Healthy Habits That Help Protect Against Mental Illness

Staying up late and having cocktails is likely to make you feel sluggish, tired, and grumpy the next morning. If you already have a mental illness, being in this less-than-ideal state could worsen your symptoms. On the other hand, healthy habits might help energize you and keep your mood up.

If you have symptoms of a mental illness, it’s important to talk to a doctor or a mental health professional. Starting treatment may reduce your symptoms and make it easier to stick to healthy habits. These treatments may include psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication, or a combination of both. Learn more about treatment for mental illnesses here.

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.

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