Your mental health is an important part of your well-being. This aspect of your welfare determines how you’re able to operate psychologically, emotionally, and socially among others.
Considering how much of a role your mental health plays in each aspect of your life, it’s important to guard and improve psychological wellness using appropriate measures.
Because different circumstances can affect your mental health, we’ll be highlighting risk factors and signs that may indicate mental distress. But most importantly, we’ll dive into all of the benefits of having your mental health in its best shape.
Mental health is described as a state of well-being where a person is able to cope with the normal stresses of life.
However, different circumstances exist that may affect the ability to handle life’s curveballs. These factors may also disrupt daily activities, and the capacity to manage these changes.
The following factors, listed below, may affect mental well-being and could increase the risk of developing psychological disorders.
A strong contributor to mental well-being is the state of a person’s usual environment. Adverse environmental circumstances can cause negative effects on psychological wellness.
For instance, weather conditions may influence an increase in suicide cases. Likewise, experiencing natural disasters first hand can increase the chances of developing PTSD. In certain cases, air pollution may produce negative effects on depression symptoms.
In contrast, living in a positive social environment can provide protection against mental challenges.
Your biological makeup could determine the state of your well-being. A number of mental health disorders have been found to run in families and may be passed down to members.
These include conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia.
Your lifestyle can also impact your mental health. Smoking, a poor diet, alcohol consumption, substance use, and risky sexual behaviour may cause psychological harm. These behaviours have been linked to depression.
When mental health is compromised, it isn’t always apparent to the individual or those around them. However, there are certain warning signs to look out for, that may signify negative changes for the well-being. These include:
Whether young or old, the importance of mental health for total well-being cannot be overstated. When psychological wellness is affected, it can cause negative behaviours that may not only affect personal health but can also compromise relationships with others.
Below are some of the benefits of good mental health.
When mental and emotional states are at peak levels, the challenges of life can be easier to overcome.
Where alcohol/drugs, isolation, tantrums, or fighting may have been adopted to manage relationship disputes, financial woes, work challenges, and other life issues—a stable mental state can encourage healthier coping mechanisms.
Mental health greatly correlates with personal feelings about oneself. Overall mental wellness plays a part in your self-esteem. Confidence can often be a good indicator of a healthy mental state.
A person whose mental health is flourishing is more likely to focus on the good in themselves. They will hone in on these qualities, and will generally have ambitions that strive for a healthy, happy life.
If your mental health is in good standing, you might be more capable of providing your friends and family with quality time, affection, and support. When you’re not in emotional distress, it can be easier to show up and support the people you care about.
Dealing with depression or other mental health disorders can impact your productivity levels. If you feel mentally strong, it’s more likely that you will be able to work more efficiently and provide higher quality work.
When mental well-being thrives, your quality of life may improve. This can give room for greater participation in community building. For example, you may begin volunteering in soup kitchens, at food drives, shelters, etc.
You might also pick up new hobbies, and make new acquaintances, and travel to new cities.
Because mental health is so important to general wellness, it’s important that you take care of your mental health.
To keep mental health in shape, a few introductions to and changes to lifestyle practices may be required. These include:
Another proven way to improve and maintain mental well-being is through the guidance of a professional. Talk therapy can teach you healthier ways to interact with others and coping mechanisms to try during difficult times.
Therapy can also help you address some of your own negative behaviours and provide you with the tools to make some changes in your own life.
