What is Mental Health
Mental Health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. We all have mental health like we have Physical health. Our mental health effects how we think, feel and act. It also impacts on how we cope, interact and form relationships with others ,handle stress and make healthy choices.
You may be feeling stressed ,anxious ,depressed have low mood, particular fears or problems coping with daily life and activities.
Our mental health can vary and be dependent on several factors which may include:
- The number of stressors we have
- Our physical health
- Significant life events
- How much sleep we get.
- Relationship with others
- Our diet and nutrition intake
- Environmental, societal, and cultural factors
- How much we engage in leisure activities, hobbies, and interests.
Anyone of any age ,gender, geographical background,race,ethnicity,class,background,religion,ability,appearance ,culture, education, economic status, spirituality, sexual orientation can experience.
No one is immune to poor mental health.
Here are some early warning signs.
- Mood swings or constantly feeling low.
- Lack of care for personal appearance/personal responsibilities
- Increase in alcohols/drugs.
- Thinking life is not worth living.
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy.
- Withdrawing from social activities/spending less time with family and friends
- Disturbed sleep
- Eating less or more than normal or overeating. Losing or gaining weight.
- Feeling irritable ,oversensitive or aggressive.
- Having difficulty concentrating or remembering
- A drop in work performance
- Experiencing recurring physical symptoms such as aches or pains or other unexplained illnesses.
- Doing things that don’t make sense to others.
Maintaining good mental health
- Connect-Spending time developing relationships with your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours.
- Be active-you don’t have to go to the gym but taking part in any physical activity such as walking will help you stay mentally healthy.
- Keep learning-Learning new skills can give you a sense of confidence and achievement.
- Take notice-be more aware of the present moment, including your thoughts, feelings, and body.