Let’s be aware of Mental Health
World Mental Health Day is celebrated every 10th October. The day was set up by the World Federation for Mental Health and it was first celebrated in 1992. Each year has different focus, however the primary focus on this year Mental Health Day is suicide prevention. World Mental Health Day is aimed to educate and raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilise efforts in support of mental health.
Mental health is related to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, act as well as determine the way we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. If people experience mental health problems, their thinking, mood, and behaviour could be affected. Factors that contribute to mental health problems including biological factors such as genes or brain chemistry, life events such as trauma or abuse, and family history of mental health problems.
Depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are the five most common mental health illness. In general, there are several signs and symptoms to predict if someone experiences mental health illness. Those signs and symptoms among others include sleep or appetite changes, mood changes, withdrawal, problem thinking, increased sensitivity, apathy, feeling disconnected, illogical thinking, nervousness, and unusual behavior. However, one or two of these symptoms alone can’t predict mental health illness but may indicate a need for further evaluation.
So, you may ask. Why mental health is important?
To answer this question, we need to refer back to our daily routine. Mental health is one of the factors that contributes most to our everyday’s life. The way we think and perceive situation can affect many areas in our life. For me personally, I believe that our thoughts control our action. Let’s say if I didn’t get good marks in my exam; whether I perceive the situation as a way for improving myself or I perceive the situation as something wrong and tell myself that I’m stupid. Between those options, we can see that the first one allows ourselves to be a better person and the other one decreases our self-confidence. Moreover, having a good mental health is not just so we can get through the day, but so we can form healthy relationships with others and create the life we want.
Mental health deserves to be taken seriously. If we cannot cope with any struggle in life, we can always ask for help, starting with our family and friends. Yes, it’s true that mental health is not something that we’re comfortable in sharing but reaching out and opening up to the people that love us can help provide emotional support. Next, learn more about mental health. Find out as much as possible about the condition that you’re experiencing right now, what can trigger symptoms, the best treatments, and how to help yourself. Lastly, talk to a professional. We just can’t self diagnose if our mental health is starting to impact in some areas in our life.
Bear in mind that mental health illness is not something to be afraid of and you are not alone.
“Stay strong, your story isn’t over yet.” – Anonymous