I have talked to a lot of people about their mental health and have learned something shocking; a lot of people do not put their mental health first. For some, it is not even second or third. For others, mental health does not even make the list.

Your mental health needs to be a priority, because you are a priority. When you take a day off or take some "quality time" you are already taking the first step in putting your mental health on the list of priorities. However, it cannot just stop there.

It is also important to listen to your body and to your warning signs. Are you getting tired easily? Moody? Irritable? Do you have diet changes? Weight changes? Set up an appointment with your doctor and talk to them about these symptoms immediately.

You must also learn to accept who you are. If you are diagnosed with a mental illness then acceptance can be a difficult road to walk. However, if you do not accept yourself and your condition, it can be more difficult to learn to cope and learn strategies to manage your mental health. The sooner you accept yourself for who you are, the healthier and happier you will be.

Do not forget to include your friends and family in your life and in your mental health, as long as they are supportive and willing to be involved. Having a strong support group can help you stay accountable to yourself and to them. It also can build relationships that may not have been there before or strengthen ones that were already there. Your friends and family are there for you, do not leave them out or push them away. Bring them in and let them know what is happening and let them know how to help.

Something else to remember is to follow the doctor's orders. If your doctor tells you to do something, just do it. This is something I still struggle with but when I just allow the doctor to do his or her job and do what they say instead of fighting them, things usually turn out for the better.

Put your mental health first. Know your limits. If you have to say no to something because you know you will not be able to deal with it, say no. If you have to make certain tough decisions in order to put your mental health first, make those decisions. Only you can put your mental health first. Only you can make that choice and keep it. No one can force you. However, if you do not, then your mental health could deteriorate or otherwise. Some people might try to help you, but ultimately, it is up to you to put your mental health first.