How Does Mental Health Impact Our Lives?

There has been an increasing focus on mental health in recent times, but what is it exactly?

Mental health can include our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. But, what does all of this mean?

What is mental health?

Mental health is the ability to think, process information, reason, judge, solve problems, formulate plans, and perceive life events in realistic ways. It affects how we feel, think, and act around others. In total, it impacts our daily life. Some describe it as the absence of a mental illness. However, it is much more than that. Good mental health will have the presence of positive attributes.

Benefits of having good mental wellbeing

Keeping up with good mental health will allow you to enjoy life more. Balancing activities and responsibilities are one step toward achieving a strong mental state. A healthy mental state creates a sense of self-confidence and high self-esteem. It improves meaning in individual activities and interpersonal relationships. We often ignore our mental health issues because we see them as a sign of weakness. However, a mental health illness is just like other illnesses and should not be shied away from.

How to improve mental health

Knowing that mental health is vital leads to an important question: How can you improve your mental health? One thing to note is that your mental state can differ based on where you are. At home, you may feel calm. However, once you get to work or school, anxiety and other unwanted feelings can kick in. The opposite may be the case as well. Your workplace or school may be your safe space, while the home environment may not treat your mental health well. Whatever the case, try following these tips from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and Forbes to improve your mental health in different locations.

In the workplace and at school:

• Promote a good work/life balance
• Manage your time efficiently
• Learn how to cope with stress in a way that works for you
• Make time for hobbies you enjoy
• Take care of your body
• Surround yourself with good friends
• Discuss your mental health with trusted individuals
• Set realistic goals
• Avoid alcohol and other drugs

At home:

• Get regular exercise
• Eat healthy meals
• Practice gratitude and focus on positivity
• Practice good sleeping habits
• Stay connected with friends and family. Make face-to-face connections
• If you are in an abusive relationship, seek professional help; there are resources available to you. Reach out to https://www.thehotline.org/ which can provide a variety of resources to help you.

The role of your primary care provider in mental health

It can be a challenging process to take on your mental health by yourself. Talking to a trusted person, like your primary care provider (PCP), can help guide you. Your PCP is one of the primary resources for mental health. They can serve as someone you can talk to about concerns and can provide you with initial screenings. Depending on your responses and the results of the screenings, your PCP can refer you to a specialist to help treat you. It is important to share your thoughts with your physician to get help early.

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