What are subtle things that deteriorate your mental health over time?

I get asked a lot or questions about both my mental health and mental health in general and the above question was asked of me recently. Below is my answer, actually it is a list.

This list may surprise you, and you are of course free to disagree! It is my opinion only, based on my own experiences in dealing with mental health and talking with others.  I highlight ones that are and were of more importance to me.

1. Watching tv

2. Watching violent, negative or scary movies

3. Avoiding time spent in nature, just spending time outdoors

4. Avoiding strenuous physical exercise or exertion

5. Being interested in what other people think about you or how they judge you. This is none of your business.

6. Not practising some form of mental discipline and thought control, so you are not the master of your mind and it runs all over the place

7. Bad diet

8. Being in the company of negative people

9. Not doing the things you really long to do, whatever these may be, whether big or small.

10. Pretending you are not creative and not engaging in any creative activities that you really enjoy

11. Trying to please anyone else but yourself, as you will definitely fail.

12. Avoiding dealing with the big issues in your life such as what you are scared or anxious about, or unfulfilled desires.

13. Staying too long in a relationship that has become unhappy, where you have lost love and respect for each other.

14. Indulging in drink, drugs or food as a way of self medicating or numbing emotional pain. Just deal with the pain instead.

15. Too much or not enough routine and structure, depending on what works for you individually.

16. Basing your life on anyone else’s ideas or rules.