Positive Mental Health

BHAWANALAMICHANEY

What is positive mental health, and how can we foster it? Not all positive changes feel positive in the beginning.

Positive thinking doesn't mean that you ignore life's less pleasant situations. Positive thinking just means that you approach unpleasantness in a more positive and productive way. You think the best is going to happen, not the worst.

Positive mental health is a state of well-being that allows individuals to realize their potential, work productively, cope with the normal stresses of life, and make a positive contribution to their community. It's not just the absence of mental illness, but rather a dynamic state characterized by resilience, adaptability, and a sense of purpose. 

Good mental health,  according to the World Health Organisation is defined as a state of well-being where individuals are able to:

            •           Realise their own potential

            •           Work productively

            •           Cope with the normal stresses of life

            •           Make a positive contribution to the community.

Mental and psychological well-being encompasses the way you feel about yourself, but also the way you deal with external situations and the quality of your relationships.

It’s important to remember that positive mental health is not simply the absence of mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Being mentally healthy is predominantly about the presence of positive characteristics such as a feeling of purpose, contentment, maintaining fulfilling relationships and participating in life to the fullest.

Other features of positive mental health include:

            •           feeling positive emotions like optimism, happiness, love, compassion, satisfaction and joy. 

            •           goal-setting 

            •           having confidence in new situations

            •           avoiding self-blame

            •           having good self-esteem.

Key components of positive mental health: 

            •           Well-being: A feeling of contentment and satisfaction with life. 

            •           Resilience: The ability to bounce back from adversity and cope with challenges. 

            •           Adaptability: The ability to adjust to changing circumstances and situations. 

            •           Purpose and Meaning: A sense of direction and significance in life. 

            •           Self-awareness: Understanding one's own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. 

            •           Social Connection: Strong relationships with others. 

            •           Physical Health: Taking care of one's body through exercise, nutrition, and sleep. 

            •           Stress Management: Developing healthy coping mechanisms for stress. 

How to foster positive mental health: 

            •           Practice self-care: Prioritize activities that promote relaxation and well-being. 

            •           Connect with others: Build and maintain meaningful relationships. 

            •           Engage in activities you enjoy: Pursue hobbies and interests that bring you joy. 

            •           Learn new skills: Challenge yourself to expand your knowledge and abilities. 

            •           Be physically active: Exercise regularly to improve your physical and mental health. 

            •           Seek help when needed: Don't hesitate to reach out to a therapist or counselor if you're struggling. 

            •           Practice gratitude: Focus on the positive aspects of your life. 

            •           Challenge negative thoughts: Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations. 

 Positive mental health is a state of well-being that allows individuals to flourish and thrive. It's not just about avoiding mental illness, but about actively promoting well-being and resilience through various strategies. 

It can take time to start reframing a negative mindset into a more positive mental attitude. So be patient with yourself. Just keep going and recognise each sign of progress.

Be kind to your mind and make your mental health a priority today.

(Email: lamichaneybhawana@gmail.com)