Mental Health and You!

The World Health Organization defines mental health as a state of mental well-being that enables people cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. (WHO, 2022) Mental health impacts every facet of life and paying attention to it can influence one’s life outcomes. It underpins our abilities to build and maintain healthy relationships, get a job and stay in work and live a life that feels meaningful and productive. Every human being exists on a mental health continuum and the unique positioning on the scale varies based on different life situations and difficulties.

Mental health isn’t about the absence of mental health disorders. It is about the ability to live with and cope with everyday stressors and challenging situations. There are various internal and external factors that can make or mar one’s mental health.

Factors that negatively impact mental health include;

adverse childhood experiences, poverty, sickness/diseases, lack of safety/security etc.

Other factors that aid good mental health include; stable relationships, faith/beliefs, physical exercise, emotional regulation skills etc.

A person’s mental health can easily be triggered by adverse life circumstances which triggers one’s perceptions of their ability to cope. The greater the perception that one is unable to cope, the more stress and anxiety builds which can easily spiral out of control if appropriate coping strategies have not been identified.

To maintain good mental health, here are some useful tips;

1.       Maintain a good physical health and well-being

2.       Maintain good social connections with other people

3.       Work on building confidence and self-esteem.

4.       Recognize your values and be authentic in yourself.

5.       If you are struggling, speak to a mental health professional who can work with you and support your mental health.

Whilst there may exist a lot of stigmas in some communities about mental health, the

driver to be strong is unhelpful and counterproductive. Discussions about emotions and ways to healthily process them helps in keeping people safe. Everyone faces similar challenges and when there is openness and vulnerability, there is room to share thoughts and ideas. Mental ill-health impacts each individual differently and there is a collective responsibility to promote good mental health in schools, communities, workspaces.