"You matter"

The importance of your mental health and why does it matter.

What is mental health?

Mental health is the foundation of our well-being, allowing us to cope with stress, achieve our goals, and make meaningful contributions to our communities. In fact, it is often overlooked or dismissed, with many people assuming they can manage it on their own.

This can lead to persistent feelings of anger or sadness without understanding why. Factors contributing to this neglect include a lack of awareness, the belief that willpower alone can solve mental health issues, and the fear of stigma associated with these problems.These beliefs can foster feelings of loneliness, alienation, and powerlessness. Leading people to avoid seeking housing, healthcare, or community involvement.

Why is mental health important?

Mental health is important because it can hinder one's relationships with others and create challenges in both academic and work settings. It can lead to failure in school for young people.

In addition, according to the WHO, individuals with severe mental health conditions often face a significantly shorter lifespan compared to the general population, and are at a heightened risk of suicide and human rights abuses.

Finally, the economic toll of mental health conditions is substantial, as lost productivity far exceeds the direct costs of treatment.

How can we Fix this ?

This can be fixed by improving the mental wellbeing of the individual. This can be done by serval ways such as

1-Build a strong network of support.

Healthy relationships are crucial for mental well-being. They can foster a sense of belonging, boost self-esteem, create positive memories, and offer emotional support.

2- Get physically active:

Physical activity isn't just good for your body; it can also boost your mental health by increasing self-esteem, helping you set and achieve goals, and positively impacting your mood through brain chemistry.

3-Mindfullness:

Being present in the moment, and paying attention to every thought, feeling or minor detail that can happen can fix many mental health issues.

4- Contributing and giving to others:

Studies show that one of the many ways we can improve our mental wellbeing is by giving to others. This can be done either by volunteering in your local community or doing small acts of kindness to colleagues and family members.

5- Therapy:

Seeking therapy such as Psychotherapy for mental health can be really helpful. Therapy helps people get into the root of their behaviors and help to fix them. It can lead to a better overall quality of life.

In conclusion, mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, affecting every area of our lives. It is essential to prioritize mental health and seek support when needed. By understanding the importance of mental health, addressing stigma, and promoting positive mental health practices, we can create a more compassionate and supportive society for everyone.

References:

1- https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health#tab=tab_1

2-https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/stigma#:~:text=Often%2C%20they%20believe%20they%20are,that%20they're%20the%20underdog.

3-https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/five-steps-to-mental-wellbeing/

4- https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-psychotherapy#1-1

Written by Nuha Alrufayi