Understanding Mental Health

BHAWANA LAMICHANEY

Mental health is not the same as mental illness

Mental health is a state of well-being that enables individuals to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well, work productively, and contribute to their community.

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood and aging. 

Why is mental health important?

It's an integral component of overall health and well-being, underpinning individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships, and shape the world.Mental health is important because it can help you to:

§  Cope with the stresses of life

§  Be physically healthy

§  Have good relationships

§  Make meaningful contributions to your community

§  Work productively

§  Realize your full potential

Your mental health is also important because it can affect your physical health. For example, mental disorders can raise your risk for physical health problems such as stroke, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF MENTAL HEALTH?

The components of mental health include;

?THE ABILITY TO ACCEPT SELF -A mentally healthy individuals feel comfortable about himself. He feels reasonably secure and adequately accept his shortcomings. In other words, he has self-respect.

?THE CAPACITY TO FEEL RIGHT TOWARDS OTHERS -An individual who enjoys good mental health is able to be sincerely interested in other's welfare. He has friendships that are satisfying and lasting. He is able to feel a part of a group without being submerged by it. He takes responsibility for his neighbours and his fellow members.

?THE ABILITY TO FULFILL LIFE'S TASKS- A mentally healthy person is able to think for himself, set reasonable goals and take his own decision. He does something about the problems as they arise, and is not bowled over by his own emotions of fear, anger, love or guilt.

WHAT TO BE DONE?

It is very important to understand mental health, it’s components and signs and symptoms because it helps person to realize how important their mental health really is and makes them realize to make their mental health a priority, because mental health is more important as compared to other health aspects which includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, it also helps to determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

What can affect a mental health?

There are many different factors that can affect your mental health, including:

Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry, life experiences, such as trauma or abuse

Family history of mental health problems, Your lifestyle, such as diet, physical activity, and substance use.You can also affect your mental health by taking steps to improve it, such as doing meditation, using relaxation techniques, and practicing gratitude.

Mental health change over time?

Over time, your mental health can change. For example, you may be dealing with a difficult situation, such as trying to manage a chronic illness, taking care of an ill relative, or facing money problems. The situation may wear you out and overwhelm your ability to cope with it. This can worsen your mental health. On the other hand, getting therapy may improve your mental health.

Signs of having mental health problem?

When it comes to your emotions, it can be hard to know what is normal and what is not. There are warning signs that you may have a mental health problem, including:

·         A change in your eating or sleeping habits

·         Withdrawing from the people and activities you enjoy

·         Having low or no energy

·         Feeling numb or like nothing matters

·         Having unexplained aches and pains

·         Feeling helpless or hopeless

·         Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual

·         Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, angry, upset, worried, or scared

·         Having severe mood swings that cause problems in your relationships

·         Having thoughts and memories that you can't get out of your head

·         Hearing voices or believing things that are not true

·         Thinking of harming yourself or others

·         Not being able to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school

What should you do if you think you have a mental health problem?

If you think that you may have a mental health problem, get help. Learn about your mental illness.Talk therapy and/or medicines can treat mental disorders. Join a support group. ... 

If you don't know where to start, contact your primary care provider.Your doctor or therapist can provide you with information or may recommend counselling classes, books or websites.

Stay connected with friends and family.

(Email: bhawanalamichaney2510@gmail.com)