Understanding the Causes of Anxiety and Stress When I Play at Online Casinos

As an avid online casino player, I have encountered moments of anxiety and stress during my gaming sessions. It is essential to identify the factors that contribute to these emotions and take proactive measures to address them.

• Financial Pressure: One of the primary causes of anxiety and stress when I play at online casinos is the financial pressure that comes with gambling. The fear of losing money or the desire to win big can create a sense of unease. To mitigate this, I set a budget before each gaming session and remind myself that gambling should be viewed as entertainment rather than a guaranteed source of income. By adopting this mindset, I can alleviate the financial pressure and approach the games with a more relaxed mindset.
• Fear of Missing Out: The fast-paced nature of online casinos, with their constant stream of games and promotions, can trigger a fear of missing out (FOMO). The fear that I might miss a lucrative opportunity or exciting game can lead to anxiety and stress. To overcome this, I remind myself to prioritize self-control and discipline. I focus on selecting games that genuinely interest me and participate in promotions that align with my gambling goals. By doing so, I can alleviate the pressure of FOMO and concentrate on enjoying the gaming experience.
• Lack of Control: Another factor that contributes to anxiety and stress in online casinos is the perceived lack of control. The reliance on random number generators (RNGs) and the absence of physical cards or dice can make players feel disconnected and uncertain. To address this, I educate myself about the fairness and security measures implemented by reputable online casinos. Understanding the mechanisms behind RNGs and knowing that these platforms undergo rigorous testing and regulation helps me trust the process and feel more in control of my gaming experience.
• Social Comparison: In the online casino realm, it is easy to fall into the trap of comparing oneself to others, especially when it comes to winnings or perceived success. The constant exposure to big wins and stories of jackpot winners can trigger feelings of inadequacy or pressure to achieve similar outcomes. To combat this, I focus on maintaining a healthy perspective and understanding that each player’s journey is unique. I celebrate my own wins, no matter their size, and remind myself that the primary goal is to have fun and enjoy casino games.

How I Manage Anxiety and Stress While Playing at Casinos?

1. Self-Care: I prioritize self-care activities to manage stress and promote overall well-being. Engaging in regular exercise, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and pursuing hobbies that bring me joy help me relax and recharge.
2. Setting Realistic Goals: Instead of solely focusing on financial gains, I set realistic and achievable goals for my online gambling experience. I remind myself that the primary purpose is to enjoy the games and view any winnings as a bonus rather than an expectation.
3. Establishing Limits: I establish specific time and money limits for my online gambling activities. By setting boundaries, I maintain control over my gaming habits and prevent excessive gambling.
4. Seeking Social Support: I actively engage with friends, family, and online gambling communities to foster social support. Sharing responsible gambling practices, discussing experiences, and seeking advice from others help alleviate anxiety and provide a sense of belonging.
5. Staying Informed: I conduct thorough research to choose reputable Neteller casinos that prioritize player safety and responsible gambling practices. Factors such as licensing, regulation information, customer reviews, and secure payment options are essential considerations to ensure a safe and trustworthy gaming environment.
6. Taking Breaks: I regularly take breaks from online gambling to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy balance. These breaks allow me to engage in other activities that bring me joy and fulfillment.

What Help do Players get to Deal with Stress and Anxiety?

Nowadays, casinos go beyond providing an entertainment platform; they also prioritize the mental health of their players. By creating a safe and supportive environment, these casinos create a positive environment where players can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax. The convenience of playing from the comfort of your own home allows us to create a personalized and soothing play space. Whether it’s dimming the lights, turning on relaxing music, or surrounding ourselves with soothing scents, we can tailor the environment to improve the gaming experience and create a sense of calm.

One of the key benefits of playing at a Neteller casino is the ability to control your gambling habits. These gambling sites promote responsible gaming by offering features such as deposit limits, session reminders, and self-exclusion options. These tools allow us to set boundaries and manage gameplay in a way that promotes our mental well-being. By implementing responsible gambling practices, we can minimize stress and maintain a healthy balance between entertainment and other aspects of our lives.

Stress and anxiety can often come from feeling overwhelmed or pressured to win. However, online casinos encourage players to treat games as a form of recreation and entertainment rather than a means of financial gain. By adopting conscious thinking and setting realistic expectations, we can shift our focus from winning to enjoying the gameplay itself. This mindset shift allows us to appreciate the excitement and excitement of every moment, reducing the stress and anxiety associated with the outcome.

To further improve our casino experience and promote mental wellbeing, it is important to incorporate self-service practices into our gaming routine. Regular breaks, deep breathing exercises, and activities that bring us joy outside of the casino are all effective strategies for maintaining balance and managing stress. In addition, setting a budget and sticking to it helps prevent financial worries from taking the fun out of the game.

Conclusion

In today’s world, casinos offer more than just a platform for entertainment and potential winnings. They can serve as a valuable tool for promoting mental health and well-being. By creating a supportive environment, encouraging responsible gambling and cultivating mindfulness, Neteller casinos enable players to enjoy stress-free online gambling experience. By applying self-care methods and a balanced approach, we can get the most out of our time at Neteller casino while maintaining our mental health. Remember that the key to a complete gaming experience lies not only in the games themselves, but also in how we approach and interact with them.

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Psychological Benefits of Writing for Stress Management

Writing has been shown to have a number of psychological benefits for stress management. By putting thoughts and feelings down on paper, individuals can clarify their thoughts and emotions, process their experiences, and gain a sense of control over their lives. Writing can also help individuals explore their thoughts and emotions in a safe, non-judgmental environment, leading to a greater sense of self-awareness and insight. Additionally, writing about stressful events has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and increase feelings of happiness and well-being.

Physical Benefits of Writing for Stress Management

In addition to its psychological benefits, writing can also have a number of physical benefits for stress management. Writing has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce physical symptoms of stress such as headaches and muscle tension, and improve the immune system. Writing can also help individuals sleep better, as it provides an outlet for thoughts and emotions that may interfere with sleep.

How Writing Can Help Students Cope with Stress

College students are often under a great deal of stress, due to the demands of schoolwork, social life, and personal responsibilities. Writing can be a helpful tool for students in managing their stress. By writing about their stressors, students can gain a greater understanding of their thoughts and emotions, and develop coping strategies to deal with their stressors. Additionally, writing can help students prioritize their responsibilities and make a plan for managing their stress. Overall, writing can be a valuable tool for helping students to better cope with the stress and demands of college life.

Writing Techniques for Stress Management

• Journaling: Journaling is a powerful writing technique that can help with stress management by providing an outlet for emotions and thoughts. By writing down our experiences and feelings, we can process and make sense of them, leading to a better understanding of our emotions and a release of stress. Furthermore, journaling can help track patterns and triggers of stress, allowing for better self-awareness and a personalized approach to stress management.
• Free writing: Free writing is another technique that can help with stress management. Unlike journaling, free writing doesn’t have any rules or structure, making it a more fluid and unrestricted way to express our thoughts and feelings. By simply allowing the pen to move across the page, we can empty our mind and reduce the mental clutter that contributes to stress. This technique can also lead to unexpected insights and creative solutions to problems.
• Gratitude journaling: Gratitude journaling is a specific type of journaling that focuses on the positive aspects of life. By writing down things we are thankful for each day, we can shift our perspective from negative stressors to positive experiences, leading to improved well-being and stress management. This technique can also help develop a more optimistic outlook, reducing the impact of stress in our daily lives.
• Creative writing: Creative writing is another writing technique that can be used for stress management. This could be writing a short story, a poem, or even simply describing a stressful situation from a different perspective. By using our imagination, we can escape the reality of our stressors and release our emotions in a creative way. Additionally, creative writing can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem, reducing the negative effects of stress.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay to Manage Stress

Understanding the Purpose of an Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is a type of writing that presents a clear and concise argument in favor of a particular viewpoint. The purpose of this type of essay is to persuade the reader to accept your point of view. This is accomplished by presenting a well-structured argument that is supported by evidence and logical reasoning. Understanding the purpose of an argumentative essay is the first step in writing a successful essay that can manage stress.

Choosing a Topic

Choosing a topic that is relevant, interesting, and manageable is key to writing an argumentative essay. Consider your personal interests and the current events that are happening in the world. Look for a topic that you feel passionate about and that you can argue effectively. This will help you to stay focused and motivated, reducing stress levels while writing the essay.

Developing a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a clear and concise statement that explains your position on a topic. It is the backbone of your argumentative essay and should be developed carefully. Your thesis statement should be specific, concise, and arguable. Take the time to develop a strong thesis statement as it will help you to stay focused and on track while writing your essay.

Researching and Gathering Evidence

The next step in writing an argumentative essay is to gather evidence that supports your thesis statement. This can be done through research, personal experience, and expert opinions. Look for credible sources, such as peer-reviewed articles, books, and government websites, to support your argument. Ensure that you take good notes and organize your evidence effectively, as this will make it easier to write your essay and reduce stress levels.

Writing the Essay

Now that you have a clear understanding of your topic, a strong thesis statement, and supporting evidence, it is time to start writing your essay. Start with an introduction that captures the reader’s attention and sets the stage for your argument. Follow this with body paragraphs that present your evidence and support your thesis statement. Finally, end with a conclusion that summarizes your argument and reiterates your thesis statement. Stay focused and organized while writing to minimize stress levels. If you need more guidance, consider checking out the following resource.

Revising and Editing

After you have finished writing your essay, take some time to revise and edit it. Read through the essay carefully and make any necessary changes to improve the flow and coherence of your argument. Pay attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as these can detract from the overall quality of your essay. Finally, have someone else review your essay to provide a fresh perspective and identify any areas that need improvement. Revising and editing are critical steps in writing an argumentative essay and can help to manage stress levels by ensuring that your essay is well-written and error-free.

In conclusion, writing is a versatile tool that can be used for stress management. From journaling and free writing to gratitude journaling and creative writing, individuals can benefit from the psychological and physical benefits of writing for stress management. College students, in particular, can use writing to cope with the stress and demands of college life. Additionally, writing an argumentative essay can also be a useful technique for managing stress. By understanding the purpose of an argumentative essay, choosing a relevant topic, developing a strong thesis statement, conducting research, and writing the essay, individuals can effectively reduce their stress levels and improve their well-being.

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Mental health is a lot more than an absence of mental disorders. It represents a continuous continuum, individual for each person, within which a person faces a complex of factors of varying degrees of complexity and experiences different levels of stress, which leads to very different potential social and clinical outcomes.

Mental health disorders are a collective term for various mental disorders, psychosocial disabilities and other mental health conditions. There is a significant degree of distress and functional impairment related with these types of disorders. In general, people with mental health problems are more likely to experience lower levels of mental well-being. But there are exceptions too – for example, some people do not experience any problems in relation to their health despite having a mental illness.

Throughout our lives we are bound by a system of social & societal factors that affect our mental health. The determinants determine where on the mental health continuum you will be at any particular time.

Mental health problems aren’t always caused by external factors, and can vary from person to person. They’re often more likely for people who have emotional skills that hinder their ability to regulate their emotions, those who struggle with substance use, and for those with genetic characteristics that make them more sensitive.

Conditions in critical life domains such as education, job, social capital and economic well-being also impact the chances of developing mental disorders.

Risk factors can occur at any stage of life but their consequences are more pronounced when they happen during the times when humans develop most strongly. The time when this is most evident is during early childhood. For example, harsh parenting and physical punishment are known to have an adverse impact on children’s mental health, and school bullying is a major risk factor for developing mental health problems.

We also need to account for protective factors. These are positive aspects of a person’s life and they may have an influence on mental health. The factors contributing to inequality in society include our individual social and emotional skills and attributes, positive social experiences, quality education, good jobs, living in a safe neighborhood and community cohesion.

Health threats in one region of the world may not necessarily translate to risks in other regions. This can affect individuals, families and communities depending on where they are located. Facing the global risks of economic recession, disease outbreaks, humanitarian emergencies and refugee movements may be causing entire populations to feel unsafe.

Human development is very complicated, with the impact of even a single risk factor difficult to predict. If a person is exposed to the risk factor but does not develop the psychiatric disorder, some other factor could play a part. There are many different factors with a big impact on our mental health, so it’s hard to make good predictions.

Mental health promotion and prevention interventions are based on identifying the individual, social, and structural determinants of mental health and implementing interventions to increase mental resilience, reduce risks associated with various factors that affect mental health, promote more positive attitudes around psychosocial matters. Interventions may be targeted at individuals, specific populations or entire populations.

In order for us to reshape the determinants of mental health, we need to take action that reaches out of the health sector and into other realms, such as education, labour, justice, transport, environment, housing and social well-being. The health sector can make a huge contribution to this problem if they work to integrate mental health promotion and prevention into their services, and also promote it to other sectors. They can also initiate, support or promote intersectoral collaboration and coordination.

Suicide prevention is a global priority set by the Sustainable Development Goals. The best way to prevent suicides is to limit access to the means of committing suicide, care about media coverage where possible, teach adolescents essential life skills and take early action in a crisis. A particularly cheap method for reducing suicide rates is to ban the use of highly hazardous pesticides.

Promoting the mental health of children and adolescents through policies and legislation is an important task that can be achieved by promoting good mental health, as well listening to what parents have to say, online safety and school-based programs offer children and young people in communities a safe and supportive environment in which to interact online with their peers. School-based social learning programs have been proven as a mental health promotion strategy and they are among the most effective in all income levels.

The interest in mental health at work has increased, and it’s time to take care of it. Measures can be taken in legislation, regulation, organizational strategies and management training to help with this.

Mental health is an important part of society. We need to make sure we protect and promote the mental well-being of all people – even those that have a disorder.

Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety should be met with more attention. One possible solution to this issue is through the use of self-help. In other words, activities to improve mental health such as counseling or activities that provide “support, mutual understanding, and challenges.”

All WHO Member States have committed to the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030, which aims to improve the mental health of their populations by strengthening effective leadership and management, it’s hard to keep on top of your mental health. That’s why we’re here for you, providing you with care and support, as well as working to prevent any disorders from forming in the first place. We also provide info on where to find help if you or a loved one needs it. According to the analysis of the 2020 Mental Health Atlas published by WHO in 2020, a lot of countries are not sufficiently implementing the Global Action Plan agreed on by countries all over the world.

WHO, the world’s primary authoritative organization charged with providing public and private health care as well as diplomacy to member countries, has stepped in. They have been pushing for a wide-scale solution that can help improve mental health on a global scale. Their report argues that all countries are capable of significant improvement if they were to follow the provided action plan.

WHO, as their name suggests, focus on the protection and realization of human rights. They do this by empowering people to share their personal experiences and ensuring a multisectoral and multistakeholder approach.

WHO provides policy advice delivered to governments in times of need, from the international level to when we’re on the ground with people affected and partnerships have always been important in mental health, and ones with the biggest potential for impact are those between countries. Countries on every continent are committed to strengthening collective responses and improving mental health for everyone by 2030.

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While statistics might vary, we can assume that at least 10% of people in a relationship have experienced some form of emotional abuse. It’s very sad to think about.

Whether these relationships start off with a mutual understanding of the boundaries, or both partners are trying to figure out where one another stands, let’s all be honest here – we think this is a fairy tale. Daily gifts and tokens of attention are very effective ways to deflect suspicion, but they’re also used to “lull” the other partner into believing that everything is going exactly.

Here is a situation where you are constantly under attack in your environment and need to be more careful about who you communicate with. Maybe talk to only close friends and family from now on, to avoid any unwanted attention. A person often subconsciously avoids meeting people out of the fear of being rejected by his or her partner. The problem is understandable because you do not want to offend your partner and once again start quarreling with him or her over this.

And if the victim starts to question statements about the uselessness of friends or relatives, the abuser can put pressure on them by saying “either me or them”. By the time a person is this deep into a relationship, they are so bogged down with it that they can easily refuse close ties. As long as the partner doesn’t go anywhere, they will continue to put up with them.

This is a warning sign that you are getting carried away with your feelings for the second half and trying to avoid upsetting him. Carefully chosen words and thoughtful phrases should, from what I see, reduce negativity in communication, but feelings distorted by delusion rather than the truth.

One of the most common forms of emotional abuse is gaslighting. The history of this term originates from the 1944 film “Gas Light,” where a husband convinces his wife she’s crazy using blatantly false information.

Communication in the relationship often sounds like this: “It didn’t happen this way. I never experienced that.” or “You made everything up. You’re delusional.” Arguing constantly with this kind of person eventually makes you feel distrusted, and you end up agreeing with the distorted reality they offer.

One way of knowing they don’t care enough is if their partner constantly insists on knowing where they are and with whom. If they’re calling so much that it begins to feel like stalking, it might be time to reevaluate what needs to be done in the relationship. Demanding minute by minute records, or just limiting access to movements or other information may be one of many emotional abuse signs that will lead to more serious situations such as physical abuse.

This makes them feel guilty, even though they did nothing wrong. This happens because their partner constantly reminds them of it. A person will believe he’s some kind of animal if you keep telling him that long enough, and the same goes for certain emotional states. So, once an opinion has already taken a firm hold inside you, it’s hard to change your point of view.

It can be hard to figure out why a partner’s mood seems to change back and forth so abruptly. I’ve seen it go from love and adoration to cold indifference in the blink of an eye. You might be left wondering what happened and where it all went wrong so often.

The panic starts to develop and you want to do anything to return things to their previous course so that your partner would smile and shine with love. That sounds very negative. I don’t think this person is being entirely honest about their feelings for their partner.

For example, you got a dream job and want to share the good news with your significant other. You know they’ll support you, and look forward to the new opportunity ahead. Sometimes it feels like you can’t please anyone. You don’t want to be criticized or humiliated but you also don’t want to be patronized.

Why does the abuser have such a strong reaction to this? It’s understandable. In this situation, it means losing control of you and his ability to decide what your relationship looks like. He needs to remind you that reality is the way it is and doesn’t care how much you try to alter it. Over time this can really affect your beliefs in yourself.

The ‘victim’ often commits the misconduct that’s being talked about. This is a big problem, especially because we associate punishment with the school environment where there are negative consequences if you misbehave – like not getting to play outside or being banned from watching cartoons. American culture is heavily based on the idea of childhood innocence. As we grow older, these things are taken away more and more. And when adulthood comes into play, you’re left with a society that is almost identical to childhood… Except for one key difference: Restrictions on sex, conversations and finances have been put in place.

Your partner deprives you of your mental health and personal freedom for the sake of punishment. They don’t talk to you for weeks, refuse any emotional intimacy. This doesn’t just affect the mother, but also her child. A lot of mothers will have to leave their job while they’re on maternity leave, which can lead to a shortage in cash flow since they’ll be earning less. The abuser isn’t too worried about who gets hurt that as long as there are victims.

The first step in solving the problem is to realize that you have one. For example, if you recognize that your relationship is not what it should be – seek psychologist’s help. It’s much better to do it with the other person.

This is why abusers often grow up to be those who have been victims themselves and experienced the same emotional abuse.

The second step is to break up with that toxic person. It can be very tough and take everything you’ve got not to go back. Again, there may be setbacks but this must be done without help from a therapist.

Pressure and aggression are things that can damage a person’s boundaries. It is important to keep them healthy by telling an abuser that they want this to stop and establishing safety in another location. We are all different and there is always the possibility someone feels judged when others speak out against their wishes.

It can be very unpleasant, scary and difficult to deal with emotional abuse. This kind of behavior isolates the individual – contributing to depression and social anxiety as they stop engaging in normal experiences. There’s a Russian proverb asking people not to discuss their dirty clothes publicly, which helps the perpetrator keep control over their victim for years before it ever gets noticed and acted upon.

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An adult bully can be an intimidating boss or colleague, a controlling romantic partner, an unruly neighbor, a high-pressure sales/business representative, a condescending family member, a shaming social acquaintance, or other types of people that engage in abusive relationships.

This article explores the different types of adult bullies, what you can do as a victim, bystander, and perpetrator, as well as a few ideas on how to deal with an adult bully. Adult bullying is a severe problem and may require legal action in some circumstances.

What Constitutes an Adult Bully?

Just like children and teenagers can be bullies, so can adults. What defines an adult bully is if they regularly make you feel oppressed, belittled, humiliated, or de-energized.

The cruel actions that often lead to those feelings include personal insults, ridiculing jokes, threats, public shaming, invasion of your personal space, or unwanted personal contact.

What’s the Difference Between Harassment and Bullying? 

Bullying and harassment are often used interchangeably when talking about hurtful or destructive behavior. They are very comparable, but in terms of definition, there’s a significant difference.

Bullying and harassment are similar as they’re both about:

• Power and control
• Acts that intentionally hurt or harm another person 
• A disproportion of power between the victim and the bully 
• The target having trouble stopping the action directed towards them

The difference between bullying and harassment is that when the bullying behavior is directed at a target who belongs to a protected class, it’s defined as harassment. Protected classes include:

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• Sex
• Age
• Disability
• National origin

There are numerous different types of adult bullies,¹ some of which include:

• Tangible/material bully: These types of bullies like to use their formal power, like being your boss or manager. Or, they have some sort of authority or control over your finances, which they use to intimidate you and others.
• Verbal bully: A verbal bully likes to shame and insult you with their words. Often, they throw constant criticism or use cruel teasing. Unfortunately, sometimes the language used by these types of bullies is sexist, racist, homophobic, or threatening.
• Passive-aggressive bully: You may not consider someone who is passive-aggressive to be a bully, But, this type of bully is the most cunning in some ways. They act amicable on the outside but take unexpected swings at you. Things like gossip, sarcasm, and hurtful jokes are a few ways this type of bully behaves. They may roll their eyes, make rude facial expressions and ridicule their victims by mimicking. They may also isolate their targets, causing you to feel anxious and insecure.
• Cyberbully: A significant problem today is cyberbullying, especially for younger and more vulnerable adults. Regardless, anyone can be a victim of harassing emails, text messages, and social media. 
• Physical bully: Physical bullies can range from simulating violence by raising their fists as if they were about to strike, to throwing and breaking objects, to violent acts of physical, domestic, and sexual abuse.

What to Do If You’re a Bystander

There are several things that bystanders to bullying can do:

• Question the behavior of the bully to shift the focus of the interaction.
• Utilize humor to redirect the conversation.
• Remember, there is strength in numbers. Bystanders can intervene as a group to demonstrate their disagreement with bullying.
• Walk with the person who is the victim of bullying to help diffuse potential interactions.
• Check-in privately with the bullied person to let them know you disagree with it and that you care.

What to Do If You’re a Victim

If you’re the victim of an adult bully, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself:

• Pick and choose your battles. Choosing how to react depends on the number and severity of the bullying behaviors. If the behavior is not excessive or harmful and you only see the bully once in a while (such as at work or the annoying relative during family gatherings), you may want to keep your distance. Because of the amount of time it can take to handle bullying behavior in many cases, consider picking your battles if it isn’t directly harmful to you. 
• Make eye contact. Eye contact can be significant, as bullies have less empathy when they can’t see your face or your eyes.  
• Escape if you can. Ask if you can move your desk far away from the bully or limit your interactions with them whenever possible. If that fails, try again. Can you switch to another position in the organization?
• Document the offenses. Document every single offense and try to keep the records for as long as possible. You may need them if you want to file a complaint at work or, in some cases, a police report if the bully’s actions become emotionally or physically damaging.

What to Do If You’re a Perpetrator

Consider seeking emotional support or therapy. In many cases with bullies, you may have had a traumatic childhood and might have regularly endured domestic violence, physical abuse, or other forms of abuse. 

Mental Health Effects of Bullying

For bystanders, bullying can have harmful effects as well. Even if you’re not on the receiving end, witnessing someone being bullied for long periods can have an emotional impact. Research has found that even witnessing workplace bullying is associated with an increased risk of developing depressive symptoms over the subsequent 18 months.²

For victims, you may have trouble sleeping, feel paranoid, experience increased anxiety, and constantly feel on edge. 

A Word From Verywell

If you’re dealing with a bully, you know that it can take a toll in various ways. If you have any physical symptoms, like sleep issues or pain conditions triggered by the stress of bullying, you may want to contact your primary care doctor.

To help you cope with the fallout of bullying, you may want to consider working with a mental health professional. They can help you cope with symptoms of depression and anxiety, help you strengthen your self-confidence, and help you learn how to handle bullies emotionally.

Regardless, the most important thing is to utilize your support network. If you’re being bullied, find support, whether it’s from co-workers, friends, or family. Sometimes the best way to buffer the impact a bully has on you is to try and get by with some help from other people in your life. 

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What is bullying?

The Centers for Disease Control defines bullying as a form of “youth violence” toward a victim involving unwanted aggressive behavior from a bully (an individual or a group). At the heart of bullying is a power imbalance—whether perceived or actual—of social status, wealth, physical strength or size. Bullying can be repeated over periods of time, resulting in physical, psychological, social or educational harm.

The prolonged nature of bullying makes it different from one-time behaviors or isolated incidents like arguments and fights. Bullying behaviors include: 

• physical intimidation or harm—tripping, hitting, pushing or spitting on a victim 
• social exclusion, making fun of the victim, teasing, name calling and/or insults
• threats, property destruction, making the victim do something s/he doesn’t want to do
• spreading rumors or lies about the victim

Cyberbullies torment their victims publicly, privately and/or anonymously through texting, apps, forums and gaming platforms. Rumors, threats and name calling are their usual weapons, but social media and texting allow cyberbullies to send victims explicit images, or send images of victims to others. They can also bombard victims with constant questions: Where are you? Who are you with? What are you doing? 

Unless it’s reported and removed, social media content is a permanent digital record that can cause problems for both victims and bullies. Teachers and parents may not notice cyberbullying until the problem becomes advanced.

Prevalence of Bullying 

One in five students age 12–18 say they have been bullied. It happens often, at least once a week in 14% of public schools. Instances are highest for middle schools, followed by high schools and elementary schools. 

An even greater number of teenagers experience bullying online. The Pew Research Center found that nearly two in three American teenagers have experienced cyberbullying. Because cyberbullying can be 24/7 and public, victims may feel they can never get away from it.

Children and teens at greater risk for being bullied are often thought of as “different” in appearance, sexual orientation, cultural identity or disability. They may be new to school and/or have fewer friends. Bullies themselves may be popular and well known, or on the outside looking in. They may be victims of past bullying or victims while they are bullying others. They’re more likely to bully others if they have trouble following rules, their parents are less involved and/or they view violence as acceptable.

“59% of U.S. teens have been bullied or harassed online, and a similar share says it’s a major problem for people their age. At the same time, teens mostly think teachers, social media companies and politicians are failing at addressing this issue.”

Mental Health Effects of Bullying

Bullying can affect mental, physical and emotional health during school years and into adulthood. It can lead to physical injury, social or emotional problems and in some cases, even death.

Bullied children and teens are more likely to experience depression, anxiety and sometimes long-term damage to self-esteem. Victims often feel lonely. Some victims may fight back with extreme, sudden violence; stopbullying.gov reports that in 12 of 15 school shootings, the shooters had been bullied. 

Bullies are at higher risk for anti-social, sometimes violent behaviors like getting into fights and destroying property. They often have problems with school, up to and including dropping out. They’re more likely to abuse substances and alcohol. This can continue into adulthood, when they are more likely to abuse their partners and spouses, or their children, or to engage in criminal behavior.

Bully-victims—those who both bully and are bullied—suffer the most serious effects. They are at greater risk for mental and behavioral problems than those who are victims or bullies alone. Rates of depression, anxiety and suicide ideation and behaviors are greatest in this group. 

Bystanders fall into one of two groups: those who act to stop bullying, and those who don’t. The latter could be afraid of retaliation and upset because they wanted to intervene and didn’t. They may experience increased anxiety and depression that can affect academic performance, and increase their use of substances, alcohol and tobacco. Bystanders who act to stop bullying, however, have beneficial outcomes, including increased self-esteem.

There is no direct correlation between bullying and suicide, which is usually not due to a single source of trauma. But bullying can contribute to the intense feelings of helplessness and hopelessness involved in suicidal behaviors. Victims or perpetrators who experience continued, frequent bullying are at greater risk for suicidal behavior. Bully-victims have the highest risk for suicidal behavior. 

Bullying victimization is an example of toxic stress, especially when it is cumulative and occurs year after year.

The Importance of Addressing Bullying 

Because of the potential mental health effects on everyone involved, it’s important to heed the warning signs of bullying.

Children who are bullied may come home with unexplained injuries, “lost” books or damaged possessions. They may have trouble sleeping and lose interest in favorite activities. If they’re afraid to enter the cafeteria at lunchtime, they may come home hungry. They might pretend illness to avoid school, affecting their academic performance. Some may avoid social interactions, while some may begin to bully others. Victims may try to cope by harming themselves or running away.

Bullies, on the other hand, may become more aggressive; their friends may include other bullies. Bullying behavior may be a mechanism to cope with stress or abuse in their lives. They may play the “blame game,” resisting responsibility for their actions. Unexplained extra money or possessions are also warning signs. 

Because bullying is traumatic for everyone concerned, it’s important to address it as early as possible. Parents and teachers can work to ensure safety and prevent future bullying. Stress management and relaxation techniques can also help. Best Day’s counselors are ready to help you and your child cope with any traumatic event. The first step is reaching out to our professionals so we can offer appropriate solutions and treatment.

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1. Connect with other people

Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. They can:

• help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth
• give you an opportunity to share positive experiences
• provide emotional support and allow you to support others

There are lots of things you could try to help build stronger and closer relationships:

Do

• if possible, take time each day to be with your family, for example, try arranging a fixed time to eat dinner together
• arrange a day out with friends you have not seen for a while
• try switching off the TV to talk or play a game with your children, friends or family
• have lunch with a colleague
• visit a friend or family member who needs support or company
• volunteer at a local school, hospital or community group. 
• make the most of technology to stay in touch with friends and family. Video-chat apps like Skype and FaceTime are useful, especially if you live far apart

Don’t

• do not rely on technology or social media alone to build relationships. It’s easy to get into the habit of only ever texting, messaging or emailing people

2. Be physically active

Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. Evidence also shows it can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

• raising your self-esteem
• helping you to set goals or challenges and achieve them
• causing chemical changes in your brain which can help to positively change your mood

Find out more about getting active

Do

• find free activities to help you get fit
• if you have a disability or long-term health condition, find out about getting active with a disability
• start running with our couch to 5k podcasts
• find out how to start swimming, cycling or dancing
• find out about getting started with exercise

Don’t

• do not feel that you have to spend hours in a gym. It’s best to find activities you enjoy and make them a part of your life

3. Learn new skills

Research shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

• boosting self-confidence and raising self-esteem
• helping you to build a sense of purpose
• helping you to connect with others

Even if you feel like you do not have enough time, or you may not need to learn new things, there are lots of different ways to bring learning into your life.

Some of the things you could try include:

Do

• try learning to cook something new. Find out about healthy eating and cooking tips
• try taking on a new responsibility at work, such as mentoring a junior staff member or improving your presentation skills
• work on a DIY project, such as fixing a broken bike, garden gate or something bigger. There are lots of free video tutorials online
• consider signing up for a course at a local college. You could try learning a new language or a practical skill such as plumbing
• try new hobbies that challenge you, such as writing a blog, taking up a new sport or learning to paint

Don’t

• do not feel you have to learn new qualifications or sit exams if this does not interest you. It’s best to find activities you enjoy and make them a part of your life

4. Give to others

Research suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by:

• creating positive feelings and a sense of reward
• giving you a feeling of purpose and self-worth
• helping you connect with other people

It could be small acts of kindness towards other people, or larger ones like volunteering in your local community.

Some examples of the things you could try include:

• saying thank you to someone for something they have done for you
• asking friends, family or colleagues how they are and really listening to their answer
• spending time with friends or relatives who need support or company
• offering to help someone you know with DIY or a work project
• volunteering in your community, such as helping at a school, hospital or care home

5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing. This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you.

Some people call this awareness “mindfulness”. Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

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• A healthy mind can help you enjoy your life to the fullest, achieve professional success, and tackle any challenges that come your way.
• Mental health issues may adversely impact your quality of life and diminish your ability to perform various tasks while undermining your physical health.
• It is crucial to understand the early symptoms of declining mental health and seek prompt treatment for the same.
• We need to remove the stigma surrounding mental health disorders and make their treatment accessible to everyone. Mental Health Awareness is critical in order to accomplish this.
• If you or a loved one is dealing with poor mental health, understand that it is similar to physical disease and encourage treatment and lifestyle changes to improve their mental health.

Overview

Mental health disorders might be similar to physical health issues in terms of impacting one’s quality of life. They can make everyday tasks difficult to perform and may hamper your confidence and independence.

Various mental health disorders are prevalent across the globe, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In an increasingly competitive world, the incidence of these disorders continues to grow. Moreover, the pandemic has exposed people to isolation and loss, further tightening the grip of poor mental health on our society.

Your mental and emotional health play a crucial role in determining the quality of your life. A healthy brain can help you achieve your goals, improve your relationships, and maintain harmony in your daily routine.

Paying attention to your mental health is crucial for your overall well-being.

What Is Mental Health Awareness And Why Is It Important?

Unlike physical disorders and diseases that are accompanied by tell-tale symptoms, mental health issues often do not come with obvious symptoms. To add to this, the stigma around mental health disorders further prevents those suffering from mental health issues to seek appropriate treatment.

Spreading mental health awareness is crucial, as it will enable early identification and prompt treatment of these disorders. Thus, initiatives like World Mental Health Day and Mental Health Awareness Month are essential drivers for changing the global mental health landscape.

Quoting an excerpt from an article on goodmenproject.com – “People going through addiction or mental health problems aren’t always aware that they need to see a specialist. For starters, they rarely believe that they have a mental health problem. Some may feel that the issue isn’t that serious and can be addressed by them without necessarily seeking treatment.”

It further emphasizes the need to spread awareness regarding the signs of mental health issues and encourage those suffering to seek treatment at the earliest. Early treatment of mental health issues may help prevent severe mental disorders or physical health impediments caused by the same.

Factors That Impact Mental Health

Various internal and external factors may adversely impact your mental and emotional health, making you susceptible to mental health disorders. Some of the common factors resulting in poor mental health include:

• Hereditary factors or a family history of mental disease
• Exposure to trauma, abuse, or highly stressful situations in your life
• Poor diet or an unhealthy lifestyle
• Substance abuse
• Genetic predisposition

If any or all of these factors apply to you, you may be at a higher risk of mental health issues. However, you may prevent or manage them with stress management, therapy, or clinical treatment.

As many of these causes of poor mental health are external and fairly ubiquitous, any individual may develop mental health issues. Don’t consider poor mental health as a personal shortcoming. Instead, seek treatment for it as you would for a physical disease.

Common Symptoms Of Poor Mental Health

Studies have been investigating the efficacy of early screening and preventive measures to reduce the risk of severe mental health disorders. Understanding and identifying the common symptoms of poor mental health is a crucial step for these screening activities. Even as an individual, recognizing the early signs of poor mental health can help identify and manage your stressors. It might also help you seek treatment in the early stages, preventing severe symptoms. So, keep an eye out for the following symptoms that are indicators of declining mental health:

• Sudden change in your appetite
• Lack of interest in activities that you used to enjoy
• Declining energy and stamina
• Not wanting to interact with your social circle
• A feeling of numbness or hopelessness
• Inability to perform routine tasks
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Voices in your head
• Mood swings
• Sudden urges to harm yourself or others
• Spells of confusion, anger, forgetfulness, or anxiety

While you may confuse some of these symptoms for usual responses to a stressful scenario, if they persist for days or weeks, you must consult a professional. Therapy or treatment at an early stage is often more effective compared to treatment when the symptoms become more severe. It is the reason why initiatives like World Mental Health Day focus on educating people regarding these symptoms and removing the stigma around mental health treatment.Mental Health Awareness Month 2022. Courtesy, YouTube.

What To Do If You Struggle With Mental Illness

It is always recommended to visit a professional when dealing with mental health issues. They can suggest the appropriate treatment or therapy to ease your symptoms. Additionally, you can reach out to your friends and family for support and even join a support group to connect with others fighting the same symptoms.

After identifying your symptoms, you can use the following methods to improve your mental health.

• Psychotherapy – According to studies, different types of psychotherapy may help those struggling with mental health issues like depression. Short-term psychotherapy may provide immediate relief, but depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may need long-term psychotherapy. Consult a licensed therapist who can help you choose the best therapy as per your symptoms and needs.
• Pharmacotherapy – Pharmacotherapy for mental disorders includes medications that alter your brain chemistry to placate your symptoms. These medicines may include antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication, as per your current symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe these medications along with therapy or as a standalone treatment. You must follow the dosage and duration of pharmacotherapy as prescribed by your doctor.
• Lifestyle Improvements – A sedentary lifestyle may further aggravate poor mental health. So, try to include exercise and outdoor activities in your daily routine. Exercise is not just a healthy distraction from disturbing thoughts but also releases endorphins in the brain. These endorphins can improve your mood and boost the efficacy of other treatments for mental health issues. Also, try to get 7-9 hours of sleep daily to boost your mental health.
• Better Diet – A healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids may help boost your mental health. Include fruits, nuts, and fatty fish in your meals to get adequate quantities of these nutrients. Avoid sugary foods as they can increase your stress. Furthermore, avoid smoking, alcohol, and excess caffeine consumption as these can worsen the symptoms of various mental health disorders.
• Socializing – Isolation can often aggravate mental illness. Try to mingle with your friends or family members. Even a video call with a loved one can drastically boost your mental health.
• Journaling And Meditation – Journaling and meditation are both techniques that help you practice mindfulness. Journaling helps you express and understand your emotions and stressors better. It can also make you gain a clearer perspective of your life and find things to be grateful for.

Apart from these activities, mindful breathing, gardening, and nature walks may also be helpful. With the above treatment strategies and tips to improve mental health, you may notice an improvement in your symptoms within a few weeks. Remember, you are not alone in this struggle, and reach out to your doctor and loved ones for any support you may need during your recovery.

Final Thoughts On Mental Health Awareness

A healthy mind is essential for enjoying your everyday life, succeeding at work, solving problems, building relationships, and maintaining excellent physical health. Hence, mental health awareness is needed to tackle any symptoms and boost your brain health. The first step is to familiarize yourself with the early symptoms of declining mental health so that you can seek prompt treatment. Equally crucial is removing the stigma around mental health issues and making treatment accessible to all.

If you are dealing with any symptoms of mental health disorders, make sure to consult a specialist at the earliest and reach out to your loved ones for support. Besides medical treatments like therapy and medications, you can also try lifestyle changes to improve your mental health. These include being more physically active, eating healthy, sleeping well, journaling, and meditating.

So, if you or a loved one is struggling with poor mental health, try these methods for a smooth recovery. Also, spread mental health awareness with friends and family so that we can tackle this global crisis together.

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