Mental Health
What is it and how can we make sure our minds are healthy.
"Mental health" is a common term that has surprisingly been misused for a long time. If you describe mental illnesses using this term, then it is likely that you also use this word wrong!
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So, what exactly is mental health?
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According to According to the World Health Organization, mental health is “a state of well-being in which every individual realises 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.”
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Simply put, rather than asking about "what's the problem?", it focuses on "what's going on?" and "what can we do?"
''Mental health is about wellness rather than illness''
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.
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Phrases such as ‘good mental health’, ‘positive mental health’, ‘mental wellbeing’, ‘subjective wellbeing’ and even ‘happiness’ have been proposed by various people to emphasise that mental health is about wellness rather than illness.
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Physical and mental health are equally important components of overall health and are interconnected. Fail to take good care of any one of them could lead to severe health conditions.
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In addition, 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.
Poor Mental Health = Mental Illness?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, poor mental health and mental illness are not the same things. A person can experience poor mental health and not be diagnosed with a mental illness. Likewise, a person diagnosed with a mental illness can experience periods of physical, mental, and social well-being.
The Benefits of Staying Well
Researches have suggested that high levels of mental health are associated with:
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increased learning, creativity and productivity
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more pro-social behaviour and positive social relationships
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improved physical health
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elongated life expectancy
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Mental health conditions, on the other hand, cause:
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distress
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impact on day-to-day functioning and relationships
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poor physical health
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premature death from suicide
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Always remember: mental health is complex. The fact that someone is not experiencing a mental health condition doesn’t necessarily mean their mental health is flourishing. Likewise, it’s possible to be diagnosed with a mental health condition while feeling well in many aspects of life.
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Don't forget to take care of yourself not only physically, but perhaps cognitively, emotionally and socially!
Tips to Improve Mental Health
So you see how mental health is an extremely important part of life. You may feel frustrated as your mental status isn't as good. But fear not. Remember, mental health is changeable! Here are the small steps we can take to improve our mental health:
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Meditate. Meditation has been found to provide multiple neurological benefits including stress management, improved emotional well-being, and concentration.
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Learn. Just as lifting weights can build your physical strength, learning can stimulate your mind and keep it healthy and active. Take on a new language or pick up a new musical instrument can help increase your mental strength.
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Eat well. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is great for your whole body – including your brain. Food is a great energy source and an opportunity to fuel our bodies. Fish, nuts, olive oil, and poultry all have great effects on our brain.
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Socialise. Socialising regularly with friends and family can boost feelings of well-being and reduce the risk of depression and feelings of isolation. This, according to recent study, helps improve memory and cognitive skills and may even increase your lifespan.
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Sleep. Getting enough quality rest allows your body and mind to regenerate, and research has shown that a good night’s sleep can nearly double your chance of remembering information.
