Prioritizing Your Mental Health Throughout Life
In recent years, the importance of prioritizing mental health with the same level of commitment as physical health has been increasingly acknowledged—and rightly so. Recognizing the interconnections of our mental and physical wellbeing as we go through various stages can help us attain and maintain a strong quality of life from childhood to adulthood. Being cognizant of life stages and major events, along with knowing some tools at our disposal, can make all the difference.
In early childhood, home life has the greatest impact on mental and emotional wellbeing. Children who receive support with play, affection, acceptance and good nutrition can build lifelong coping skills and self-esteem. Consistent routines, emotional validation and creating a safe environment also contribute significantly to resilience later in life. It’s important to note that an individual’s brain chemistry has an equal role in shaping the future; mental health challenges can present themselves in people from any range of early childhood backgrounds.
When we start school, we experience a wider range of environmental impacts, both positive and negative. Separating from our families for much of the day, we learn social skills and expectations and are exposed to people from various backgrounds. These interactions teach us about diversity, empathy, cooperation and how to solve conflicts. There can also be challenges with separation and learning. Since children spend much of their time in educational settings, schools offer a unique opportunity to identify conditions early and help connect students with the care they need. Programs that promote emotional literacy, anti-bullying campaigns, school counseling services and local behavioral health programs are vital components in providing early interventions should a younger child experience a behavioral health concern. Parents can also benefit from learning the best ways to support their children through family therapy approaches.
Adolescence is marked by rapid physical, cognitive and emotional changes. Teens face the challenges of identity formation, peer pressure, academic stress, and often, their first experiences with loss, rejection or failure. With mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders often emerging during this time, early recognition and intervention are key. Involvement in activities to build developmental assets can contribute to resilience during these sometimes turbulent years.
Early adulthood and going off to study can lead to stressors that contribute to poorer mental health. Universities and colleges recognize the importance of offering mental health services on campus and staying appraised of local programs to help students. However, societal stigma and self-stigma can still prevent young adults from seeking help. Promoting mental health as part of overall success is critical in this stage. Equipping young people with stress-management techniques, resilience training and mindfulness practices can prepare them for the road ahead.
As adults, mental health challenges often shift to managing work-life balance, relationships, parenting, financial stress and sometimes caring for aging parents. Major life events like marriage, childbirth, divorce, career transitions and loss can deeply affect emotional wellbeing. At this stage, it’s crucial to integrate mental health care into routine self-care, much like annual physical checkups. Behavioral health therapy, support groups, hobbies, exercise, good sleep habits and maintaining strong social networks can all contribute to positive mental health.
Mental health in later life is often overlooked, but it is equally important. Older adults may face grief, isolation, declining physical health and cognitive challenges. It’s important to note that depression and anxiety are not natural parts of aging. Staying mentally engaged through social activities, volunteering, continued learning and physical activity can help sustain mental wellness, while programs aimed at reducing social isolation can provide a sense of purpose and connection.
Throughout life, certain tools remain consistently important: building and maintaining strong relationships; maintaining regular annual appointments with a primary care provider; maintaining physical health through exercise, sleep and nutrition; engaging in meaningful activities that foster a sense of purpose; seeking professional help when needed and challenging stigma around mental health.
MyMichigan Health offers programming to help at each and any stage of life.
In addition, MyMichigan Health has a telehub/crisis care team of therapists and navigators to support and coordinate the mental and physical health care of patients of all ages in the emergency department and provider offices across the health system. The team provides crisis intervention and short term therapy for patients in urgent need of same day contact.
Taking care of mental health is an ongoing commitment. By recognizing the unique challenges and needs at each stage of life and equipping ourselves with effective strategies and resources, we can create healthier communities.
Michael Esang, M.D., specializes in adult psychiatry at MyMichigan Psychiatry, on the campus of MyMichigan Medical Center Midland. He has a keen interest in neuromodulation, which is a treatment used for treatment resistant depression.
