What is Mental Health, and Why is it Important?

What is mental health, and why is it important? This is the question often asked by people nowadays.

We live in turbulent times and are affected by what happens in the world; the issue of mental health is not just relevant but essential.

It is more than the absence or presence of a mental illness. It’s a crossroads between physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. 

What is Mental Health? 

Mental health is the positive state of the body and mind, feeling safe and able to cope, and a sense of connection with communities, people, and the wider environment. 

Your level of psychological well-being can influence your mood and thoughts and often dictate your behavior.

Everyone has mental health, which could be improved, worse, or fluctuate depending on the person and their present life situation. 

Why do you hear more about Mental Health these days?

For the past year, many people have experienced severe challenges to their mental health.

Along with the health effects of the coronavirus disease, it has led to social and self-isolation, disconnection from family and friends, lockdowns, and quarantines on movement that leads to more people experiencing anxiety, and grief, isolation, helplessness, and depression than ever. 

Therefore, the demand for support services has increased significantly. 

Why is it Important?

Having good mental health means more than simply having a mental health illness.

Instead, it means you can make the most out of your life, reach your potential, and deal with the ups and downs of life.

Remember that it is just as crucial as physical health for living a well-rounded, healthy, and happy life. 

Five Tips to improve yours.

Try these tips to keep your balance or rebalance yourself:

1. Value yourself – Always treat yourself with respect and kindness and prevent self-criticism. Make the time you’re your favorite projects or hobbies or widen your horizons. 
   
2. Surround yourself with amazing people – Did you know that people with solid social and family connections are more robust than those without a support network.
   
   To establish strong relationships, try taking time out of your routine to be with family and friends. Remember that interactions on social media often don’t substitute for meaningful relationships. 
   
3. Take good care of your body – Taking care of yourself physically can enhance your mental health too. _{@Yuri Shevtsov / Shutterstock.com}
   Make sure you avoid smoking, drink lots of water, eat healthy meals, exercise, and get enough sleep.
   
4. Learn how to handle stress – Practice good coping skills. Whether you like it or not, stress is part of life. Take a minute to walk, exercise, or play with your pet.
   
5. Get help when needed – Seeking help indicates your strength, not weakness. People who get proper care could recover from mental illness and lead to having rewarding lives. 

As the world recovers, everyone should continue to advocate what mental health is, why it is essential, and ensure it’s included in universal health coverage. 

Read more:
World Mental Health Day 2021 and all you want to know.
Mental Health vs. Emotional Health, what is the difference?

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