Consequences of Ignoring Your Mental Health

Mental health is being discussed publicly more than ever before. This is helping to raise awareness about the importance of looking after your emotional and psychological wellbeing, and reducing stigma around mental illness. 

Mental health isn’t a buzzword or passing fad – it’s a reality for every one of us. 

We all have mental health, and just like our physical health, there are things we can do to support it or damage it. If we ignore our mental health, we can suffer in many areas of life. 

In this blog post, we’re going to explore: 

• The difference between mental health and mental illness 
• Why it’s important to prioritise our mental health, even if we don’t have mental illness 
• Simple ways to promote positive mental health. 

We hope this helps you better understand and prioritise your mental health and wellbeing. 

 

Mental Health vs. Mental Illness 

Everyone has mental health, but not everyone has mental illness. 

When we talk about mental health, we’re referring to our state of mind and how we think, feel, behave, and interact with the world and people around us. 

Our mental health can shift from good to bad depending on what’s happening in our lives. It’s normal for our mental health to fluctuate through life’s ups and downs, even if we don’t have mental illness. 

For example, we might feel stressed, less patient, and more reactive after a busy day at work. Or we might feel more positive, calm, and energetic after a fun weekend with friends. 

When we talk about mental illness, we’re referring to the presence of mental health conditions or disorders such as anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, schizophrenia, and other mental health diagnoses. 

While not everyone has mental illness, it is extremely common. Research shows around 1 in 5 Australians experience mental illness in any given year. 

Whether you have mental illness or not, ignoring your mental health can exacerbate negative symptoms and make it harder for you to cope. 

Early intervention can play a huge part in successful management of mental health and mental illness. 

 

What happens when we ignore our mental health 

So why is looking after our mental health important, even if we don’t have a mental health condition? 

Being mentally healthy can benefit all areas of our life such as school or work, our relationships, our self-esteem, and our general sense of happiness and life satisfaction.  

If we don’t make an effort to maintain our mental wellness, or we ignore signs that we’re struggling, this can negatively impact us and the people around us. 

Some potential consequences of ignoring your mental health include: 

• Unstable moods 
• Impaired self-esteem 
• Impaired relationships 
• Increased risk of mental illness 
• Increased risk of physical illness
• Reduced energy and motivation
• Issues with sleep and/or appetite
• Issues with concentration and focus
• Reduced school or work performance. 

These are just some possible impacts of ignoring your mental health, especially if you’re ignoring symptoms of poor mental health or mental illness. 

 

How to look after your mental health 

It’s important to remember that your mental health is like your physical health; it needs ongoing attention. 

Going to the gym once isn’t going to give you long-term fitness, just as doing one meditation or taking one day off isn’t going to give you long-term mental wellness. 

Maintaining your mental health is a lifelong commitment. 

There are several lifestyle factors that can support positive mental health, such as: 

Personal attributes 

Certain characteristics such as having a positive outlook, problem-solving skills, positive self-image, and the ability to cope in stressful events all contribute to our mental health. 

If you don’t feel like you have these traits, the good news is that you can work on developing them. Speaking to a counsellor can help you gain the insights and skills to better manage your mental health. 

We offer advice to stop sweating the small stuff in this blog post. 

Healthy lifestyle factors 

Looking after yourself physically is a great first step to support your mental health. 

Some healthy behaviours include: 

• Eating a balanced diet 
• Drinking enough water 
• Getting enough sleep 
• Exercising regularly 
• Avoiding cigarettes, alcohol, and other drugs. 

Emotional support 

Having a strong support network of friends and/or family can play a huge role in supporting our mental and emotional wellbeing. 

Humans crave social connection, and maintaining healthy relationships can help our sense of belonging, self-esteem, and ability to cope in hard times. 

You don’t need to be a social butterfly to enjoy the benefits of social support. Even having just one trusted friend to confide in can make all the difference. 

Exposure to nature 

Studies_show the benefits of getting out in nature for our physical and mental health, including improved mood and reduced stress. 

Try starting the day sitting outside with your morning coffee, or pick up an outdoor activity like gardening, cycling, or enjoying nature walks. 

Self-care and recreation 

When we think of self-care, we may think of lying back with cucumbers on our eyes or sitting cross-legged while meditating. But self-care looks different to everyone and includes anything that makes you feel relaxed and happy. 

This might be reading a good book, meeting a loved one for a coffee, or going for a scenic drive while singing along to your favourite music. 

Our schedules can become overwhelmed with work, life admin, and social events. It’s important to make time for the recreational activities that recharge your batteries and support a positive mindset. 

Checking in with yourself 

There’s no medal for ‘soldiering on’ when you feel burnt out or need help. Make a habit of checking in with how you’re feeling physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

Some signs you might need to take a break or pay more attention to your mental health include: 

• You’re irritable and on edge 
• You feel tired most of the time 
• You’re neglecting your self-care 
• You’re struggling to concentrate 
• You don’t have energy to socialise 
• You don’t enjoy things you normally do. 

Early intervention

You don’t have to be at crisis point to seek help – in fact, it’s best to address any issues as soon as possible. Early intervention can reduce the risk of mental health deteriorating further and help you find solutions sooner. 

Professional help such as counselling can be a great option for anyone who needs some extra support. 

Our counsellors can help you process your thoughts and feelings in a safe environment free from judgement. Sessions are available in person, over the phone, or via Zoom video call. 

You can learn more about our counselling service here, or call 1300 364 277 to book an appointment.