Mental health
Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being all fall under the category of mental health. It has an impact on our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Furthermore, it influences how we interact with people, manage stress, and make good decisions. From infancy and youth through maturity, mental health is vital at every stage of life. According to the world health organization mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community. (Haelth, 2022)
Mental and physical healths are equally important components of overall health. For example, depression increases the risk for many types of physical health problems, particularly long-lasting conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Similarly, the presence of chronic conditions can increase the risk for mental illness. Yes, it’s important to remember that a person’s mental health can change over time, depending on many factors. When the demands placed on a person exceed their resources and coping abilities, their mental health could be impacted. For example, if someone is working long hours, caring for a relative, or experiencing economic hardship, they may experience poor mental health.
Mental disease has many causes
Mental health is described as a state of well-being where a person is able to cope with the normal stresses of life. However, different circumstances exist that may affect the ability to handle life’s curveballs. These factors may also disrupt daily activities, and the capacity to manage these changes. Not just one. The likelihood of mental disease can be influenced by a variety of circumstances, including. The following factors, listed below, may affect mental well-being and could increase the risk of developing psychological disorders (CDC, 2021).
- Early traumatic events in life or a history of maltreatment (for example, child abuse, sexual assault, witnessing violence, etc.)
A kid who experiences physical abuse, sexual assault, emotional abuse, or neglect as they mature is more likely to have significant mental and emotional anguish. Mental illnesses including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and personality problems are more likely to develop as a result of abuse. Abused children may eventually struggle with alcohol and drug usage problems. But in addition to mental health issues, child abuse can result in bodily issues including diabetes, stroke, and other types of heart disease.
- The Environment
A strong contributor to mental well-being is the state of a person’s usual environment. Adverse environmental circumstances can cause negative effects on psychological wellness. For instance, weather conditions may influence an increase in suicide cases. In certain cases, air pollution may produce negative effects on depression symptoms. In contrast, living in a positive social environment can provide protection against mental challenges
- experiences with other persistent (chronic) illnesses, such cancer or diabetes
A person may be more likely to have or develop a mental health disorder if they have a chronic illness such as cancer, heart disease or diabetes. It is common to feel sad or discouraged after a heart attack, after learning that one has cancer, or when trying to manage a chronic illness such as pain. Examples of these risk factors include a history of depression in oneself or in the family, or relatives who have committed suicide. Compared to those who are physically well, those with chronic physical disabilities are twice as likely to experience anxiety or depression, and the percentages for other medical problems are significantly higher.
- biological components or brain chemical imbalances
Your biological composition may impact how well you are doing. Many mental health conditions have been discovered to run in families and can be inherited by family members. These include illnesses including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Life style & use of drugs or alcohol
Your way of living may have an effect on your mental well-being. Psychological injury can result from smoking, eating poorly, drinking, using drugs, and engaging in unsafe sexual conduct. Depression has been connected to these actions.
- experiencing emotions of isolation or loneliness
The effects of loneliness, particularly if they persist for a long period, can be detrimental to your mental health. According to some study, loneliness raises the chance of developing a number of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, sleep issues, and increased stress.
Positive Effects of Mental Health
It cannot be emphasized how crucial mental health is to one’s overall wellbeing, regardless of age. When psychological wellbeing is compromised, it can lead to undesirable behaviors that may threaten not just one’s own health but also interpersonal connections. The advantages of having excellent mental health are listed below.
- An Improved Capacity to Handle Life’s Stressors
The difficulties of life may be simpler to conquer when mental and emotional states are at their best. A stable mental state might support healthy coping techniques when alcohol/drugs, seclusion, tantrums, or fighting may have been used to handle marital conflicts, financial difficulties, work problems, and other life concerns.
- A Positive View of Oneself
Personal sentiments about oneself and mental health are strongly correlated. Your overall mental health affects your sense of self. A healthy mental state may frequently be detected by one’s level of confidence. A person who is mentally well is more inclined to concentrate on their positive traits. They will focus on these traits and, in general, aspire to live a long and happy life.
- Stronger bonds with others
Your ability to give your friends and family quality time, affection, and support may increase if your mental health is in excellent shape. It might be simpler to be present for and support the people you care about when you’re not experiencing emotional turmoil.
- Enhanced Productivity
Your productivity levels may be impacted by managing depression or other mental health conditions. It is more likely that you can work more effectively and produce work of higher quality if you feel mentally strong.
- A better standard of living
Your quality of life could be enhanced when mental health is strong. This may allow for more community building engagement. For instance, you may start helping out at soup kitchens, food drives, shelters, etc. You could also develop new interests, meet new people, and visit new cities.
Guidelines for Preserving Mental Health and Well-Being
It’s crucial that you look after your mental health because it’s so crucial to overall wellness. A few introductions and modifications to lifestyle choices can be necessary to maintain mental wellness. These consist of (Plumptre, 2021):
- committing to routine workout
- A sense of contentment.
- A zest for living and the ability to laugh and have fun.
- The ability to deal with stress and bounce back from adversity.
- A sense of meaning and purpose, in both their activities and their relationships.
- The flexibility to learn new skills and adapt to change.
- A balance between work and play, rest and activity, etc.
- The ability to build and maintain fulfilling relationships.
- Self-confidence and high self-esteem.
- putting regular relaxation and sleep as a top priority
- Try to meditate
- learning how to deal with the problems of life
- Connecting with loved ones
- being optimistic about life
The way you think, feel, and act on a daily basis are all influenced by your mental health. It also has an impact on your capacity to manage stress, face difficulties, forge connections, and bounce back from life’s disappointments and difficulties.
It goes beyond simply being free of mental health issues to have strong mental health. Being free of sadness, anxiety, or other psychological problems is only one aspect of having a healthy mind or heart. Mental health instead of being free from mental disease refers to the presence of good traits (Smith et al., 2022).
References
CDC. (2021). Mental Health. https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm
Haelth, M. of. (2022). Directorate of Mental Health. https://mentalhealth.health.gov.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=26&Itemid=184&lang=en
Plumptre, E. (2021). Why is Mental Health important? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/the-importance-of-mental-health-for-wellbeing-5207938
Smith, M., Segal, M. A. R., Robinson, M. A. L., & Segal, J. (2022). Building Better Mental Health. Help Guide. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/building-better-mental-health.htm
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