Mental health is the state of our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act, as well as how we cope with stress, relate to others and make choices. Mental health is important for everyone, regardless of age, gender, culture or background.
However, many of us tend to neglect our mental health or take it for granted. We may think that it is not as important as our physical health, or that we can deal with it later. We may also feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit that we are struggling or to seek help.
This is a mistake. Poor mental health can have serious consequences for our overall well-being and quality of life. It can increase the risk of developing physical illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. It can also affect our performance at work, school or home, our relationships with others and our self-esteem.
That is why we should prioritise our mental health and take care of it as much as we do for our physical health. Here are some ways to do that:
Recognise the signs of poor mental health, such as feeling sad, anxious, angry, hopeless or overwhelmed, having trouble sleeping, eating or concentrating, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, isolating yourself from others or having suicidal thoughts.
Seek professional help if you need it. There is no shame in asking for support from a qualified mental health practitioner, such as a therapist, counsellor or psychiatrist. They can help you understand your problems, and guide you through recovery.
Practice self-care. This means doing things that make you feel good and help you cope with stress. For example, you can exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, meditate, relax, have fun, socialise with positive people and express your feelings.
Be kind to yourself. Don’t be too hard on yourself or compare yourself to others. Instead, appreciate your strengths, accept your weaknesses and celebrate your achievements. Remember that you are worthy of love and respect.
Reach out to others. You are not alone in your struggles. There are many people who care about you and want to help you. You can also join support groups or online communities where you can share your experiences and learn from others who have gone through similar challenges.
By prioritising our mental health, we can improve our well-being and happiness. We can also prevent or reduce the impact of mental health problems on our lives. So let’s make mental health a priority today and every day.