Prioritizing Your Mental Health

Health For The Holidays

Despite the importance highlighted about mental health in recent years, it is still a struggle to prioritize mental health. During the holidays, it becomes even more important because, while it can be a joyous time of year, it can equally become a hectic one. Highlighting mental health during the holidays helps remind us of the importance of balance, rest, and emotional well-being.

How to prioritize your mental health in the midst of physical medical issues.
New or worsening health issues can be taxing at any time of year, but they can be more pronounced during the holiday season's hustle and bustle. Depression, anxiety, defeat, and loneliness. There is truth behind the mind-body connection. Positive thoughts are good for promoting good healing. This is, of course, easier said than done.  If you do not know where to get started, here are some quick ideas:

• Focus on the positive: Think about three good things in your life. While this might still be hard to come up with during a tough time (if you are reading this, you are alive, so there is a start for #1).
• Spend time with a loved one: Try to spend at least 10 minutes a day talking or spending time with a friend or family member. Even if you are not up to talking, just having someone to sit next to you—or message via text —can help improve your mood. If you are in the hospital and don’t have a friend to talk to, take a few minutes to speak with a nurse, aide, or even a volunteer. If you enjoy pets, many facilities have a therapy dog that can come visit.
• Get the rest you need. Your brain and body need rest to help you think and function clearly. Insomnia often accompanies health issues and worry. As your medical provider, if you need assistance with falling asleep at night or maintaining a good night's rest. Waking up rested can make a world of difference.

Decrease Your Workload
When we talk about workload, I don’t necessarily mean your “job”. Even if you do not work, there is still a list of tasks that need to be done. Caring for a home, caring for children, or other loved ones. Even caring for yourself is a chore. With a medical issue, the “to-do list” grows. Billing issues, medical appointments, testes, new medications, travel arrangements, including driving to appointments, and taking care of pets. The list goes on and on. All this can quickly take a toll on your mental health. 

Get The Help You Need
Get the help you need. If you feel that your mental health is not right, there are many resources available for you. Speaking with a therapist or behavioral health specialist can offer valuable insights and management recommendations. 

Private Patient Advocate

A private patient advocate can help alleviate your workload and stress in coordinating your care and with insurance issues, allowing you more time for yourself, a faster recovery, and a more enjoyable quality of life.  I recommended seeking an experienced private patient advocate who best fits your needs. With a private patient advocate, you never have to feel alone, and you have more time to focus on what is important to you.  Here at Pathway Patient Advocates, we are ready to help with your health during the holidays. 

Bio: Dr. Elena Borrelli DMSC, MS, PAC, BCPA is the founder of Pathway Patient Advocates. She has over 20 years of experience in the medical field in both clinical and administrative settings. Apart from her experience in professional practices, Dr. Borrelli has encountered frustration and discrepancies while personally navigating the health care system. Her passion is to help patients better understand the complex and often confusing medical system. Dr. Borrelli has experience in a variety of healthcare settings. Her main focus is to assist clients who are dealing with chronic conditions, rare disorders, cancer, or undiagnosed symptoms. It is her compassion, experience, and determination that sets Pathway Patient Advocates apart from the rest. To reach Dr. Borrelli, you can visit her website at pathwaypa.com