May - Mental Health Awareness

Mental health is the state of emotional, psychological and social well-being that influences how individuals think, feel, act, and cope with life's stresses. It is a foundational aspect of overall health, enabling people to manage daily responsibilities, build relationships and contribute to their community.

 Key Components and Aspects of Mental Health

• Well-being Continuum: Mental health is not merely the absence of illness, but a spectrum of well-being that fluctuates throughout life.
• Affect Daily Functioning: It determines how people handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.
• Components: It involves emotional (feelings) psychological (thoughts) and social (interactions) wellbeing.
• Lifelong Importance: It is crucial at every stage of life, form childhood and adolescent through adulthood.

Factors Affecting Mental Health:

• Individual: Genetics, Emotional Skills, and Substance use.
• Social / Environmental: Poverty, Violence, and Inequality.
• Protective: Strong social connection, Physical activity, and healthy routine such as proper sleep.

Signs of Mental Health Struggles:

When patterns in thinking, feeling or behavior cause significant distress or disrupt daily life, it may indicate a mental health condition. Common signs include withdrawing from social circles, extreme mood changes, low energy, and in severe cases, feeling of hopelessness.

Difference from Mental Illness

While mental health is the overall state of well-being, mental illness (or disorder) refers to significant long-term disturbances in thought, emotion or behavior that impair daily functioning.

How to Support Mental Health:

• Self - Care: Regular exercise, balanced meals, and proper sleep.
• Connection: Maintaining positive relationships with friends and family.
• Professional Help: Seeking assistance from doctors or therapists to build coping Strategies.

Reference: World Health Organization (WHO) Mental health