Whether that be with loved ones, friends or work colleagues, there is a huge vulnerability that comes with being honest about our mental health struggles.
So, let’s have a look at the stats.
Ireland: A recent study by Aware.ie revealed that 60% of people report experiencing depression, and 80% report experiencing anxiety. Alarmingly, 10% of individuals under 25 believe they are currently dealing with depression.
UK: In 2024, a study showed that over 1 in 7 UK adults state that their mental health is currently poor or at its worst. Women are more affected by poor mental health than men, with 18.5% of women compared to 12.5% of men. Young people aged 16-24 are the hardest hit, with almost a quarter (23.5%) describing their mental health as poor or the worst it has ever been.
Europe: A study carried out pre covid in 20126 found that 1 in 6 people suffered with their mental health. Compared to 1 in 2 suffering from anxiety or depression in 2023 after the pandemic.
USA: The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention published statistics stating that more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness. Similarly, over 1 in 5 youth (ages 13-18) have experienced a seriously debilitating mental illness at some point in their lives. Additionally, about 1 in 25 U.S. adults live with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.
So, what can we do? Many problems stem from the lack of quiet due to constant news updates, social media, and a faster pace of life. We can adopt some techniques to protect ourselves and our minds.
- Exercise in nature: Walking without headphones and listening to the birds chirping and the wind in the trees can bring us back to the present moment and ground us. Lower-impact exercises like yoga can help slow down our nervous system and encourage deep breathing.
- Unplugging: Taking an afternoon or evening phone-free can drastically improve your self-assurance and clarity and improve your sleep. It can also improve social connections; speaking to friends and family members without distraction can enhance relationships and allow for greater conversations.
- Eating healthy: Studies have shown that there is a connection between what we eat and how we feel mentally. According to the Mental Health Foundation in the UK, including whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your diet is essential, as they provide the vitamins and minerals your brain and body need to stay healthy. These foods are rich in nutrients that support overall wellness and mental health. Additionally, incorporating protein into every meal is crucial because it contains amino acids that your brain uses to help regulate your mood. By making these dietary adjustments, you can support your physical and mental well-being.
- Organising Tasks: Writing a to-do list of what we need to do can help lower anxiety and create a sense of stability. Ticking off tasks at the end of the day, big or small, has been shown to release dopamine, giving you a sense of pleasure, satisfaction and motivation. Check out Life’s Little Organiser to get organised.
- Therapy: A taboo subject, regular therapy can help unpack events or trauma contributing to our current way of being. Making sense of why we are the way we are. This can provide clarity and allow us to be more in tune with our emotions.
Although the list could go on, these are a few easy ways to improve mental health. Don’t overcomplicate because sometimes trying to stop ourselves from being stressed or anxious can have the opposite desired effect. Go easy on yourself, you are doing the best you can.
