HONORING WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY 2023

"Mental health as a universal health right."

This is the theme for the World Mental Health Day, 2023. A day celebrated annually on 10th October. It is a day designated to build knowledge, raise awareness, and drive action that promotes mental health. So, how can you honor this year's mental health day? I have some ideas for you.

Do you ever think of your mental health as a right?

A right is something you own, something you deserve. Today, I want to remind you that you have the right to good mental health. In case you don’t know what good mental health means. It means to have emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

To be able to work effectively, manage stress and triggers, connect with others, and feel a sense of meaning in your life.

You have the right to all these and to access the mental health services you need.

Normally, we are more focused and invested in our physical health. As soon as you have that headache, that joint pain, you almost immediately have it checked, right??

Unfortunately, we don’t put in that same effort when it comes to our mental health. We never think that prolonged sadness, demotivation to do anything, anxiety, or overwhelming stress, is something that needs to be looked into.

The fact is, your mental health is as equally important as your physical health. I would argue that it is even more important. This is because mental health issues impact your physical health.

For example, stress can be the cause of migraines. Two, everything starts from the mind.

As much as we are saying that mental health is a right, you have to exercise that right. You have the responsibility to take initiative. You need to take action.

So here are some things you could do to exercise your right to good mental health:

● Talking- As basic as it seems, simply sharing your feelings and what you are going through helps reduce being overwhelmed by stress. A problem shared is a problem half-solved, right?

● Practicing mindfulness- This can be through meditation, breathing exercises, or any other relaxation practice. There are tons of resources on the internet for these practices. You are spoilt for choice on what works for you.

● Move your body- Exercising your body through running, weight lifting, yoga, or stretches improves your mental health. It releases feel-good hormones- endorphins, that help relieve stress.

● Build a social connection- Surrounding yourself with community is important. Isolation can cause depression and anxiety.

● Rest- Taking time off work, sleeping early, and taking naps are underrated ways of improving mental health.

● Seeking professional help- In as much as most of these practices are self-work. Professional help is required at some point. For extreme situations, clinical diagnosis is required. You will need to see a psychologist and depending on how critical the condition is, medication can be prescribed.

If the condition is mild, then it can be managed through therapy. Therapy is an important tool in mental health management.

These are six simple ways in which you can take control and improve your mental health. Remember, it is your right. You deserve to live a happier and healthier life.

HAPPY WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY 2023.

Author: Winnie Kariuki