How to Improve Your Mental Wellness in 2023

A woman sitting cross-legged on a yoga mat in front of a lake, with her eyes closed and her hands on her knees, meditating in a peaceful setting.

Mental wellness is the state of being in good mental health, which means having a positive outlook, coping well with stress, and enjoying life. Mental wellness is not just the absence of mental illness, but also the presence of mental well-being.

Mental wellness is important for everyone, because it affects our physical health, our relationships, our productivity, and our happiness. However, many people struggle with mental wellness issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or substance abuse.

If you are one of them, or if you just want to improve your mental wellness in 2023, here are some tips and resources that can help you.

1. Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment, without judgment or distraction. Mindfulness can help you reduce stress, improve your mood, enhance your focus, and increase your self-awareness.

You can practice mindfulness in different ways, such as meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, or simply noticing your thoughts and feelings without reacting to them. You can also use apps or websites that offer guided mindfulness sessions or courses.

Some examples of mindfulness resources are:

Headspace: A popular app that offers guided meditations for various goals and levels.
Calm: An app that provides relaxing music, stories, and sounds to help you sleep better and cope with stress.
Mindful.org: A website that features articles, podcasts, and videos on mindfulness and its benefits.

2. Seek professional help

Sometimes, we need more than self-care to improve our mental wellness. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, such as persistent sadness, anxiety, anger, or hopelessness, you should seek professional help as soon as possible.

There is no shame in asking for help when you need it. In fact, it is a sign of strength and courage. Getting professional help can help you understand the causes of your mental wellness issues, learn coping skills, and access treatment options.

There are different types of professionals who can help you with your mental wellness, such as:

Psychiatrists: Doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders with medication and other interventions.
Psychologists: Professionals who have a doctoral degree in psychology and provide psychotherapy or counseling for various mental health issues.
Therapists: Professionals who have a master’s degree or higher in a related field and provide psychotherapy or counseling for various mental health issues.
Counselors: Professionals who have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field and provide guidance and support for various mental health issues.

You can find professional help through various sources, such as:

Your primary care provider: You can ask your doctor for a referral to a mental health professional or a mental health service in your area.
Your insurance company: You can check your insurance plan for coverage and benefits for mental health services and find providers who accept your insurance.
Online platforms: You can use online platforms that connect you with licensed mental health professionals who offer online therapy or counseling. Some examples are BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Amwell.

3. Learn from others

Another way to improve your mental wellness is to learn from others who have gone through similar experiences or challenges. You can find inspiration, motivation, and support from people who share their stories and insights on mental health blogs, podcasts, or social media.

Some examples of mental health blogs are:

The Blurt Foundation: A blog that focuses on depression and coping with depression.
Anxiety Slayer: A blog that offers tips and tools to overcome anxiety.
The Mighty: A blog that features stories from people living with various mental health conditions.

Some examples of mental health podcasts are:

The Hilarious World of Depression: A podcast that features interviews with comedians who have dealt with depression.
The Anxiety Guy: A podcast that offers advice and guidance on how to overcome anxiety.
Mental Illness Happy Hour: A podcast that explores the dark side of mental health with humor and honesty.

Some examples of mental health social media accounts are:

Kati Morton: A licensed therapist who posts about various mental health topics on Instagram and YouTube.
NAMI: The National Alliance on Mental Illness, a nonprofit organization that advocates for mental health awareness and support on Twitter and other platforms.
The Happy Broadcast: A Facebook page that shares positive news and stories to boost your mood and mental health.

4. Stay updated on the latest mental health news

Mental health is a dynamic and evolving field, and there are always new developments and discoveries that can affect our mental wellness. Staying updated on the latest mental health news can help you learn about new research, trends, and resources that can help you improve your mental wellness.

You can find the latest mental health news from various sources, such as:

Psychology Today: A website that features articles, blogs, and podcasts on various aspects of psychology and mental health.
Psych Central: A website that offers information, quizzes, and forums on various mental health topics.
Mental Health America: A website that publishes blogs, reports, and newsletters on various mental health issues and policies.

One of the recent mental health news that has been trending is the case of Kellye SoRelle, an attorney for the Oath Keepers, a far-right extremist group that was involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. She was charged with conspiracy and obstruction of justice in September 2022, but her trial has been delayed due to concerns over her mental competency.

According to the Associated Press, experts for both prosecutors and defense attorneys deemed her incompetent to stand trial. They found that she suffered from a mental illness or defect that prevented her from understanding the proceedings against her or assisting in her defense. They recommended that she undergo three to four months of mental health treatment before the trial can proceed.

This case raises questions about how mental health issues affect defendants’ rights and responsibilities in criminal cases. How should courts balance the need for justice with the need for compassion? How should defendants’ mental health be assessed and treated? How should prosecutors and defense attorneys handle cases involving mentally incompetent defendants?

These are some of the questions that Kellye SoRelle’s case may help answer as it unfolds in the coming months.

Conclusion

Mental wellness is a vital aspect of our overall well-being, and we should all strive to improve it in 2023. By practicing mindfulness, seeking professional help, learning from others, and staying updated on the latest mental health news, we can enhance our mental wellness and live happier and healthier lives.

A man smiling and holding a laptop on his lap, while talking to a therapist on a video call.

References

Source: Conversation with Bing, 18/6/2023
(1) Oath Keepers Lawyer Trial Delayed Over Competency Concerns. https://www.businessinsider.com/oath-keepers-lawyer-trial-delayed-over-competency-concerns-2023-6.
(2) Oath Keepers attorney SoRelle found incompetent for trial in Jan. 6 …. https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/06/16/sorelle-incompetent-trial-oathkeepers-jan6/.
(3) Kellye Sorelle Death News After Her Mental Health Got Worse – Model Fact. https://modelfact.com/kellye-sorelle-death-news-her-mental-health-worse/.