Mental Health is not a nefarious concept that might or might not exist. Mental health can be poor or strong – it’s a spectrum, which we move along. The state of your mental health can change in a week, a day or an hour. External factors can impact our mental health, as can biological and emotional factors. More than the absence of disease or disorder, it is a state of mental wellbeing.
Our mental health influences our emotions, relationships, work and daily life. It requires some effort to maintain strong mental wellbeing, but it is worth investing into this vital part of our overall health and wellbeing.
Mental health is universal; every person is impacted by it, regardless of their economic status, gender, or family situation. Equally universal is facing struggles in our lives. Feeling overwhelmed, stressed and worried is a part of the human experience. However, when these feelings become ingrained and we are unable to shake them, poor mental health becomes a concern.
If your mental wellbeing declines, remember that it is a sign of strength to ask for help. It is not weak to seek support from a mental health professional. These people are trained to assist people facing challenging times. You are not alone.
In addition to professional support, you may like to connect with friends and loved ones in a more intentional way. These social connections provide unconditional positive regard, a listening ear, some fun and laughter and can reduce feelings of isolation.
Self-care is essential to maintaining good mental health. Self-care practices such as exercise, creative and spiritual pursuits will nourish your mind and spirit as well as reduce stress levels.
Finally, be kind to yourself. Self-compassion, when we treat ourselves as we would a dear friend, rather than harshly admonishing ourselves when we are struggling, normalises seeking help, taking breaks and listening to our own needs.
Fostering good mental health leads to a more fulfilling life. If you are finding life’s challenges too much, there is support available for you. You are not alone. Consider accessing a mental health service, a phone line or a counsellor for personal help.
