MENTAL WELL-BEING:

A quick guide to help and understand the importance of mental health and mental well-being

Mental well-being is a state of mental health that enables individuals to handle stressors, reach their full potential, function effectively at work and in education, and contribute to their communities. It is a critical component of overall health and wellness that supports our ability to make decisions, establish relationships, and impact the world around us. Access to mental health is a fundamental human right and is crucial for personal, communal, and socioeconomic growth. Mental wellness involves more than just the absence of mental illness and varies in difficulty and impact for each individual. Mental health conditions encompass a range of psychosocial deficiencies, mental disorders, and other mental states that may cause significant harm, functional limitations, or self-harm risk. While not always the case, individuals with mental illnesses may have lower levels of mental well-being.

Well-being refers to individuals’ perception of their lives going well. It is a desirable outcome that benefits both individuals and multiple aspects of society. A good home is a crucial aspect of overall well- being. Consequently, it is important to monitor these conditions for the sake of public policy. However, many indicators that evaluate living conditions do not fully capture people’s perceptions and feelings. This includes the quality of their relationships, their ability to bounce back from adversity, their overall positive emotions, their potential for growth and fulfilment, and their general sense of well-being. Global assessments of life satisfaction and diverse emotions, ranging from positive experiences like pleasure to negative ones like sadness, are often integrated into assessing well-being.

Here are four overall health suggestions. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help from professionals if you need further support. Seeking help is a reasonable and courageous decision.

Be kind to yourself:

When one is experiencing depression, it can be easy to criticize oneself. However, it is important to try and show self-compassion, even when feeling unwilling to offer oneself praise or recognition. Additionally,
a helpful tip is to exhibit kindness towards another individual if having difficulty being kind towards oneself. Once accomplishing this, take the opportunity to congratulate yourself.

Exercise regularly:

Taking a short walk or walking up a flight of stairs can alleviate stress and enhance concentration. Consistent exercise has the potential to uplift one’s mood, increase mental acuity, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Follow a healthy diet:

Healthy food definitely includes fruits and vegetables, but remember to prioritize drinking at least 10 cups
of water per day over any excessive consumption. Additionally, having a positive relationship with food is key to a healthy diet. Explore new cuisines, cherish meals with loved ones, and avoid developing an obsession with food. It’s important to educate yourself on eating disorders and seek help if you notice that your relationship with food is negatively affecting your mental or physical health.

Create/Find a support system:

If you or someone you know is facing difficulties, it is essential to find the necessary support. You could turn to a friend or a family member for help. Alternatively, seek guidance from a primary care physician, counsellor, or mental health specialist. If the person you approach isn’t providing the required support, explore alternative sources that better fit your needs.Furthermore, consider ways to be supportive and kind if you know someone facing depression.

Our mental health and well-being are crucial to our overall health and quality of life. Just as we focus on physical exercise and a healthy diet for our bodies, we must prioritize self-care and mental wellness practices for our minds. This includes seeking professional help, practising mindfulness and stress-reducing activities, fostering positive relationships, and engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfilment. By prioritizing our mental health, we can enhance resilience, productivity, and our overall sense of purpose in life. Remember, taking care of our minds is not a luxury but a necessity for a fulfilling and balanced life.