Mental Health in 2023: What You Need to Know

WHO defines health as complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. When we look at health, we often maximise our focus on the “physical” aspect. When, in fact, our mental health significantly affects how we think, feel, and behave. If left ignored, it can impact our relationships, work, physical health, and ability to live a wholesome life.

In recent years, awareness, discussion, and acceptance of mental health have expanded. People and platforms of influence have played a monumental role in making ‘mental health’ mainstream, especially during and after the pandemic. Personalities such as Selena Gomez, Deepika Padukone, Robert Downey Jr., and recent pop culture content dive into various mental health challenges to normalise it globally.

Sneha Foundation, Awarana Foundation, The Live Love Laugh Foundation, and The Ashadeep Trust are positive developments that can help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and encourage people to seek help when needed.

There are many different types of mental health conditions, and they can range in severity from mild to severe. Common mental health conditions experienced by people include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, acute stress, and schizophrenia.

Mental health conditions can be caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, life experiences, and trauma. While there may not be cures for many mental health conditions, but they can be managed effectively with treatment, techniques, and medication.

It is important to note that mental health issues do not equate a disorder. Experiencing stress, anxiety, or panic for prolonged periods where we either dismiss or distract from it also reflects an unhealthy mind space.

It’s okay to seek help for a disorder or to just learn ways to manage your thoughts better. Self-educating through openly available resources, sharing with your inner circle, or reaching out to an expert, can help you understand the next steps.

Just remember that your feelings are valid, you matter, and you are not alone.

Here are some important mental health topics to be aware of in 2023:

• The role of social media and technology: Social media and technology can positively and negatively impact mental health. On the one hand, they can provide us with ways to connect with others, learn new things, and express ourselves. On the other hand, they can also lead to feelings of isolation, comparison, and anxiety. It is important to be mindful of how we use social media and technology and to take breaks when needed. After all, “reel life” is often not the same as “real life”.
• The role of genetics in mental health: Research is increasingly showing that genetics can play a role in developing mental health conditions. This information can help understand risk factors and develop more targeted treatments.
• Tech for mental health treatment: Technology is being used in new and innovative ways to deliver mental health treatment. For example, teletherapy allows people to access therapy from the comfort of their own homes, and mental health apps can be used to track symptoms and manage them proactively.
• The impact of trauma and adversity: Trauma and adversity can have a significant impact on mental health. People who have experienced trauma are more likely to develop mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• The intersection of mental health and physical health: There is a growing recognition of the close connection between physical and mental health. For example, people with chronic physical health conditions are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. Physical exercise is strongly recommended for a healthier mind space. Just a walk can boost positive hormones. Similarly, if a mental health condition goes unchecked, it can show up as physical symptoms. For e.g., stress can cause sudden and lasting aches in the body.
• Non-opioid treatment for pain: Opioids are a powerful class of pain medications, but they are also highly addictive. There is growing interest in developing non-opioid treatments for pain, such as using sound therapy.

The role of therapy

Therapy can be an effective treatment for many mental health conditions. It can help people to learn coping skills, manage their conditions, and develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving. Therapy can also be helpful for people who are struggling with difficult life experiences, such as grief, divorce, or job loss. It is a non-invasive, personalized, and lasting method to maintain a healthy mind space.

While therapy comes with a stigma, its accessibility, affordability, and adoption have increased.

Emotional wellness

Emotional wellness or emotional health, is your ability to successfully navigate the situation you face in life in a healthy, positive way. It’s also how you can learn to adapt and course-correct during difficult times.

Controlling our emotions does not equate to silencing them. Our mind is a powerful tool that can learn how, when, and why to respond. Learning healthy ways to understand, manage, and express our emotions can help us build a better life.

People with emotional wellness can:

• Respond to situations versus reacting to them
• Better understanding and processing of difficult emotions
• Build positive relationships
• Set and achieve goals
• Find meaning and purpose in life

If there were one reminder that would help you transform your daily life, it would be to treat your mental health as important as physical health. We need to take care of our minds just as much as we take care of the organs in our body.

Simple ways that can help you start your wholesome mental health journey:

• Mindfulness exercises such as deep breathing, gardening, or cooking help you stay in the present and calm your mind.
• Treat your thoughts as passing versus as facts. Allow them to be expressed positively, such as through journaling or in therapy.
• Identify activities that give you joy and make time for them daily.
• Make space for physical exercise every day.
• Build a support system and stay in touch with them.

It’s okay not to be okay. We are on a journey, and if you’re struggling with something, believe that you can heal and live the life you aspire to.

Listen to my mental health podcast :

https://rb.gy/eybv7

https://rb.gy/0y6pu

I hope these podcasts help you on your mental health journey. Remember, you are not alone.