Mental health has recently become a phenomena that many feel more comfortable talking about and being open with, typically defined as an individual’s “emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act”.

Whilst conversations around mental health have become more commonplace, it is vital to reflect on your own mental health and how to utilise it as a tool on your journey to success.

In this article, mental health will be discussed in neutral terms (unless stated otherwise), meaning that it is seen as a fact of life, and that everyone has a ‘mental health’ in the same way that ‘physical health‘ is a reality for all.

In every professional’s journey towards success, there are many factors to be considered to optimise this process. One that is not typically related to this topic, is mental health. Not only is mental health an important factor in living a fulfilling life, but it is also vital for the personal and professional success that we are all striving for.

Here are some general tips for maximising your mental health and journey to success: (inspired by MindApples 12 Steps To Happiness)

Take pride in yourself and value others
Communicate how you are feeling
Maintain connections with loved ones
Learn something new
Stay creative
Maintain your physical health
Eat well
Take a break (when you need it)
Ask for help
Be honest with yourself

Whilst these are all very general self-help tips, they are essential for the route to positive mental health that we all strive for.

These are not a substitute for genuine mental health help, but they are a good starting place for small changes that can have a big impact. All of the values listed above align well with the goal of an individual striving and earning their success.

Individuals who are motivated both professionally and personally can sometimes fall victim to a mental health condition known as imposter syndrome.

Some typical (but not always experienced) symptoms of Imposter Syndrome are feeling inadequate, or that you do not belong in a job you rightly earned.

Nuffield Health lists three ‘defining features’ of the syndrome:

feeling that other people have overestimated your abilities
fear that others will discover your true failings
persistent tendency to put successes down to external factors, such as luck or disproportionate effort

Imposter syndrome can lead to an over critical analysis of ourselves, and we often start to believe these thoughts are true. If this becomes a consistent pattern of thinking, then this can lead to destruction on one’s route to success.

However, there are some self-help approaches that can be taken (outside of therapy, if you need this kind of help, please do not take this as a substitute).

Firstly, it is vital to identify exactly how you are feeling and note the occasions in which this occurs, and see if you can note any patterns. You can also do a reality check, which challenges your thoughts, as thoughts are not facts.

Another useful approach is to recognise how successful and wonderful you actually are, sometimes listing these out can be helpful for combatting those negative thoughts. Arguably, the most useful self-help technique is to stop comparing yourself to others and instead compare yourself to you and see how far you have come. It can be very challenging to live with feelings of imposter syndrome, but there is a way out. Ultimately, you need to show yourself some self love!

At the end of the day, mental health is not linear and is a journey in and of itself. Thus, if you have the desire and resilience to enact positive change within your own life, then this could be a point for starting your positive mental health journey, alongside and as a supplement, to your route to personal and professional success.

And remember, thoughts are not (necessarily) facts.

It is not abnormal to suffer from poor mental health, although it can be immensely troubling and life-affecting. If you are in need of help or assistance, please contact your local health provider or local charities for advice, signposting, and support.

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