Time to do a self-check on your mental health?

Mental health is a part of all our lives. Just like our physical health, it fluctuates depending on what we’re going through, how we’re treating ourselves, and what support systems we have in place. Yet, unlike physical health, we often ignore or suppress signs of emotional struggle—sometimes because we don’t know how to check in, or we don’t feel like we’re "allowed" to slow down.

But being aware of your mental health doesn't need to be complicated. In fact, one of the most powerful things you can do is regularly pause and evaluate how you're really doing. Self-evaluation is not about fixing everything at once—it’s about noticing what’s going on inside and deciding to respond with care.

A good place to start is by simply checking in with yourself each day. Ask yourself how you’re feeling, mentally and emotionally. You don’t need the perfect words—just be honest. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Stuck? Peaceful? Anxious? Tired? Energized? This daily moment of reflection can help you track patterns, notice when something shifts, and understand how your environment or habits might be influencing your state of mind.

Another way to evaluate your mental well-being is to consider how satisfied you feel across different areas of your life. You might think about how well you're sleeping, how connected you feel to the people around you, whether your work or studies feel meaningful or draining, and whether you’ve had the energy to do the things you enjoy. If one of those areas feels off, that’s a signal—not a flaw. It means your attention is needed there, with curiosity, not judgment.

A key part of mental health is how we talk to ourselves. Often, we don’t even realize the impact of our inner dialogue. Try to notice the tone of your thoughts. Are you being encouraging or harsh? Do you offer yourself grace when things don’t go right, or do you automatically blame yourself? Becoming aware of negative self-talk is the first step to changing it. You don’t have to be overly positive or unrealistic, but aiming for fairness and kindness in your self-talk can change how you cope with stress.

You might also consider whether you're facing things head-on or slipping into avoidance. It’s common to distract ourselves when something feels too heavy—maybe by scrolling endlessly, staying too busy, or emotionally shutting down. If you notice you’re consistently avoiding certain feelings or situations, try to gently explore why. What’s underneath that avoidance? What would it take to feel safe enough to face it?

Lastly, talking with someone you trust—whether it's a friend, a family member, or a professional—can be one of the most powerful tools for mental health. Sometimes we don’t even know how heavy something is until we say it out loud. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you open up. Sharing is not a weakness—it’s a healthy release.

Of course, there are times when self-reflection isn’t enough, especially if your symptoms are intense, long-lasting, or start to affect your ability to function day-to-day. In those cases, reaching out to a therapist or counselor is not just okay—it’s the right thing to do. You deserve support.

Caring for your mental health is an ongoing process. It doesn’t happen all at once, and it doesn’t require perfection. What it does require is attention, honesty, and a willingness to act with kindness toward yourself. Start small. Be patient. And remember: you're not alone in this.