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Benefits of sleeping in a cold room

Is your temperature while sleeping ruining your sleep patterns? You might not realize it, but sleeping in a cold room not only saves you money on heating, but it also has numerous benefits to health. We take a look at the benefits of sleeping in a cold room and see how doing this affects your body.

Many of us don’t really consider the room temperature at all; we just get into bed and accept that it’s fine, and if it is warm in the bedroom, it just feels comfortable.

However, research carried out by scientists across the globe, including at Harvard Medical School, and the University of South Australia, suggests that sleeping in a cold room is far better for health and well being than sleeping in a warm temperature. So how does it help?

  • Sleeping in a cold room improves the quality of your sleep.

Your body temperature drops before you go to sleep as a natural way to conserve energy. Our ancestors did not have the luxury of electric light and heating, and our bodies are still programmed to go to sleep when it gets dark and cold.

If your room is already cold, when you get into bed, you will fall asleep much faster than you would in a heated place. In addition, you are likely to fall into a deep sleep state within minutes, rather than tossing and turning as you drift off. You are more likely to stay asleep throughout the night too.

Most people who have insomnia have warmer core temperatures than those who don’t. And although the temperature change is minimal, only around half a degree Fahrenheit, this small difference can actually cause restless sleep patterns and insomnia.

So if you suffer from insomnia, try snuggling up in bed in a cold dark room, the way that our ancestors did. It should promote a deep natural sleep that leaves you refreshed the next morning.

  • Sleeping in a cold room can help you lose weight.

It’s all about your hormones. As you fall asleep and your body temperature goes down, your stress hormone cortisol decreases too. This vital hormone keeps you awake and focused throughout the day, but if it does not switch off sufficiently with sleep, you will probably wake up feeling stressed thanks to your elevated cortisol levels.

Research suggests that high cortisol leads to bad food choices and cravings for sweet sugary snacks the next day. If you find yourself craving donuts in the morning, it is not suitable for general health, and it will add to more weight gain, and won’t help you lose weight.

  • Sleeping in a cold room may lower the risk of diabetes.

Scientists have found that sleeping in a cold room increases the body’s metabolism. This not only helps the body burn off fat faster, but it also increases the body’s formation of healthy brown fat and improves insulin function. These benefits could help improve the risk of diabetes and other metabolic diseases.

  • Sleeping in a cold room raises melatonin levels.

Melatonin is an essential hormone with many functions in the body. It is produced by the pineal gland in the forehead, and its main job is to regulate sleep patterns by reacting to outside stimuli such as light and dark and also temperature. This means that lower room temperature will encourage levels to rise, and this will help you fall asleep. Insomniacs generally have very low melatonin levels, and it is often prescribed as a sleeping aid for insomnia. 

Melatonin’s main job is to help sleep, but it is also associated with reducing anxiety, reducing high blood pressure, helping the recovery from jet lag, and even improving skin tone.

  • Sleeping in a cold room decreases the risk of fungal infections

Fungal infections such as thrush and athletes foot flourish in warm moist temperatures, so if your room is cold, you are less likely to become overheated in bed. If you are a woman who suffers from thrush, you might find that sleeping naked also helps improve the condition.

So What is the Perfect Temperature for Sleeping?

The perfect room temperature for sleeping should be within the parameters of 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees to 19 degrees Celsius).

If you live in a colder climate, just switching off the heating may be enough to induce healthy sleep. In summer, it may be enough to leave a window open. For people who live in hot climates, switching on the air conditioning will definitely help cool down body temperature while sleeping.

If you don’t have ac, cooling down your room with a fan or leaving the windows open with the curtains or shutters pulled may be enough to improve sleep patterns.

Your body temperature while you are sleeping is essential for health and well being so if you have not tried sleeping in a cold room to improve sleep, this easy trick may be enough to help you. 

What Are Nootropics — The Truth About Smart Drugs

Today we see a whole new change in the technology, but people are getting busier with that and do not have any escape from this. It leaves people with no energy, and they feel tired throughout the day. Some people get away with energy drinks, coffee or some multivitamin supplements to keep up their body active. These supplements will help you to kick off your day with a boost and allows focusing on your work. Coffee considered being the essential brain booster that is very common among people, then why there is a need for Brain boosting supplements or smart drugs? What are its benefits? Why are people now favoring smart drugs over other alternatives? Before any conclusion, below are things you should know about Nootropics, smart drugs or cognition enhancers whatever you call them.

Whenever you search for brain booster pills online, many options are available on the market. If you like to improve physical as well as mental health, try 9-Me-BC​​​​​​​ to help you focus and optimize your performance.

However, the best-selling smart drug that is very popular is Limitless Pills and is readily available on Topbrainenhancements.org.

What exactly are Nootropics?

You must have heard about supplements like reviewthat athletes take; these Nootropics are like that substance and helps to improve physical and mental performance. These substances can enhance the cognitive functions of the brain that tends to increase in focus and concentration. It is also claimed that these supplements are somehow beneficial for Alzheimer’s patients and decreases the possibility of getting worse. If you think that these pills do miracle with your brain and makes you smarter, then yes. These pills will amplify your brain functionality to do better than usual. These brain booster supplements are a great source of several vitamins and minerals that completes your brain requirement to function actively. Moreover, you can now easily find some known natural nootropics like bacopa monnieri and ginseng in most healthy snacks and drinks. The healthy energy drinks of https://xiteyourmind.com/ are blended with powerful nootropics to help you focus.

Are these Supplement safe?

Before purchasing your nootropic supplements, it is best that you do your research and understand the suppliers in the market. This will help you narrow down brands or companies that suit your needs and your budget without compromising on quality. CosmicNootropic is one platform that offers a variety of good and effective products.

Safety is the topmost concern of everyone. So this question is obvious, are these supplements safe enough to continue for the long term? Do they have any side effect? Many types of research like a AdderRx review have been done to prove that these brain booster supplements are beneficial in all aspect, but if taken in a controlled way as prescribed. As there are many options available in the market, then how can anyone choose a better choice among all? Which one suits their body type and does not show any side effect? According to doctors, these drugs can be avoided during pregnancy or if you are under any other medication. The best way to ensure that you will get the full profit out of it is to choose the right pill and consume the nootropic the right direction as suggested. By this way, you will get confirmed output.

According to associate professor at Harvard , these pills contains essential herbs and minerals that appears to be minimize with age thus making supplementation beneficial. So choose your Nootropic today and get ready to boost up your day.

Functions of Elevator Shoes

Elevator shoes have become staple shoes in everyone’s closet for both men and women. The modern day height increasing shoe is significantly different from the traditional platform shoe or the traditional concept of insole lifts. Modern elevator shoes increase the wearer’s height invisibly meaning that the height increasing design is incorporated into the overall design of the shoes in order to give it a natural look.

People use elevator shoes for various reasons depending on their varying needs and you too can use a pair of these magic works to satisfy your distinct needs.

Height increasing

The most common use of elevator shoes is to increase the height of the wearer. GuidoMaggi raised shoes have a height increasing design on the outer sole and the insole. The outer sole entails a raised sole that is visible to the naked eye. The raised outer sole stands at a decent height in order to accentuate the wearer’s height without making the shoe ridiculously large, as was the case with traditional platform shoes.

For the height increasing insole, the inner sole of the shoe is made to be thicker than the normal shoe. This design works in a similar yet more permanent way than the insole lifts. The thick insole is a part of the shoe from the onset. As such, the design of the shoe takes into account the extra space that the insole takes up inside the shoe such that the shoe is made to be a bit bigger than normal. This means that the wearer’s feet will fit snugly inside the shoe instead of hanging awkwardly at the top due to additional insole lifts.

If you wish to add a few inches to your original height, then elevator shoes are the simplest route to take. Notably, https://www.guidomaggi.com/us/ height increasing shoes come in all shoe styles for both men and women hence you can make elevator shoes your everyday shoes.

Pain relief

Many people suffer from severe pain on their feet, ankles, and backs due to poor structure of their feet such as flat feet. Flat footed people often experience pain in their feet while doing activities including walking. This is because the arches of the feet assist in walking and running by giving you a spring in your step. Additionally, arches on the feet help in distributing your weight evenly on the feet. As such, flat-footed people often have weird walking and running styles.

If you have flat feet that are messing with your mojo, worry not because elevator shoes are here to save the day. Get yourself a pair of elevator shoes with a low height-increase of up to 2 inches. The shoes will have a soft raised insole that will cushion your feet and provide extra comfort to the fallen arches of your feet. This will give you the much needed spring in your step and distribute your weight evenly on your feet to ensure you experience maximum comfort while walking and exercising.

Additionally, elevator shoes help in correcting the wearer’s posture by enhancing comfort on the knees and back. This way the wearer of the raised shoes is able to walk straight and square their shoulders enough to improve a slouched posture. Proper posture boost’s ones confidence hence your self-esteem will hit the roof when you snag a pair of elevator shoes.

Evidently, elevator shoes are not all about vanity seeing as they aid in pain alleviation and correcting the wearer’s posture. You may benefit from one or all of the above functions of elevator shoes hence it is time to invest in these shoes for the sake of your general health and your appearance.

4 Incredibly Romantic Proposal Ideas For the Holiday Season

With the holidays quickly approaching, now might be the perfect time to pop the question. Here are some great proposal ideas that’ll guarantee a “yes”.

Engagement season is here! This season occurs in the U.S. between November and February.

The holidays are a perfect time to get engaged. We’re surrounded by loved ones, the cold weather serves as perfect cuddle weather, and who can resist a proposal on a holiday such as Christmas or Valentine’s Day?

But how do you plan the perfect holiday proposal, one that is special and avoids all clichés? Don’t worry, there are plenty of cute ways to get on one knee this holiday season!

Here are 4 holiday proposal ideas to ensure you get a “yes!”

  1. Pull Out the Ring During Christmas Tree Shopping

Your bride-to-be will be too busy deciding which tree to buy that she will be completely stumped when you pop the question!

Christmas tree shopping is a timeless tradition.

You’re surrounded by pine trees and Douglas firs, taking in the Christmas season. You already feel the Christmas cheer bubbling up inside of you — finding out you’re suddenly marrying your best friend will spread that cheer even further.

How should you propose? Should you just catch her off-guard and wing it? Or should you go in with a game plan? Go in with a game plan.

Inform the tree farm owners and bring your family in on the occasion. Visit the tree farm early and pick the most perfect spot.

  1. Refer to Past Holiday Memories

Where did you two spend your first Christmas? Is there one special Christmas memory that you two share? Make that the main focus of your proposal.

Maybe you two have a special Christmas tradition. Make that tradition even more special and add your engagement to the memories.

  1. Set Up a 12 Days of Christmas

“On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me — five engagement rings!”

“The 12 Days of Christmas” is one of the most famous Christmas songs. Set up a gift-giving theme based on the lyrics. You can give her the ring on the 12th day and pop the question. Or set up the proposal however you think is best.

  1. Under the Mistletoe

We all know the “kiss under the mistletoe” tradition. But how often do we really kiss under the mistletoe? Specifically — how often do we even see a mistletoe?

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant and is actually poisonous. Which is why many people avoid hanging mistletoes, even during the holiday.

But if you’re planning a proposal, proposing under the mistletoe is worth any health risks. Lead your lover to the mistletoe, start by going in for a kiss, and then pop the question when she least expects it!

These Holiday Proposal Ideas Will Ensure She Says Yes!

Holiday proposals are a classic way to pop the question. Aren’t sure how you want to mix holiday cheer in with your proposal? These holiday proposal ideas are so special, she’ll definitely say yes!

Do you need more love and relationship advice? We have a whole section dedicated to love on our blog!

Living With an Alcoholic Partner: How to Seek and Find the Support You Need

If you’re living with an alcoholic partner, we know you face many challenges and often sadness and disappointment. We have strategies  and advice to share.

Are you living with an alcoholic partner? It may feel hard to get the support you need. You may be confused about how to help your partner or even afraid that you’ll hurt them by revealing their secret to others.

You aren’t alone. Alcoholism is a prevalent health crisis with a far-reaching impact. For every alcoholic, there may be dozens of lives impacted by the disease.

Read on to learn more about how to reach out for support.

Living With an Alcoholic Partner

While alcoholism may lay claim to the life of the alcoholic, the friends and families of those affected are often the forgotten victims of the disease. Many spend years trying to convince the alcoholic to seek help.

This often results in watching the alcoholic stumble through a series of failed attempts to get sober. You may watch them as they claw their way through the stages of alcohol withdrawal, only to again return to the bottle.

If you’ve struggled to help an alcoholic keep his or her life on track, you know what a burden it can be. Without support, everyday living can feel exhausting. Finding a support group can be beneficial not only for you but also for the other people who are impacted by the disease of alcoholism.

Taking the first step can help you get the support you need but also encourage others to bravely seek the help they need as well.

Finding a Support Network

Reaching out for support can be difficult at first. You may be concerned about your partner’s reaction if he or she learns that you have been attending support groups for the friends and families of alcoholics.

Worse yet, you may be afraid to see someone you know at a support group. We’re here to reassure you, reaching out is almost always the right choice.

Al-Anon is one of the world’s most prevalent support groups. Because of this, you’re almost certain to find a meeting closeby.

Al-Anon meetings don’t require membership fees, so you won’t have to worry about paying to attend. These meetings are held and run by other people just like you, so there’s no reason to feel ashamed or embarrassed.

Al-Anon meetings are similar to Alcoholics Anonymous in many of their principles. All meetings are anonymous and members are discouraged from sharing any of what they say or hear with anyone outside the Al-Anon group. In short, everyone in attendance has dealt with a loved one who has struggled with alcoholism or addiction.

Al-Anon members attend weekly meetings to share their own stories and listen to the stories of others. When you’re at a meeting, you’ll learn more about how you can help the alcoholic in your life and how to improve your life as well.

Are You Safe?

If you are living with an alcoholic partner that is abusive, you aren’t alone. It’s important that you prioritize your own safety and welfare instead of waiting for the alcoholic to change.

If you need help leaving, there are services available to help. Call the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-779-7233.

Don’t forget to bookmark our site to never miss our latest posts!

How well to date Spanish women

Language is always a significant consideration when you are in Spain. For those Spanish girls learning Spain is more effortful than anything else when you are dating her. If you are a foreigner then it might become difficult for you to help yourself dating Spanish women. For that you must get to know the Spanish dating vocab and that would make it easy to help you say something to the one you are dating.

Spanish dating app

There are a lot of popular dating apps in Spain. The most popular among them is the tinder. These are mostly used for the purpose of one night stand. Apart from that people use this app for doing friendship that can be confusion with makes them understand their pretty intension clearly once you start chatting. Other than that there are also some percentages of people looking for genuine relationship. Someone like that of bumble which is less popular but the app is gaining quite a great attraction in Spain. There is a straw poll of exparts who would seem to show that on bumble, and there is many more even spreading of people looking for fun filled relationships. Other dating apps are also there like the hinge, happn and coffee meets bagel which is not that popular currently in Spain but the fish app is going quite strong and the badoo is getting even popular.

Slow dating

This is an old fashioned way with the nightlife scene or through friends and colleagues. Still considered the best ways to meet someone in Spain. There are many stories to this available online which one can see and experience the best way to dating Spanish women.

Avoid men at all costs when you are dating. If a man has any of these items in his profile you need to discount him immediately. If you are holding a cat or a baby. They believe it adds a level of sensitivity to them when they are an asshole that probably kicked the things.

Secondly they have the word YOLO anywhere which means ‘you only live once’ but the real mean is different which says you are a playboy. There might be no clear phone of their face or head which is quite scary. This in itself is sin problems and the fact that they are insecure and need to hide it.

For a better date: dress best to impress

Above all it’s very much important to step out with a perfect look. Which means you must present yourself in the best way possible and that must help you differentiate from others. If you are looking for no strings attached nookie then blow him away with some bikini shots on the Costa del Sol. The selfies would always be loved and even wine bottle can make a difference.

The first message count

The first message counts the most, this is obvious and someone puts it up as a matter. But it is also important that you add a few hobbies and interests to the page to give them a conversation starter. Try to start a dating with some respect which would keep you move ahead with all confidence. Moreover don’t replace the real communication with swiping to the left or right. Stay connected to the women in a decent way of conversation over the app or site to make her weigh your value and that would surely bring a great impact.

The dating apps

The dating apps of Spain are really generous and are truly going to provide you with a better soul mate from Spain. Indeed there are a lot more of profiles with photos available on the dating apps from Spain that would truly make a difference in dating Spanish women.

Investing in Your Future: Why Real Estate is a Good Choice

Investing your hard-earned cash into one market is a tough decision. Real estate is one market that is very polarizing. We discuss why real estate is worth it.

There has always been the idea that owning property is a good investment. However, as the market seems to constantly fluctuate, does this idea still hold true? This can be tricky to answer, although most experts would agree that real estate is still a good investment.

But there are some tricks and tips on how to make sure you are making a good investment and not just throwing money away.

Here is why real estate is a good way to invest in your future and how to make sure your investment is safe.

Pay In Cash

It is important to not take out loans for properties you aren’t going to be living. If that isn’t possible, make sure you can cover the mortgage. This is because there can be a high turnover with renters and periods where the property may sit empty.

So, if you can’t make mortgage payments without the extra income, instead of helping your financial situation, it can make it worse, especially if your credit takes a hit due to late payments.

Research All Potential Property Purchases

Before you buy, there are a ton of things you need to know about the land and the surrounding area. Is there a lien on the property or new roads/freeways to be built nearby? What are the projections for the neighborhood and any bordering districts? 

These are all things that can affect the future value of the house or land you are buying. So, make sure you know the ins and outs of everything going with the area around where you are looking to purchase a home and if you are happy with what you find, buy away. For instance for beach houses or sunny vacation homes, you could check out real estate in Myrtle Beach (in South Carolina).

Map Your Expenses

Buying a property isn’t just about the cost of the house. There are also the taxes, any repairs, utilities, on top of basic upkeep. Some people find it easier to just go through a rental agency to handle most of this.

While it adds a little bit to the cost of owning a property, it can also be a lifesaver if you don’t have the time to take of everything yourself. So, be sure to factor in the cost of an agency, the cost of insurance on the property, and at least a few months of mortgage payments to make sure it is covered before you get tenants in the units. If you know some californians moving to reno that needs more information on real estate, visit Janice Mcelroy online.

Start Small

This can be good advice, especially if you are investing in property as a way of starting over after divorce. Having a tenant in a downstairs unit or the inlaw property in the back garden can be a great way to give yourself a little cushion to help you get back on your feet. The only downfall is you will be on the same property as your tenant.

However, just like with a larger property, make sure you can cover everything without renters. That way you can be decerning about who you rent to.

Why Real Estate Is a Good Investment

There are plenty of reasons why real estate is a good way to invest your money, especially if you want to be a landlord. Having that extra monthly income can be a great way to set aside a nice bit of change for your nest egg. Just make sure you are smart about it and don’t get in over your head.

For more insights on homes and properties, check out our blogs on that very subject.

Or you can also check this blog from The Local House Buyers to complement your search.

5 Psychological Side-Effects of a Car Accident

Side-effects of a car accident 

Experiencing a car accident is a stressful time, both on the mind and the body. Even a small fender bender can cause undue stress when considering time lost from work and the financial implications.

While the physical impacts on the body are one thing, the emotional issues are quite another and can be quite long-lasting. Here are five psychological side-effects of a car accident to look out for. 

Emotional Outbursts

It’s common to experience mood swings and emotional outbursts in the days following a car accident. After all, your body is responding to trauma, and the insurance world isn’t always easy to navigate. Being unable to go to work and knowing that you could have an increased financial burden as a result of the accident are triggers for stress. 

Feelings of sudden anger or unprompted episodes of crying, while common, should still be managed. Try and give yourself five seconds to take a breath and calm down when these feelings emerge and refrain from projecting your feelings toward someone else.

Depression

Many people are surprised to discover that depression is a common side-effect of a car accident. This psychological impact is especially important to be aware of, especially with those who already have a history of mental illness.

Symptoms of car accident depression include:

  • Disinterest in hobbies
  • Appetite loss
  • Restlessness
  • Lack of ambition or motivation
  • Isolation
  • Excessive negativity
  • Suicidal thoughts

If you start to notice any of these signs within yourself or a loved one who has experienced a car accident, it’s important to reach out for help. 

Anxiety

Many people develop anxiety after experiencing a car accident. In most cases, the anxiety directly correlates as a response to driving. However, some people start to experience anxiety in all aspects of their life.

If you’ve been in an accident and start to feel anxious about being behind the wheel again, know that you’re not the only one. It’s completely normal to be hesitant in driving after an accident, regardless of if it was a fender bender or a severe occurrence. 

That being said, if this anxiety starts to creep into other aspects of your life or becomes debilitating, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help.

Insomnia

Some of the causes of post-accident insomnia relate to physical issues caused by the accident rather than psychological issues. For example, if you have whiplash, it can be challenging to find a comfortable position for sleeping. After a few nights without sleep, your natural rhythms may get disrupted, causing a longer lasting issue.

Others experience insomnia as a stress response to the accident. Insomnia can be tied to nightmares or anxiety that causes racing thoughts when you lie down to go to bed. As you start to become sleep deprived, these issues can intensify, creating a vicious cycle.

PTSD

It’s common to have some psychological side-effects in the first few weeks after an accident. If, however, you are still experiencing impacts from the trauma a few months after the fact, you may have PTSD. 

It’s estimated that 39% of people who experience a motor vehicle accident will develop PTSD as a result. Vehicular accidents are the primary cause of PTSD in the general population. You’re more likely to develop PTSD if you perceived your life to be in immediate danger, have a history of mental illness, and lack emotional and social support after the accident.

Some of the common signs of PTSD include:

  • Avoidance
  • Intrusive thoughts and memories
  • Personality changes
  • Emotional instability

After a trauma, these symptoms are not uncommon and generally go away as time passes. With PTSD, the issues tend to escalate as time goes by.

Getting Help

If you’re struggling with the psychological impacts of an accident, you’re not alone. Talk to a trusted friend or a loved one about your experience, and consider reaching out for professional help. Depending on the nature of the accident, you can receive compensation to help you during this difficult time.

Between 20 and 50 million people are injured in a car accident every year. You’re not alone. It’s vital that you get information and seek help after you’ve experienced this type of accident. 

How to Improve your Financial Wellness with Day Trading

Day trading is an interesting and engaging way to invest money. In this business, an investment could improve your financial wellbeing. However, many new traders still find it hard to stay profitable despite the wealth of knowledge at their disposal. The following tips will increase your chances of turning in a good profit from your trade. 

Start Small and Grow as You Learn

There is a lot to learn when you’re beginning to trade. Start with demo trading, where you are given a free account to practice. Many trading platforms provide these accounts, funded with fake money, to help users test the markets before committing their money. It provides a great way to practice in a risk-free environment. 

Once you start trading with real money, you can set small portions of about 1% of your trading account. It will help you shake off the anxiety of losing huge sums of money. Narrow down on one or two stocks as you learn the market.

Practice Good Judgment

A straight-thinking trader will always have an edge in any market. An emotional trader, on the other hand, may mistakenly make a risky investment because of the temptation of a huge payout. Make a checklist of what to look for in a worthwhile investment. It will let you know to walk away when a deal is too good to be true.

As a day trader, you will be making many such calls throughout the day, and the checklist will help to keep you on track. You also need to discipline your mind to stick to the strategy. Only change when the outcomes are going against the plans. 

Only Trade what you can Afford to Lose

Consider how a loss would change your long-term financial wellbeing when you choose to invest your money. Day trading is a highly volatile business, and any investment can turn into a loss. Besides, no trade is worth risking your financial future. Avoid trading with money that you have stashed away for a mortgage down payment. Instead, set aside a small portion of your savings to fund your risk capital. 

However, being overly cautious is also a poor strategy. Instead, you can focus on asset classes that give the highest long-term returns. There is nothing like a risk-free investment, but always try to minimize your losses and increase your wins. 

Diversify Beyond Stocks

Day trading is more than just buying and selling stocks. The forex market is another avenue where you could potentially make profits. It is based on international foreign exchange, where you buy and sell currencies based on their predicted value in the future. Unlike the stock markets, which have opening and closing times, forex markets operate round the clock. 

In the futures market, traders buy and sell contracts based on the speculative prices of commodities. The contracts detail the set price and the commodity, which could be gold, oil, or even agricultural produce like corn and wheat. 

When starting as a day trader, things might seem overwhelming at first, but a little more practice will simplify everything. Since you will be dealing a lot with charts and figures, practice your analytical skills to help you crack the numbers. Finally, you should always look out for potential leads from credible sources like the financial news and industry publications. 

How To Raise Mental Illness Awareness

toll on relationships meaning

While the 21st century has put a spotlight on one of the most common human experiences, learn how you can raise mental illness awareness here.

Mental illness is still spoken about in hushed tones or with language that promotes misunderstanding.

The way people talk about it might cause you to think that poor mental health is uncommon. In reality, nearly one in five adults in the United States struggle with some type of mental illness.

The lack of sound, evidence-based knowledge surrounding mental health and illness is damaging for everyone, including people who never go through it.

That’s why it’s so important to raise mental illness awareness among the general public.

How can you make a difference? It’s not hard. It starts by talking.

  1. Talk to Your Friends and Family

Given that one in five will deal with some type of mental illness at some point, then either you or someone you know will go through a crisis.

So, ask the people in your life how they’re doing. If you see them struggling at work or with personal relationships, listen to them — really listen. Acknowledge their feelings and experiences because they’re valid.

You may also find it helpful to share your own experience.

If you struggle with depression, anxiety, or another condition, be honest about it. It may not only help you but also help end the stigma that so often causes silence.

  1. Lead with Empathy and Kindness

The language we use to speak about mental illness matters.

Words like “crazy” are damaging and disparaging, and they’re never helpful.

Moreover, a person isn’t “depressed,” nor are they “bipolar,” but they can have these conditions and these illnesses inform their experience of the world. Speaking this way is harmful — and often unkind — and usually reinforces negative stigma about health.

If you’re going to talk about mental health, use person-first language.

Person-first or person-centered language sees the person first and considers their illness or health as something that is part of their identity but doesn’t dominate it.

  1. Learn More

Everyone has more to learn about mental illness, and education is a vital part of mental illness awareness.

To do your part, you need to find reputable sources that offer the best available information. Some of the best resources come from the National Alliance on Mental Illness and its affiliates and programs.

Your education isn’t to make you an armchair psychologist or recommend mental health treatment programs.

Instead, it’s to enable you to help end stigma both in your own life and the broader world by learning what mental health is and how to talk about it.

Mental Illness Awareness Starts with You

Raising mental illness awareness is critical because one in five of us will struggle with poor mental health at some point.

However, you don’t need to be an activist or hold a fundraiser to spread awareness. (Though, those things are great, too.) Instead, change starts with you and your willingness to educate yourself, learn, and share your experiences with others.

Mental health is a lifelong conversation that we can all benefit from.

Are you ready to get started? Visit our archives for more great content like this.