Without a doubt, mental health awareness has grown a lot recently and is still growing. More and more people are coming forward and talking about issues that previous generations never would have dreamed of discussing. It is becoming more acceptable for people to admit they are suffering, and therefore there is more help on hand to help address a lot of issues.

But what is mental health, and how can we look after it? Unlike physical health, mental health is less defined, and there’s less known about it in the medical community. If someone walks into the ER with a physical problem, it’s pretty easy to determine the cause, and thus find an appropriate treatment. Mental health is much more complex, and it might take a whole team of mental health professionals to determine the cause and right treatment. However, like physical health, there are ways we can take care of ourselves at home, to make sure we stay healthy mentally, and hopefully prevent mental health problems. Try and pay attention to any triggers that might make you feel down or put you in a bad way. If there’s something that causes you to jeopardize your mental health, it’s probably not worth it in the long run.

Getty Images/Moment/Carol Yepes

Love yourself, and give yourself the attention you need. It’s good to take a step back sometimes to evaluate the situation around you and how it’s affecting you. Surround yourself with positive people and people who make you happy. But just like it’s sometimes hard to shake those last few pounds, no matter what, sometimes you can do all the ‘right things’ and still find yourself in a difficult position, and that’s okay. Reach out and never be ashamed to ask for help, and know that you are not alone. The more you talk about mental health, the easier and more acceptable it will come. The world is changing, for the good, and it’s time to give your mental health the attention it deserves and needs. You’ll benefit in more ways than you know.