Mental Health is basically cognitive, behavioral and emotional wellbeing of a person. It is basically how you think, behave, feel in your daily life. 10th Oct is observed as World Mental Health Day. This day is celebrated in order to raise awareness about mental health. As the time is changing we are seeing continuous rise in mental problem which people take lightly without realizing that such problems can be life threatening as well. So it is really important to take care of your mental health.
It also affects your ability to cope with stress, overcome challenges, build relationships, and recover from life’s setbacks and hardships.
The WHO stress that mental health is “more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities.” Peak mental health is about not only avoiding active conditions but also looking after ongoing wellness and happiness.
Strong mental health isn’t just the absence of mental health problems. Being mentally or emotionally healthy is really important than being free of depression, anxiety, or other psychological issues. Rather than the absence of mental illness, mental health refers to the presence of positive characteristics.
What exactly mental illness is?
A mental illness is basically physical illness that affects our brain directly it causes disturbances in thinking, behaviour, energy or emotion that make it really difficult in coping up with the ordinary demand of life.
Mental illnesses affect 19% of the adult population, 46% of teenagers and 13% of children each year. You never know people struggling with their mental health may be in your own family, live next door, teach your children, work in the next cubicle or sit in the same church pew. There are various researches that is starting to uncover the complicated causes of these issues which include brain chemistry, genetics, brain structure, or going through some mental condition or heart problem.
If mental illness isn’t treated on time it can contribute to higher medical expenses, poorer performance at school and work, fewer employment opportunities and increased risk of suicide cases. People with mental health condition are at higher risk to premature deaths.
In recent years there has been continuous rise in increase of mental problems like anxiety issues, panic attack, Blood pressure, Depression etc. We are still trying to achieve global development goals in curing such problems as illustrated by the inclusion of Mental Health in Sustainable Development Goals, according to World Health Organization (WHO). However, the WHO feels, not everything is lost, and there is cause for optimism. “During the World Health Assembly in May 2021, governments from around the world recognised the need to scale up quality mental health services at all levels. And some countries have found new ways of providing mental health care to their populations,” stated the WHO.
During this year’s World Mental Health Day 2021 campaign, the WHO will showcase such efforts made in some of these countries so that it’s an inspiration for others. The WHO’s campaign slogan for World Mental Health Day 2021 is “Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality”.
How can we help?
The pandemic has affected everyone in some or the other manner but mostly people were going though mental problem, people with long term health conditions, or facing discrimination or parenting on their own are struggling the most and need more support.
The general perception of mental illness got improved a lot, various studies have shown that stigma against mental illness is still powerful. Due to lack of education and various stereotypes let people attach various stigmas to mental health conditions at a higher rate that to other diseases and disability.
A person suffering from Mental health need to have diagnosis based on a person’s particular pattern of symptoms. For example, symptoms that may indicate a person is experiencing depression include feeling ‘down’ for a prolonged period, not sleeping or sleeping too much, or being unable to concentrate.
Advocating within our circles of influence helps ensure these individuals have the same rights and opportunities as other members of your church, school and community.
We should show individuals respect and acceptance removes a significant barrier to successfully coping with their illness. Having people see you as an individual and not as your illness can make the biggest difference for someone who is struggling with their mental health and is trying to recover.
There are various practices you can adopt to elevate your mood in some or the other way , become more resilient, and enjoy life bit more. But just as it requires effort to build and maintain physical health, so it is with mental health. We have to work harder together to ensure strong mental health, simply because there are so many ways that life takes a toll on our emotional well-being. This will help in the betterment of the society and also the individual.
Socialize yourself with the ones who keep you happy interact with someone who is a “good listener”—someone you can regularly talk to in person, who will listen to you without their own conceptions of how you should think or feel. A good listener will always listen to the feelings behind your words, and won’t interrupt, judge, or criticize you. The mind and body are linked to each other. If you keep your body health and fit automatically your mind will also stay fit and calm. So, keep yourself physically fit and healthy by regularly doing exercise and yoga, dance etc.
An unhealthy diet can take a toll on your brain and mood, disrupt your sleep, sap your energy, and weaken your immune system very quickly. Conversely, switching to a nutritious diet is better for the person as well as , low in sugar and rich in healthy fats, can give you more energy, improve your sleep and mood, and help you to look and feel your best.
There are various method through which person can cope up and can come out of any mental sickness and too further can help others to come out with the same problem. Mental health is one of the major concern issue and it is really important for the people to take care of their Mental state. If you are making consistent efforts to improve your mental and emotional health and still aren’t functioning optimally at home, work, or in your relationships, it may be time to seek professional help.
