Today, there are many stereotypes surrounding mental health. When you mention the term “mental health,” many people believe it’s about being crazy, insane, or funny, among other derogatory labels. Mental health is the way you live, laugh, and relate with people. It also includes how you handle your work, business, and vulnerability. Permit me to use the phrase “Your mental health is your day-to-day activities. You are your mental health.”
Mental health comprises emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also determines how we handle stress, relate with others, and make healthy choices. All of these originate from the mind, and discussing mental health ultimately involves the mind. The mind is the inner circle that defines a person. Permit me to say, “You are what you think.”
Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood. Your mental health starts developing the day you are born and stays with you for as long as you live. Mental health is as important as physical health, and both are equally significant components of overall health. For instance, depression can increase the risk for many types of physical health problems, especially long-lasting conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. At the same time, the presence of chronic medical conditions can increase the risk of mental illness.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 1 in 4 people worldwide will be affected by mental illness at some point in their lives. That means roughly 970 million people worldwide are currently living with a mental disorder. Anxiety and depressive disorders are the most common, affecting 284 million and 264 million people worldwide, respectively. Other common mental disorders include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
There is no single cause for mental illness. Several factors can contribute to the risk of mental illness, such as adverse childhood experiences like trauma or a history of abuse, witnessing violence, child abuse, and sexual assault. Experiences related to other ongoing chronic medical conditions like cancer or diabetes, and biological factors or chemical imbalances in the brain, use of alcohol or drugs, and feelings of loneliness or isolation, can also contribute.
Unfortunately, many people do not prioritize their mental health, which is a problem because mental health disorders can significantly impact a person’s life. It is essential to invest in your mental health because it is critical to your overall well-being. By taking care of your mental health, you can live a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
Mental health is an ongoing process that requires you to make conscious choices daily. Making mental health a part of your daily lifestyle means incorporating healthy habits into your routine. This may include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and spending time in nature.
Don’t just prioritize your mental health; make it a part of your daily lifestyle.