Mental health disorders are a serious public health concern. The fact is that many people do not take mental health issues such as depression as seriously as other chronic health issues. Even though it is a major cause of disability in the United States, some people don’t consider depression as a mental illness. Therefore, symptoms are often missed and go undiagnosed.

Statistics show that upwards of 46 million people are living with a mental illness. There are multiple social determinants of health that impact your mental health: biological (genetics), physical, psychosocial well-being, education, and socioeconomic stressors.

According to the World Health Organization, "there is no health without mental health." Poor mental health can lead to chronic health illnesses and vice versa. Researchers states that there is a direct and indirect correlation between mental and physical health. For example, physical health issues can affect employment (i.e., loss wages) leading to lack of access to food or poor food choices. Further, mental health issues can cause lack of sleep and additional stressors at work.

Minding your own mental health may be easier said than done because it requires you to focus on things that you can control and letting go of the things you can’t. It’s okay to value others, but it’s even more important to value yourself. Some people become so entangled with helping others to the point that they feel anxious. They may even deplete themselves. This is referred to as the Savior Complex in which a person who seeks to "save" others who are in desperate need because they think it is their purpose. The problem with this is that it doesn’t allow you to focus on your own needs.

While the impulse to help others is admirable and the sign of a good heart, there are boundaries that we must respect in ourselves, as well as in the lives of other people. If the time and energy you spend on saving or helping someone else begins to chip away at your own mental health or happiness, you may be slipping into the realm of the "savior complex," and historically, that isn’t the best place to be! It is an unsustainable way of living.

Minding your own mental health take practice just like everything else in your life. When you find yourself veering off course, make a conscious effort to refocus on things that directly impact you. Ultimately, it will help you grow in all areas of your life. Here are some tips that can help you mind your mental health:

* Practicing self-awareness by paying attention to your physical health.

* Take care of your body. Eat nutritious foods, exercise, drink plenty of water and sleep.

* Schedule time for yourself. Get a pedicure. Take a yoga session. Meditate to relax your mind. Go for a walk.

* Surround yourself with supportive people.

* Value yourself. You are the president of your life so, treat yourself with dignity and respect.

* Avoiding triggers. Avoid things that evoke negative emotions, know your limits, attention to your inner voice, communicate with someone you trust.

As the Founder and CEO of Infinity Long Term Care Consulting, LLC, Tammy Peebles provides management consulting for healthcare facilities. Her goals are to strategically plan their enterprise, improve overall performance, and effect change. Mrs. Peebles is a regulatory compliance strategist who also loves to motivate, educate, and inspire aspiring and current nurse leaders to achieve a higher level of success professionally and personally. Tammy offers a wide range of services from individual coaching, to certification programs, seminars, and keynote speeches. To contact Tammy please visit her website at www.infinityltcare.com.