Importance of Self-Advocacy in Mental Health

In this article, we’ll explore some of the key chemicals in your brain that contribute to happiness and how they can be used to advocate for mental health.

Happy chemicals: what are they?

There are four main brain chemicals that contribute to happiness: dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins. Brain chemicals are at the core of these feelings. Here are tips on how to stimulate these happy chemicals as part of Mental Health Awareness Month.

How to hack your happiness hormones?

You already have these neurotransmitters and hormones in your brain, so why not maximize them? It doesn’t require a secret code to accomplish this. To boost these chemical messengers, it only takes a few simple steps and basic planning. It is said that certain neurotransmitters are called “happy chemicals” because their presence makes us feel good. Mental health problems like depression and anxiety can result from not having enough happy chemicals.

We should not be afraid to ask for help when we need it!

Mental illness is a real thing and it’s important that we talk about it without shame or guilt so that people who need help can get the support they deserve.

A vital aspect of our mental health is our social life. We are more likely to be productive and happy when we are in a good mood.

Chemicals that produce a feeling of well-being may contribute to this. Different experiences, such as eating good food, being around friends, or listening to music, trigger these chemicals. Making sure we don’t spend too much time alone or with unhappy people is essential for maintaining our mental health.

Chemicals play a role in happiness. You get to choose how much happiness you want in your life – it’s a decision!

When we require assistance, we should not be reluctant to get it. Mental illness is a genuine condition, and it’s critical that we discuss it openly and without judgment. When we experience the “happiness chemicals”. We may use these chemicals to be the best versions of ourselves and to succeed in our daily lives.

In addition to offering advice on how to employ these Happiness Chemicals in your daily life, the purpose of this section is to help you understand how the science of happiness may help you have a more fulfilled life.

MEET YOUR HAPPY CHEMICALS

SEROTONIN

Happiness Chemical

soak in the sun

be with nature

mindfulness

meditation

DOPAMINE

Reward Chemical

eat food

listen to music

achieve a goal

practice self-care

ENDORPHINS

Pain Reliever

laugh & dance

exercise

climax

dark chocolate

OXYTOCIN

Bonding Chemical

socialise

physical touch

petting animals

helping others

Mental health encompasses our relationships, cognitive health, and emotional health as integral parts to our overall wellbeing.

It entails looking after and safeguarding ourselves so that we may succeed in daily life, caring for others when they need us most, and overcoming challenges. In other words, promoting mental health is essential and worthwhile. We must first become advocates for ourselves if we want to support individuals who are experiencing mental health issues. Regardless of our challenges, this entails being honest to ourselves, loving ourselves, and honouring ourselves.

Who Is A Mental Health Advocate?

The best mental health advocates are those who prioritize their own wellbeing first before trying to help others. By speaking the truth, they take chances and display their vulnerabilities in the hopes of inspiring someone else. These champions advocate for those without a voice, whether it be through a blog, social media, book, or public speech. We are reminded by them that we are not alone in facing challenges. They serve as a reminder that we are innocent and that this journey is filled with light, healing, and hope. They dispel stigma and preconceived notions about mental illness.

OCTOBER CHALLENGE: CREATE A ‘BUCKET LIST’ FROM THE ‘MEET YOUR HAPPY CHEMICALS’

How Can I Become An Advocate?

To become an advocate, you do not need to post your darkest, most intimate secrets on social media. By discreetly telling a friend, neighbour, or close family member your story, you can speak up for others. Additionally, you also don’t have to share your story if you’re not yet ready.

You can also:

• Support a person who needs help
• Promote a culture of wellbeing within organizations
• Volunteer for a mental health organization
• Participate in awareness events benefitting the mental health movement
• Correct those who use stigmatizing language

This article’s objective is to enlighten readers about the advantages of happiness and how to create it. The world can be challenging

When you are continuously exposed to negativity, it is easy to lose sight of the positive aspects of life. But it’s crucial to keep in mind that there is always something to be joyful about, and it all begins with focusing on your personal joys.

The most powerful daily routine you can adopt is keeping a journal. Journaling helps you maintain a clear, creative and focused mind. You’ll stay on track to accomplishing your life goals with the help of our 2023 Self­ Discovery journal. To get a sneak peak from our soon to be released journal participate in the October challenge.

October Challenge: Create a ‘bucket list’ from the “Meet Your Happy Chemicals” list and see how many you can tick off by the end of the month! Keep an eye out on the SA and Beyond website so that you can pre-order your own copy of the 2023 Self­ Discovery journal.