Why Mental Health Should Be a Global Priority

The motto for World Mental Health Day 2022 is to ''Make mental health & well-being for all a global priority''. You probably know how important mental well-being is for lymphoedema and lipoedema  treatment. But what impact has our mental health globally, and how can we improve it?

Facts About Mental Health Disorders

Before the pandemic, mental health conditions affected about 1 in 8 people globally.¹ Since then, the number of people with depression and anxiety has increased, while specialist healthcare services still remain in short supply.¹ Sadly, low-income countries struggle even more: they have fewer than one mental health staff per 100,000 population, compared with more than 60 in high-income countries.² Therefore, the WHO emphasizes the need to promote good mental health and improve mental health prevention globally.

How You Can Boost Your Mental Health Every Day

As with many diseases, preventing poor mental health is easier than treating it. You can integrate some of the following tips into your day to promote your mental well-being:

Connect with others: social connections, especially face-to-face ones, support stress reduction and improve your emotional health.

Stay active: regular exercise and movement are integral parts of a healthy lifestyle and promote your well-being.

Integrate relaxation habits: a short yoga session in the morning, breathing exercises during breaks from work, or a long walk in the evening are ways to calm down and relieve stress.

Set time slots for contemplation: taking the time to pay attention to the small but positive things is important, particularly when you are spending a lot of time thinking about the big things.

Get enough sleep: getting sufficient good-quality sleep is vital to maintaining mental and physical health. Take a break from social media (and screens in general) for at least two hours before going to bed.

Nourish your brain: healthy sources of unsaturated fats such as walnuts, almonds, or avocados as well as berries and leafy greens can support a positive mood.

Ask for Support and Support Others

Receiving a diagnosis of lymphoedema or lipoedema can be overwhelming – both conditions require life-long treatment and can have a significant impact on your life. It may take some time to find a healthcare professional you trust, or for treatment to start yielding positive results. Therefore, appropriate psychological support plays an important role in your overall care package. Whether you prefer a one-to-one dialogue with a therapist, a supportive peer group, or self-help strategies, coping with lymphoedema or lipoedema is not something you should do on your own. Platforms like LymphConnect are a great way to share your experience and benefit from the knowledge of others, too.

Need Inspiration for a Mood-Boosting Recipe?

Start your day with this mood-boosting overnight oats with healthy fats, fresh fruits, and antioxidants:

• 1/2 cup of rolled oats
• 3/4 cup of unsweetened nut milk
• 3 cups of mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Toppings: almonds, chia seeds, and agave syrup as a sweetener (if needed)

Mix all ingredients in a glass or bowl the night before and store them in the fridge. Add the toppings in the morning. That’s it, you’re ready to go!