Mental Health Prioritization

Either you control it, or it will control you! Our bodies and minds have limits, and ignoring the need for rest can lead to significant consequences. When we push ourselves too hard without taking regular breaks, we risk burnout, decreased productivity, and health problems. This forced downtime often occurs at the worst possible moments, disrupting our personal and professional lives. So, please: Schedule Regular Breaks: Integrate short breaks into your daily routine. For example, use the Pomodoro Technique—work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. Prioritise Sleep: Ensure you get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Good sleep hygiene, such as a regular bedtime and limiting screen time before bed, can improve sleep quality. Take Vacations: Plan and take regular vacations to recharge. Even short getaways can significantly impact your mental and physical health. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to signs of fatigue, stress, and burnout. If you feel overwhelmed, take a step back and rest, even if it's just for a few hours. Incorporate Wellness Activities: Engage in activities that promote relaxation and well-being, such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, or spending time in nature. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and set boundaries to protect your time and energy. Avoid overcommitting and ensure you have time for rest and recovery. By proactively scheduling breaks and prioritising self-care, you can maintain your health, enhance productivity, and avoid inconvenient and disruptive forced breaks.

I'm a neuropsychiatrist who treats anxiety and depression in people with cognitive changes. Here's what I do when I'm stressed. People assume doctors have some secret knowledge about mental health. That we're immune to anxiety, depression, burnout. We're not. Here's my real mental health toolkit: 1/ I exercise like my sanity depends on it ↳ 30 or more minutes daily, no exceptions ↳ Walking meetings whenever possible ↳ Gym membership I use ↳ Movement is medicine for the mind ↳ Endorphins beat any antidepressant I can prescribe 2/ I practice saying no to things that drain me ↳ Committee meetings that go nowhere ↳ Social events I don't want to attend ↳ Extra projects that sound important but aren't ↳ People who consistently take more than they give ↳ Boundaries aren't selfish, they're essential 3/ I invest in relationships that energize me ↳ Regular dinners with close friends ↳ Deep conversations over superficial networking ↳ Time with people who knew me before I was "Dr." ↳ Relationships where I can be imperfect ↳ Connection is the best therapy 4/ I do mundane things that ground me ↳ Cook meals, not just eat ↳ Read fiction, not just medical journals ↳ Garden with my hands in dirt ↳ Listen to music without checking email ↳ Ordinary activities create extraordinary peace 5/ I acknowledge when I'm struggling ↳ Talk to my own therapist regularly ↳ Take mental health days without guilt ↳ Adjust my schedule when overwhelmed ↳ Ask for help before I'm drowning ↳ Self-care isn't weakness, it's maintenance What I don't do might surprise you: I limit alcohol to zero or 1 drink per week. I avoid all tracking devices. Fitness trackers, sleep monitors, baby cameras. They increase my anxiety. Ironic for someone who writes about tech. I don't follow most wellness trends (they're often marketing). The difference between knowing about mental health and having it? I try to practice what I preach to my patients. The basics work: move, connect, rest, breathe. Your brain doesn't care if you have a medical degree. It needs the same things everyone else's does. ⁉️ What works for your mental health? What advice sounds good but doesn't help you? ♻️ Repost if you believe mental health requires honesty, not perfection 👉 Follow me (Reza Hosseini Ghomi, MD, MSE) for real talk about mental health from someone who treats it

Never oversimplify growth. ➤ "Mantras don't create change, action does" You've seen the viral lists: "Do these 12 things and your world will change." While these reminders are valuable, personal transformation isn't a checklist—it's a lifelong practice, and science is far more nuanced. Let's add real research and see what actually works for sustainable change: ✅ Spend More Time Focusing on What You Love Science: Positive psychology shows focusing on strengths increases well-being and resilience. ➤ Action: Schedule time for what energizes you weekly, not just when you "have time." ✅ Pause Before Responding Science: Mindful pauses reduce impulsivity and improve emotional regulation. ➤ Action: Try the "three-breath rule" before replying in stressful moments. ✅ Connect to the Essence of You Science: Self-reflection and values alignment link to greater life satisfaction and authentic leadership. ➤ Action: Regular journaling or coaching clarifies your core values and purpose. ✅ Stop Chasing What Doesn't Feel Aligned Science: Pursuing extrinsic goals (status, approval) decreases well-being versus intrinsic goals (meaning, growth). ➤ Action: Audit your calendar—are activities aligned with what truly matters? ✅ Stop Going Back to Places That Have Hurt You Science: Rumination on past pain increases anxiety; letting go supports growth. ➤ Action: Practice self-compassion and seek support to process old wounds. ✅ Allow Yourself Some Grace Science: Self-compassion predicts resilience, motivation, and lower burnout. ➤ Action: Speak to yourself as you would to a close friend facing setbacks. ✅ Lean Into Self-Acceptance Science: Accepting yourself, flaws and all, is a cornerstone of mental health. ➤ Action: Notice self-criticism and gently reframe with acceptance. ✅ Start Being on Your Own Side Science: Self-advocacy and positive self-regard link to higher achievement and well-being. ➤ Action: Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. ✅ Acknowledge That You Matter Too Science: Feeling valued is a basic psychological need (Self-Determination Theory). ➤ Action: Set boundaries and ask for what you need. ✅ Speak to Yourself Like Someone You Love Science: Positive self-talk boosts confidence and performance. ➤ Action: Replace negative inner dialogue with encouragement. ✅ Decide to Make Your Self-Care a Priority Science: Regular self-care links to lower stress and better health outcomes. ➤ Action: Build self-care into your routine as non-negotiable. ✅ Show Up for Yourself Science: Consistency in self-support leads to greater self-efficacy and life satisfaction. ➤ Action: Keep promises you make to yourself. The Real Truth: Change isn't magic—it's practice. Let's discuss how coaching can help transform these reminders into genuine, lasting change—rooted in science, not slogans. Joshua Miller #PersonalGrowth #CoachingTips #Leadership #GrowthMindset #ExecutiveCoaching

May is Mental Health Month. So, let me ask: How are you doing? Seriously. How are you REALLY doing? I speak to so many clients who wait too long to make a change. They endure difficult and demoralizing work climates, hoping that things will get better. While they wait, their confidence is eroded, making a job search that much more daunting. Please, don't let this happen to you. No job is worth your mental health. If you: ➙Don't get any satisfaction in your work ➙Routinely deal with people who are difficult ➙Do the work of 2 people (or more!) ➙Lack the resources to do your job well ➙Get no support from your direct supervisor ➙Are bullied or taken advantage of by co-workers ➙Find it difficult to muster the energy for your workday Then, your mental health is at risk. That is not okay! Here are 6 strategies to take care of yourself: 1️⃣ Map Your Triggers ↳ Document specific situations that drain you ↳ Track when your stress peaks ↳ Notice when you are withdrawing or in conflict 💡Action: Make adjustments where you can, based on what you learn 2️⃣ Create Non-Negotiable Boundaries ↳ Set firm work hours for yourself ↳ Block "recovery time" in your calendar ↳ Turn off notifications during deep work 💡Action: Communicate these changes with key people 3️⃣ Master the "Strategic Pause" ↳ Take micro-breaks (2-5 minutes every hour) ↳ Use lunch for actual lunch, not more work ↳ Practice quick breathing exercises between meetings 💡Action: Put these items in your calendar and set alarms to take care of yourself. 4️⃣ Control Your Controllables ↳ Organize your workspace ↳ Structure your day around your energy peaks ↳ Focus on what you can influence, not what you can't 💡Action: This is a habit. Keep coming back to what’s in your control when frustration builds. 5️⃣ Build Your Support System ↳ Connect with trusted colleagues ↳ Consider tapping into your Employee Assistance Program ↳ Look into professional counseling 💡Action: Ask for help, even when it makes you feel uncomfortable. You are worth it. 6️⃣ Prepare to Make a Change ↳ Activate your network and have casual conversations to test the waters ↳ Update your resume and your LinkedIn profile ↳ Build a list of target companies and research your options 💡Important Point: These steps aren’t a decision to leave. But, they will make it easier and quicker if you decide to do so. Reminder: Your mental health is non-negotiable. Protect it fiercely. 🎯 What's your best strategy for maintaining mental health at work? Tell us below! ♻️ Repost to support colleagues who might be struggling 🔔 Follow Sarah Baker Andrus for more career and workplace strategies

The harsh truth you need to hear about deadlines and mental health: (And what to prioritize instead) Your mental health is the foundation of everything—without it, no deadline is worth meeting. Standard advice often ignores the bigger picture: "Push through, you can handle it": ↳ Pushing harder only fuels stress and anxiety. ↳ Honor your mental health—rest and recharge when needed. "Just keep going, success is the goal": ↳ Success means nothing if it costs you your peace of mind. ↳ Redefine success with balance and well-being at its core. "Work first, personal time later": ↳ Constantly putting work before self-care leads to burnout. ↳ Prioritize your health, so you can bring your best to your work. "Mental health struggles are personal weaknesses": ↳ Struggling is a sign you care, not a flaw. ↳ Seek support from mentors or peers to build resilience together. "Meet the deadline no matter what": ↳ Deadlines are important, but not at the cost of your health. ↳ Give yourself the space to breathe—quality work follows clarity of mind. "You have to do it all yourself": ↳ You don’t have to carry the weight alone. ↳ Lean on your team, and ask for help when needed. "Taking time off is a sign of failure": ↳ Taking time for yourself is a sign of strength. ↳ When you care for your mental health, you come back stronger. You deserve more than just getting through the day—you deserve to thrive. Choose your well-being, because everything else can wait.

Something I wish someone had told me earlier in my career: Minda, you don’t earn your worth by working through your pain. And loyalty to your job should never come at the cost of your health. When I first entered the workforce, I’d go to work sick—afraid of what taking a day off might signal. I kept my work phone on during vacations. I answered emails from hotel rooms. I thought that’s what commitment looked like. I thought I was doing it “right.” Then I became an entrepreneur… and those same habits followed me. I worked through everything. Because if I didn’t show up, who would? If I didn’t grind, how would I earn my keep? But here’s the truth: I put off a major surgery for nearly two years because I didn’t feel like I could give myself permission to slow down and heal. To be out of office. To take up space as a human first, not just a professional. I’m grateful I finally made the decision to put myself first—but I wish I hadn’t waited so long. If you’re wired like I was, here are 3 things I hope help you before it gets to that point: ✅ Rest is part of the work. Schedule recovery like you would a client meeting—non-negotiable. ✅ Your boundaries teach others how to treat you. Being always available isn’t sustainable—or respected. ✅ Permission starts with you. You don’t need to earn the right to care for yourself. You already deserve it. Let’s normalize prioritizing our health—not just our hustle. #MentalHealthAwareness #BoundariesAtWork #Leadership #WorkplaceWellbeing #TalkToMeNice

“Your manager affects your health more than your doctor." What every burnout survivor tells me first. Three months ago, I watched a top performer collapse. Not from overwork. From a manager who treated minds like machines. After guiding leadership teams through transformation: One truth stands clear: ❌ Great managers don't just build careers ✅ They protect mental health Here's the blueprint they follow: 1. The Safety Switch 🛡️ ↳ Start every 1:1 with "How are you really doing?" ↳ Listen without solving for 5 full minutes ✨ Trust grows in silence 2. The Boundary Shield 🌅 ↳ Never message after 6pm unless it's life-or-death ↳ Model work-life boundaries firmly ✨ Peace of mind becomes the norm 3. The Clarity Code 🎯 ↳ Write down exactly what "done" looks like ↳ Remove the anxiety of uncertainty ✨ Mental energy stays focused on solutions 4. The Pressure Release 🎭 ↳ Say "This can wait until tomorrow" more often ↳ Help prioritize ruthlessly ✨ Stress dissolves when deadlines align with reality 5. The Growth Guardian 🌱 ↳ Share what you see in their future ↳ Paint the path to get there ✨ Purpose transforms pressure into progress 6. The Trust Test 💫 ↳ Defend their decisions publicly ↳ Discuss improvements privately ✨ Confidence grows in psychological safety 7. The Human Hour ❤️ ↳ Block 15 minutes daily for non-work chat ↳ Create space for real connection ✨ Belonging beats burnout 8. The Gratitude Grid ⭐ ↳ End each week naming one specific win ↳ Celebrate progress explicitly ✨ Recognition rewires the brain 9. The Support Signal 🚦 ↳ Say "I've got your back" and prove it ↳ Jump in when they're drowning ✨ Relief comes from knowing they're not alone Here's what happens when managers protect mental health: - Retention skyrockets - Innovation flows freely - Productivity rises naturally - Culture heals permanently Because great management: ❌ isn't about control ✅ it's about creating safety Small acts of leadership kindness: - Transform mental health daily - Create teams that thrive - Build unshakeable trust Which strategy will you apply today to protect mental health? Please share below ⬇️ ♻️ Share to protect team wellbeing 🔔 Follow Eva Gysling, OLY for more

Poor mental health is something that I have suffered with at different stages of my life. The reality is there is no quick fix, and, in my opinion, poor mental health has much to do with our experiences in earlier life and the emotional responses that we once developed to deal with them. That said, I notice a huge decrease in my mental health when I stop taking action. To commemorate World Mental Health Day, I'd like to share a few habits I've cultivated to enhance my well-being:   1.    Physical Health: Regular exercise, even a brief walk, paired with mindful eating can do wonders for your mood and mental sharpness. I've often found that a rigorous workout pulls me out of a slump.   2.    Curate Your Information: Be discerning about what you consume, both news-wise and on social media. Overloading on negative or misleading content can adversely affect our mental health. I’ve deliberately avoided platforms like Instagram and TikTok, certain that I’m healthier without the constant influx of comparison.   3.    Stay with Difficult Feelings: Emotions like boredom, frustration, and sadness are natural. I used to sidestep them through distractions, but now, I endeavour to sit with them and comprehend their origins.   4.    Manage Sleep Patterns: An erratic circadian rhythm is a leading cause of depression. Personally, I strive to be in bed between 9.30pm and 10.30pm nightly. While I might not be the best sleeper, I aim for 7 hours+, even if it involves lying awake for extended durations.   5.    Have Someone to Talk to: I've benefitted from therapy over the years. However, be it a therapist, friend, or family, it’s priceless to have a trusted person to converse with — especially during the good times. Communicating my feelings has been essential.   6.    Avoid Casual Drinking: While refraining might seem obvious, it's not easy in today's society. Alcohol serves as a depressant and hampers sleep. A hangover is a notable productivity killer. For me, extended abstention brings a profound sense of accomplishment and mental clarity.   7.    Combat Negative Self-talk: Pervasive negative self-talk can foster a detrimental self-image. While I admit my flaws to myself, I consistently motivate myself using uplifting language and back my convictions. We all have our unique journeys with mental health, and what works for one may not work for another. The important thing is to find what helps you and prioritise self-care. Happy World Mental Health Day, and remember, you're not alone in this journey. #WorldMentalHealthDay

Men don’t talk. Not because they don’t feel. But because they’ve been taught not to. In boardrooms, homes, classrooms, and even friendships, men are expected to “hold it together,” stay strong, stay silent, and carry on. But silence has a cost. Stress, burnout, emotional fatigue, loneliness, and suppressed anger are becoming alarmingly common among men. Yet often go unnoticed because they’re masked as “work,” “responsibility,” or “it’s fine.” Here’s a simple, evidence-based framework to help men care for their mental health without feeling overwhelmed or judged: 1. Breathwork to regulate stress Just 3 minutes of slow diaphragmatic breathing lowers cortisol, improves mood, and calms the nervous system. Ancient knowledge systems teach that prana regulates the mind. And modern neuroscience supports it. 2. Build ‘one honest conversation’ into your week Not a big confession. Not vulnerability theatre. Just one honest check-in with a friend, partner, sibling, or colleague. Social connection is one of the strongest predictors of emotional resilience in men. 3. Prioritize physical activity Movement releases endorphins, improves sleep, and stabilizes emotional energy. Whether it’s a gym session, a 15-minute walk, or yoga, consistency matters more than intensity. 4. Replace self-criticism with self-inquiry Instead of “What’s wrong with me?” Ask: “What is my mind or body trying to tell me?” This shift reduces shame and opens space for growth. 5. Practice 5 minutes of stillness daily Meditation, mindful silence, or simply pausing with your breath. Ancient Indian traditions recognized stillness as the gateway to clarity. Today, it's a proven tool to reduce anxiety. A fact for Southeast Asian men: In the WHO South-East Asia Region, about 39% of the world’s suicides happen, and depression is a significant comorbidity among these cases. That means the mental-health burden for men in this region is very real, and very urgent. To every man reading this: Your feelings are valid. Your struggles matter. And taking care of your mental health is not a weakness. It’s wisdom. Today, on International Men’s Day, check in with yourself. And then check in on one man you care about. #InternationalMensDay #MensMentalHealth #mentalhealth #resilience

Serious Mental Illness is a chronic condition. To deliver quality outcomes, we must treat it as one. For too long, serious mental health issues have been approached through an acute care lens, with brief interventions aimed at reducing acute symptoms. This model, rooted in short-term, episodic treatment, overlooks a crucial reality - most mental disorders are, in fact, chronic conditions. This mismatch is bad for payers, providers, and patients. People with chronic mental health conditions require continuous management, ongoing support, and integrated, whole-of-person care. Without this, we risk escalations in severity, increased utilization of high-cost acute care services, and prolonged suffering for individuals. We must move shift our focus -From episodic interventions to lifelong management -From symptom-focused strategies to addressing underlying causes -From fragmented care to continuous, integrated care -From providers working in isolation to more collaborative approaches -From reactive, crisis-driven engagement to proactive monitoring -From narrow, specialty-focused treatment to whole-of-person care -From passive support to active skill-building and resilience development The benefits of this resilience driven approach are significant: For Payers Payers can reduce expensive acute care cycles by investing in long-term, preventative mental health interventions. Research suggests that investing in comprehensive mental health treatment can even lead to cost savings for associated physical conditions like heart disease. The focus shifts from treating immediate symptoms to preventing long-term complications. For Providers  Healthcare professionals can develop more meaningful, longitudinal relationships with patients. This approach requires expanding their toolkit beyond an exclusive focus on symptomatic relief to include resilience-building, trauma-informed care, evidence-based psychotherapies and medication management. With appropriate financial incentives for continuous engagement and preventive care, providers can deliver more holistic, impactful treatment. For Patients The most direct beneficiaries are individuals living with serious mental health conditions. Long-term management offers improved quality of life, reduced symptom severity, and fewer disruptions from relapses or acute care interventions. It acknowledges the potentially lifelong nature of their condition and empowers them to maximize their potential and life experiences. Let’s transform how we think about and deliver mental healthcare—shifting from brief, reactive interventions to long-term, integrated, and patient-centered strategies, i.e., resilience development. Let’s align payers and providers behind this approach, and let’s build the infrastructure, education, and commercial incentives to deliver on it. We’ve seen huge improvements in the quality of life for many people living with other chronic conditions. Isn’t it time we did the same in SMI mental health?