Self-care includes safeguarding mental health

Stress, anxiety, and depression can affect anyone. Advice from experts at the University of Miami Health System helps you find ways to put your psychological well-being front and center.

By Life@TheU 12-02-2021

Unlike physical health, which is evaluated during annual medical visits, mental health often takes a back seat and lacks regular check-ins. This could allow symptoms to reach a crisis situation. Olympic athletes have spoken openly about their mental health struggles and the effects of constant pressure on their well-being. But stress, anxiety, and depression can affect any of us. According to Dr. Barbara Coffey, a child and adult psychiatrist with the University of Miami Health System, it’s important to seek treatment for mental health disorders and it’s never too late to put your psychological well-being front and center. It starts by taking stock of your feelings to assess changes in behavior. Read more suggestions for improving your mental health.

New research on brain function is impacting treatment options for clinical depression—one of the most common mental disorders in the world. Most patients struggle to find the right drug or combination of therapies for the debilitating illness. Deeper research on underlying biological causes of the disorder has opened up the possibilities of different avenues for treatment, according to Dr. Dante Martin Durand, a psychiatrist with the University of Miami Health System. Learn more about new research and therapies that show promising possibilities.

Consider when and how to vent about your frustrations.

While it can be helpful to discuss your frustrations with a friend, family member, or co-worker, prolonged or repeated venting can become unproductive, according to Firdaus S. Dhabhar, a professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry, Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Chronic venting from one person to another can heighten stress, anger, confusion or frustration you may be aiming to reduce by venting in the first place. Dr. Dhabhar suggests being open to feedback and questions from the person who is listening. Stepping back to look at the big picture and trying to consider things you have to be grateful for can provide you with perspective. Explore more productive techniques.

Find the time to make—or break—habits.

You don’t have to wait for the new calendar year to make the changes you want. Behavioral experts recommend choosing a moment that works with your life, which will make you most successful at making the change. And consider who or what can help you on the journey. According to Dr. Coffey, start with the least problematic habit and find confidence from a feeling of competence as you make strides. Through studies of habit formation, behavioral experts have the knowledge to help others with their resolutions. Find more ways to approach habit formation.

Find the root of a health concern.

Functional medicine—a systems biology based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the cause of disease—is growing in popularity as individuals begin to dive deeper into their overall health and well-being. Functional medicine doctors focus on understanding your whole health, which allows them to get to the root of the health problems you are experiencing. Functional medicine and conventional medicine work side by side, according to Dr. Karen Koffler, medical director of the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine with the University of Miami Health System. But it is not meant for acute issues like a fractured leg or heart attack. Learn more about functional medicine and what you can expect during an appointment.

Explore the benefits of a morning exercise routine.

No matter what time of the day, exercise is a good idea, but morning workouts offer something unique. Dr. Stephen Noel Henry, a physician at the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute, offers some compelling reasons to get up a little earlier for a sweat session, aside from avoiding the heat of the day. Read more about the benefits of morning workouts.

Find ways to embrace self-care during the holidays, which is essential for your mental health and overall well-being. Tap into resources available to University employees through the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program. Students can access services and resources available through the Counseling Center.

Access the medical care you need at a UHealth facility or via telehealth by scheduling an appointment. Find additional information about scheduling or call 305-243-4000.

Live Well with UHealth is a series that highlights curated content from articles previously published on UMiami Health News, a website that shares health tips and insights into research discoveries that change lives, brought to you by the experts at the University of Miami Health System. This story highlights the following articles.