7 Behavioral Health Trends to Keep in Mind

As I have an opportunity to visit with people each week, I am always on the lookout for trends and patterns for what individuals may be struggling with. Here are some that stand out.

1. Be kind to yourself. Seriously.

Sadly, the biggest abusers of individuals are most often themselves. I think if we were to print out everything people say about themselves during a given day, most people would be mortified at the negativity we direct inwardly.

2. Be kind to others.

Every single person you encounter carries a burden of some kind. Take time to appreciate those you work with and those you live with. I have often joked that the three phrases that should be said more often in our lives are, “I’m sorry,” “I love you,” and “we probably can’t afford that.”

3. When in doubt, just listen.

It’s perfectly understandable to not know how to respond to someone, especially when they are in crisis.  Everybody has a story to tell and nobody ever got in trouble for “listening too much.”

4. Check in and ask questions.

Contrary to popular belief, suicide rates drop during the holiday season and peak in the Spring. This isn’t unique to Utah either but consistent across the US. Don’t be afraid to check in and ask questions of someone you are concerned about. This year seems to be especially difficult so far, and I have already sent many more people to the hospital than I usually do in a given year – and it’s only April.

5. Look for opportunities to grow.

We always want to be “sufficiently uncomfortable” with whatever it is that we are trying to do with our lives. A leader of an African country once said,

If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.

The law of growth requires constant effort and stretching.

6. Begin with the end in mind.

According to Stephen R Covey, we should begin with the end in mind. This could mean a vacation, significant purchase, or another goal to grow our emotional, financial or physical health. It’s what keeps us motivated.

7. Anxiously assume the best about yourself and others.

I recall an experience working with two females who shared oddly similar stories and constantly complained about their neighbors. After doing some digging around, I discovered they were in fact neighbors! Their individual life stories were also very similar, and I felt that if they took the time to listen and to assume the best, they would have realized how much they had in common and could have supported each other rather than complained. Sadly, they eventually moved away, never really knowing how they could have helped each other out.

If you have any concerns about your mental health or the mental health of a loved one you can call Allan Pauole, CMHC, or one of our Revere Health Behavioral Health offices in Utah.