Believing you can improve you mental health actually works – sure, doing things to improve or maintain your mental health is critical but whether you take action or not, people who believe they can do something to keep mentally healthy have higher mental wellbeing than those who do not have such belief.
 
This could be explained by the psychological concept known as the ‘wellbeing locus of control’ – people who have an internal wellbeing locus of control believe that their own attitudes and behaviour control their wellbeing and research has linked this type of belief to fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress – those with an external wellbeing locus of control think that their mental wellbeing is largely controlled by factors and circumstances outside of their control.
 
So, those who believe they can do something to change their mental health are more likely to have higher levels of mental wellbeing – it’s a good reason to believe in the ABC of Mental Health:
 
Act – keep physically, socially and mentally active – an active mind and body is extraordinarily powerful
Belong – keep connected and engage in groups and events – do things with people
Commit – engage in things that give you a sense of meaning and purpose – do things that matter
 
Remember the impact that you can have on your own mental health and wellbeing – even if it is simply believing that you can!

https://theconversation.com/mental-health-new-study-finds-simply-believing-you-can-do-something-to-improve-it-is-linked-with-higher-wellbeing-179499?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=bylinelinkedinbutton