Why Mental Health Matters

The broad field of Mental Health links our emotional, psychological, and social well-being and can alter how we think, feel, and act.

The stability of our mental health can influence our decision-making. It determines how we respond to stressful situations, relate to others, and perceive ourselves and the world we live in.

The thing that they don’t teach you in school, and that many people don’t realise, is that mental health is a common issue in our society.

Almost everyone, at one point or another, has suffered throughout their lives with mental health issues.

With stress, depression, and higher rates of suicide increasing with each generation, the general public are finally coming to terms with the fact that we should be taking mental health a hell of a lot more seriously.  

Here’s what we cover in this guide:

• Why Does Mental Health Matter?

• What Contributes to Mental Health?

• What Are Some Early Warning Signs?

• 4 Basic Dimensions of Mental Health

• How to Maintain Positive Mental Health

Why Does Mental Health Matter?

When battling your inner demons becomes too much, and as a result, your mental health depletes, it takes a toll on you both mentally and physically. Your relationships, goals, and ability to overcome challenges can be deeply impacted, and life can become draining and difficult to enjoy.

That’s why learning how to protect your mental state can not only benefit and enhance your own life, but also those of others around you.

It’s crucial to note that absolutely nobody has ‘perfect’ mental health all of the time. It’s essentially a balancing act that we need to learn to take control of.

When things change, whether it’s in your environment or a specific situation, we need to adapt and adjust in order to find the balance.

I learnt the hard way that mental health is just important as physical health. You can be physically on top of your game, but if you’re mindset isn’t right, you won’t be getting anywhere.

The state of your mental health has the potential to affect your appetite, energy levels, physical health, sleep, and ability to think clearly and make decisions.

Positive mental health allows people to realise their full potential and work to the best of their abilities.

They can tolerate the rollercoaster of stressors that everyday life throws at them, as they continue to work productively and efficiently.

What Contributes to Mental Health?

• Work, school, or home life

• Relationships with others

• Life experiences such as trauma or abuse

• Biological factors such as genetics or brain chemistry

• Family history of mental health issues

What are some of the early warning signs?

• Irregular eating or sleeping patterns

• Removing yourself from social situations

• Low energy levels

• That feeling of ‘nothing matters’ and emptiness inside

• Smoking, drinking, or taking more drugs than usual

• Feeling stressed, confused, agitated, worried, or on the edge

• Experiencing severe mood swings

• Thoughts of self-harming

There are four basic dimensions of mental health and well-being.

Our overall patterns of thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and body reactions determine mental health.

1.     Thoughts

The way you think about an issue can take a big toll on your mental health.

Pessimistic thoughts can negatively impact your feelings and emotions. When faced with a confronting or stressful issue, it’s easy to revert to these negative, self-defeating patterns and begin to judge and label yourself.

Changing your thought patterns can often lead to a more positive attitude for the long-run, and when you feel well, life appears to be more balanced and approachable.

Examples of helpful thoughts:

• I know I can cope

• I choose to do something that makes a positive impact

• I feel grateful for the good things in my life

2.     Body reactions

Body reactions are the simple fluctuations in your bodily functions, such as your heart rate, breathing, digestion, and hormones.

Examples of body reactions:

• Muscle tension, aches, or headaches

• Sweating, hot flushes, or cold chills

• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing

• Lack of or increased appetite

• Upsets stomach, bowels, or diarrhoea

• Decreased sex drive

• Pounding, racing, or abnormal heartbeat

• Feeling light-headed, dizzy, or nausea

• Tinging in hands and/or feet

• Feelings of isolation

• Aggravation of an existing health problem i.e. acne, migraines, etc.

3.     Emotions

A major component of emotion is the way you feel. It can be pleasant, unpleasant, or even mixed at times.

Examples of emotions:

• Contentment

• Excitement

• Relief

• Confusion

• Boredom

• Anxiety or fear

• Frustration

• Embarrassment

• Irritability

4.     Behaviours

Behaviours are how you respond to your environment. Others are helpful, while some are the utter opposite.

Examples of helpful behaviours:

• Breaking down an issue and resolving it one step at a time

• Communicating with a trusted friend or family member

• Eating wholesome, nourishing food to fuel your body. Check out my post here on the Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet and the ways it can impact your mental health.

• Engaging in exercise, yoga or pilates to get your blood flowing

• Undertaking hobbies to distract yourself

• Practising Gratitude Meditation or other mindful forms of meditation

How can you maintain a positive mental attitude?

·      Openly connecting and confiding in others

·      Practicing daily, positive affirmations

·      Keeping a journal or diary to document your thoughts and create a Healthy Morning Routine

·      Practicing Gratitude Meditation or others forms of mindfulness

·      Staying active and exercising by doing activities such as yoga, pilates, bike riding, swimming, jogging, etc.

·      Getting sufficient sleep (7-9 hours for adults)

·      Developing coping mechanisms that allow you to respond to stressors

· Setting Goals to go you motivation.

·      Helping others and ‘paying it forward’

· Start a Stress Journal and figure out Ways to help you Cope when Facing Stress

·      Seeing out a professional opinion from a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist

·      Consuming wholesome, nourishing food to fuel your body. Check out my post here on the Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet and the ways it can impact your mental health.