Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Mental health can affect daily living, relationships and physical health. However, this link also works in the other direction. Factors in people’s lives, interpersonal connections and physical factors can all contribute to mental health disruptions. Conditions such as stress, depression, and anxiety can all affect mental health and disrupt a person’s routine.
Looking after mental health can preserve a person’s ability to enjoy life. Doing this involves reaching a balance between life activities, responsibilities and efforts to achieve psychological resilience.
World Mental Health Day (10 October) is an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries. This day, each October, thousands of supporters come to celebrate this annual awareness program to bring attention to mental illness and its major effects on peoples’ lives worldwide. In some countries this day is part of an awareness week, such as Mental Health Week in Australia.
What are the signs that I might have a mental health problem?
When it comes to your emotions, it can be hard to know what is normal and what is not. There are warning signs that you may have a mental health problem, including
⦁ A change in your eating or sleeping habits
⦁ Withdrawing from the people and activities you enjoy
⦁ Having low or no energy
⦁ Feeling numb or like nothing matters
⦁ Having unexplained aches and pains
⦁ Feeling helpless or hopeless
⦁ Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
⦁ Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, angry, upset, worried, or scared
⦁ Having severe mood swings that cause problems in your relationships
⦁ Having thoughts and memories that you can’t get out of your head
⦁ Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
⦁ Thinking of harming yourself or others
⦁ Not being able to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school
What should I do if I think I have a mental health problem?
If you think that you may have a mental health problem, get help. Talk therapy and/or medicines can treat mental disorders. If you don’t know where to start, contact your primary care provider.
Ways to maintain positive mental health include:
⦁ Getting professional help if you need it
⦁ Connecting with others
⦁ Staying positive
⦁ Getting physically active
⦁ Helping others
⦁ Getting enough sleep
⦁ Developing coping skills