Why mental health is important?

Health is important. Many people visit medical consultations daily to know how their body is working, but not only physical health is important but also mental health. In this article, we are going to talk about why mental health is important and what people can do to take care of it.

What is mental health?

When talking about mental health, it must be taken into account that it is more than the absence of a mental disorder. The World Health Organization defines mental health as a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and can make a contribution to his or her community.

A person with good mental health is someone capable of being able to express how they feel, ask for help, interact with others, work, and enjoy daily life. Just as it is vitally important to take care of the body and go to the doctor when a person does not feel well physically, it is the same when a person emotionally and psychologically does not feel well and should go in search of a mental health professional so that can give you the help you need.

What affects mental health?

Various factors affect mental health such as biological, social, and psychological factors. A person who is in a situation where he/she does not have a job and is the sustenance of her family is someone who is not going to have good mental health since she worries about having to look for a job to continue providing for her family. Those who have a sick family member can also affect their mental health.

Any event that the person interprets as negative or unpleasant will affect their mental health in a way where they will suffer symptoms such as sadness, hopelessness, or anguish.

There are also those people who suffer from some type of mental disorder. Their mental health is affected and in many cases not only the person with the mental disorder suffers but also those around them.

Each of the situations mentioned above has different factors of origin and affects each person in different ways. Some people are more prone to the development of mental disorders than others, some people have little ability to face difficult situations and all this affects their mental health.

Why is it important for people to take care of their mental health?

Taking care of mental health is something of the utmost importance. A person who enjoys good mental health is someone capable of being able to enjoy life and face the various situations that may arise.

Some people are physically healthy but do not have good mental health, so they are people who have difficulties to carry out their daily activities such as going to work, cooking, or doing any activity that involves effort.

Good mental health makes human beings happier and more aware of their reality. It allows them to be able to develop as better people and to positively influence the lives of others.

What can a person do to have good mental health?

There are a series of actions that people can do to have good mental health, which are:

Be active

It is important for a person who wants to achieve good mental health to stay active and exercise is one of the best ways to achieve this. Exercising not only prevents physical but also mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression. When people exercise, the brain releases substances that contribute to happiness.

Take a Rest

Taking moments to rest is beneficial for the general health of the person. After a long workday, the person needs to disconnect and give their body a good rest.

Eat a balanced diet

Eating foods that contain the amounts of vitamins that the body needs not only contributes to a better physical but also mental state. Some studies highlight the relationship between low levels of vitamin B12 and depression.

Relate with others

Human beings are social beings and they need interactions for their development. Talking and sharing with family and friends helps reduce anxiety and stress levels. It is also a good way to discuss problems and listen to opinions that may be helpful.

Meditation

For many years, meditation has been something that has taken a lot of force and many people have testified to its benefits for their mental health. Meditation seeks for the person to focus their attention and awareness, something that can help eliminate day-to-day distractions and be able to focus on the here and now.

To practice meditation, the person must find a quiet place, maintain a comfortable posture, focus his/her mind, and take breaths. The important thing is to feel comfortable and free the mind from situations that generate stress and anxiety.

Seek professional help

If the person feels that they cannot help themselves with whatever problems they feel they have, it is time to seek professional help. Given the existence of symptoms related to sadness, excessive worry, lack of concentration, sleep problems, attacks of anger, and others, it is necessary to seek a professional in the area of ​​mental health so that they can help the person to overcome their problems.