In this blog, we will answer the question, “What do to when you Want to Get Better?” and also discuss what exactly does it mean by getting better, reasons for wanting to get better, how to work on your mental health, and also answer frequently asked question.
What to do when you Want to Get Better?
The reason you are here is that you want to get better but are struggling with how to get better and we will help you through some tips and a better understanding of what can be done.
You can try asking for your family and loved ones’ support and care, get physically active, take adequate breaks and rest, talk to people you trust, take care of yourself, indulge time in your hobbies, and also try therapy.
We will discuss what you can do when you want to get better in a detailed manner in the further sections.
Defining “Better”: What is Better?
Better; it is a word we use quite often. We all know the meaning of the word, right?
Nonetheless, let us talk and revisit what better can mean. Better is an adjective of comparison. If something is good, better can be used to talk about a state which is more suitable than just good.
It can also be used when someone is in a bad position or situation; better can be used when the same person’s position or situation has improved. We can say, “he is feeling much better now.”
Wanting to get better seems very vague if there is no context. There might be many things in which people want to get better. A child might simply want to get better grades, or someone would want to get better at a sport or playing an instrument.
A person going to an office might want to get better bonuses. And we all definitely want to have a better year. As you can see there are many ways in which we want to get better. However, this in this article we will be focusing on getting better in terms of our mental health.
Why do you want to get better?
For any action we do there is always a reason. Why do you want to get yourself some water? It is because you are thirsty or you ate something spicy.
In this scenario, even though there is a reason why you get some water for yourself, we do not really think about it very consciously so we?
When you cough, you automatically reach out your hand towards a glass of water. It is a subconscious reflex. However, when you want to get better, i.e., improve your situation you need to be aware of the why?
Ask yourself this, why do you want to get better? There can be multiple reasons. But when you want to get better, more precisely when you are committing yourself to get better, it is very important that you know why because when you have a perspective, you do not waver. This of course is not true, all the time.
We will get to that part later. Right now, let us focus on some scenarios where you want to get better. For example, if you want to get better right now in the moment.
Ways to make yourself feel better.
On a typical day, people feel multiple emotion while going about their lives; Happy, excited, sad, lonely, stressed, anxious, or even numb.
When you are having a bad day or you are feeling stressed about something or anxious, snapping out of it whenever you want is not possible. The mood you are in stays unless something significant happens. So, what can you do when you want to get into a better mood? Below are some ways in which you can do that.
- Listen to your favourite music
The magic of music is very underrated. Try listening to upbeat or motivational music if you are feeling down. If you are feeling anxious, try listening to calming music. With music, there is something for everyone.
In fact, a study published in 2013 by the University of Missouri says that letting yourself flow into upbeat music without any doubts can actually help improve people’s mood.
- Take a walk or get a little exercise
Maybe you have a lot of work, assignments piling up, taking care of your elderly family members or anything that makes you feel stressed. Research shows that lower rates of mental illness, better emotional and mental wellbeing is present in people who exercise frequently.
According to one research by Schulz KH, Meyer A and Langguth N, beneficial effects of physical activity can be seen not only on adults but also on children’s and adolescents’ mental health and wellbeing, particularly on their cognitive functions that are still developing throughout adolescence.
- Take a break every now and then
Proper balance is a must in people’s lives. Everyone is very overwhelmed these days with responsibilities. Be in an adult or a student. Maintaining a proper schedule and following through helps delegate your time effectively.
It is also very necessary to have sufficient breaks in your daily schedule. This will help you relax, unwind and give time for yourself.
- Call a friend
Well, it does not have to be a friend only, it can be anyone you have a friendly relationship with, it can be your family members or friends you trust or significant others you can open up to. Just talking to someone who is your safe person can help you clear your thoughts clear up. It can make your day!
- Do something nice for others
Maybe help someone in need, or make someone else happy. Knowing someone is happy because of something you did is a very satisfying feeling.
Sometimes all you need to do is see someone smile because of something you did. For example, pay a surprise visit to someone you love, make a meal for your family or make a donation. It can be anything which can make you feel satisfied.
How to work on your mental health and get better
All the above points are the ones which can make you change your mood and that make you feel better for sometime. But what if you are in a position where simple activities such as those are not enough? What if your mental health is compromised?
Given below are ways in which you can improve your mental health which will, in turn, make you feel better in the long run and thus be in a better place.
- Take care of yourself
Put yourself first. Put proper effort into taking care of yourself and improving yourself. Stay engaged in activities that make you feel happy. Do not overwhelm yourself. Try to give time to yourself and when you are not working, do something that you love.
Pick up a hobby that you find interesting, read a book, watch a movie, take a vacation, eat good and healthy food, exercise and follow a proper personal care regime. Learn to accept yourself and love yourself.
We always treat others with respect. Make sure you give yourself the kindness and respect you give others. Avoid self-criticism. Instead, if there is something about yourself that you do not like, try changing the habit slowly. Finally, take one step and a time and follow your own pace.
- Meditation
Meditation is a mind and body practice where focusing your attention and awareness is practiced for the present moment without worrying about the future or the past.
Mindfulness meditation transcendental meditation, spiritual meditation, focused meditation, movement meditation, mantra meditation, progressive relaxation are some types of meditation.
You should choose what is best for you, consult a professional or try out the following steps:
- A quiet place with least or no distractions
- A comfortable posture.
- An object of attention, or focus on your breathing or on a word
- An open and non-judgmental attitude. Even if there are any distractions, don’t actively focus on them. This will definitely need some practice but you’ll get used to it.
- Practice Gratitude
Surround yourself with good influence and practice gratitude. This simply means to be being thankful for the good in your lives and focusing on that.
Start a journal and write about the good things which happened each night before going to bed. Read the stuff you wrote when you wake up the next day. Voice your happiness and thank people for their kindness.
What are your options for professional help?
Though there are many ways in which one can get better, it is important to recognize and realize that sometimes, some things are beyond our control. Do not blame yourself for not being able to feel happy or get better. Instead seek professional help.
Mental health professionals will help you identify whether or not you have a mental health condition and will provide you with proper support.
Professional help can be available in a number of ways depending on your requirement. Given below are the three most common ones;
- Psychotherapy or Counselling
It is one of the most important treatment ways available for mental health disorders which involves talking about your problems with a psychologist or counsellor.
There are different types of talk therapy: dialectal behavioural therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, gestalt psychotherapy, psychoanalysis or psychodynamic psychotherapy.
The type of psychotherapy depends on individual problems as well as the approach of the psychologist or counsellor. It is usually done one-on-one but can also be done in the presence of your family or in a grou therapy module.
It is important to remember that this type of therapy is used not just for people who have a mental health condition but also for people who are simply going through daily life stressors or challenging situations in their lives (grief, divorce, stress, burnout, etc.).
If you’re facing this, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or other mental health professional. You can find a therapist at BetterHelp who can help you learn how to cope and address it.
- Support groups
Support groups and self-help groups can help you with an insight into problems of people with similar concerns like yourself. They can be a place where you find new friends, comfort, resources, support. They also help with the feelings of isolation as you find people who understand the experiences you are going through in a very empathetic manner as they are on the same journey.
- Hospitalisation
There has been a lot of stigmas around hospitalization concerning mental health conditions. It is important to remember that just as you get hospitalized for physical health conditions, mental health conditions are also similar. Getting admitted if required will put you under proper and required care and the professionals can guide you into feeling better.
What if I do not want to get better?
In the starting part of this article, you read about how knowing why you want to get better is the first step for getting better and that will make sure that you do not quit.
Sometimes when a person is suffering from a mental health condition such as depression, it is hard for the person to even try to feel better. After a while, the space in which people suffer becomes so comfortable that change and putting in effort becomes scary, even while they are suffering throughout.
Finally, it is important to remember that wanting to get better is an important step and is the start to an entire journey. Being informed and having the required support through this is important and will help you emerge into a better version of yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): What to do when you Want to Get Better?
How do I make myself better?
You can make yourself better by trying to let go of negative self-talk, thoughts, etc., that affect your daily life. You can practice gratitude, practice mindfulness, seek therapy, help people around you, and try to indulge in self-love as well.
How do I heal myself mentally?
Treat yourself well, take care of your body, try to value yourself like you value others, learn to deal with stress, working towards your goals in the way you can. Get help from a mental health professional if needed. There is no one proper way to heal. Find a process that suits you.
What happens if you do not have good mental health?
Poor mental health affects not just you but also people around you. It also affects your physical health and can lead to complications such as high blood pressure.
Can depressed people get better?
Yes, people with depression can get better and feel better. With proper care and support, mental health can be managed which can lead to a better sense of well-being.
What do you do when someone does not want to get better?
Listen to them and try to understand how they are feeling. Try to ask questions without making them feel bad. Resist the urge to give advice. Remember that the feeling of wanting to get better sticks better when the person arrives at the feeling by themselves.
Can exercise really help a person get better?
There is evidence that getting sufficient physical activity every day can help boost your confidence and make a person feel motivated and energized. This helps a person feel good about themselves.
References
Schulz KH, Meyer A, Langguth N (2012), Exercise and psychological well-being. Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz. (1):55-65. DOI: 10.1007/s00103-011-1387-x. PMID: 22286249