Just ask the average joe. Everyone will agree. Mental health is a huge deal. Plenty of people would love to change at least one thing about the way they think.

Often though, those diagnosed with mental health conditions were unaware that some of their quirks required scrutiny. Likely because the mind is still misunderstood. Much of what is inferred focuses solely on the physical brain. But many influential people suggest the individual brain is not the end-all-be-all of the mind. Meanwhile others point out factors like genetic predetermination or environmental influences as precursors of perception.

As a result, the average joe is none the wiser. So, when people discuss mental health issues, the subject of their conversation is probably thinking, they can’t be talking about me.

Lacking knowledge and uncomfortable with the unknown, we temporize our circumstances. We opt for a tentative peace with our idiosyncrasies. Over time we may come to believe that these modalities are indispensable to us. We assume they can’t be changed and that we have to live with them. In a lot of cases that may be all well and good. But when someone’s peculiarities disrupt their quality of life, simply living with them is unrealistic.

Some people find comfort running in the other direction. Dangerous liaisons, questionable associations, and substance abuse are fine examples of that other direction. But those who place themselves in the care of professionals will of course be better off.

As for me, I’m grateful that after years of denial, I was pulled in the right direction, though kicking and screaming all the way. Actually, it all came to me in a rousing vision. God told me that if I didn’t get my act together right away, he’d make it so that I couldn’t stop farting around women. At any rate, I have gems to share. Rest assured that along with working with professionals there are additional ways of getting peak performance from your mental health. What follows is one tried-and-true method.

Keeping in mind that anxiety exacerbates mental health concerns, try this; establish a doable routine that relieves anxiety and builds confidence at your own pace. This can be simple enough as implied by ‘doable.’ Rubbing elbows with encouraging people is one such routine. It will deliver the desired results for sure. These people can be family, friends, colleagues or others who either willfully or unwittingly demonstrate rewarding habits. Traits like kindness, humor, courage, and empathy for example are worthy of admiration. While building relationships with types who exemplify such virtues, you’ll assimilate these habits whether you’re aware of it or not. And life will reward you for it.

Likely you’ll hit upon untapped potential you might have never known was there. Realizing these cool things about yourself will ward off low self-esteem. And the confidence that follows is indicative of sound reasoning. Certainly, confidence is one of the best lit roads on life’s journey. It will obliterate any notions of incompetence which frequently accompany a mental health diagnosis.

Your anxiety levels will fall. Your outlook will improve. But don’t look at this as professional advice. Simply take it as encouragement from someone who has gone down that road. Continue working with professionals. It’s a great opportunity to enhance your communication skills, to understand what’s most important, and to set goals and achieve them.

When you realize you and your caregiver are equal partners, you’ll feel empowered to advance your interest together with those of the larger community. It all starts with positive habits though. And positive routines can be enhanced by productive relationships like the ones mentioned. Best case scenario: investing in the right people will get the right people invested in you.

Don’t feel unequal to the task. But don’t kick off the adventure with unrealistic expectations either. You’re not going to all of a sudden discover that you’re better than everyone else. Simply strive to be equals with good people. All this is realistic, obtainable, and rewarding.

Society has never been more favorable toward the mental health community. It’s a perfect time for making friends. Get started and good luck!

If you really need someone to talk to but you’re not sure who to turn to, don’t hesitate to call the Mental Health Hotline at 866-903-3787. Or call 988.