As of recent, mental health has become a hot topic in the public sphere. We see it every day – on our favorite sitcoms or reality TV shows, but also on our social media feeds and even in our work lives. While there are many things that do not help this issue (i.e. clickbait-style “7 signs you have depression” articles on Facebook), the topic of mental health is slowly being taken more seriously, especially in recent years.
One of the biggest problems with our country’s general attitude toward mental illness is that there are so many misconceptions about what it actually entails – for instance, people who are classified as mentally ill are often depicted as violent, dangerous people. However, this could not be further from the truth – in fact, mental illness can affect anyone at any time.
As you read on, you’ll learn about what mental health actually is and how it relates to our lives today.
Who Defines Mental Health?
To start off, let’s define mental health. Mental health is simply how you feel and think about yourself, others, your environment, and your future. It’s how you manage feelings of sadness, stress, anxiety, anger, or other forms of mental turmoil.
To break this down further: – How you feel about yourself (self-esteem) – How you view other people and the world around you (worldview) – How you manage stress, anxiety, sadness, anger, etc.
Mental health is a broad concept that encompasses many different types of diagnoses and conditions. This means that people who struggle with mental illness may experience things like:
– Social phobia/anxiety – Depression – Eating disorders – Obsessive-compulsive disorder – Bi-polar disorder – Post-traumatic stress disorder
Mental illness can also be closely related to physical health, especially when it comes to chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Mental health has also been linked to addiction, but this is more often referred to as a separate topic (which will not be discussed further in this article).
Why Is Mental Health Important?
Mental health is important not only for the people who experience it – but also for society as a whole. In fact, mental illness causes more disability than any other group of illnesses, including cancer and chronic physical illnesses.
In addition to being a source of disability, mental health conditions have been linked to other major problems as well: – In 2014, suicide was the second leading cause of death in young people ages 10-24 – In 2010, over 36% of homeless adults staying in shelters were suffering from serious mental illness or substance abuse issues – Many people with mental illness also struggle to find and maintain employment, which can lead to homelessness or poverty – Around 20% of people in prison have a severe mental disorder
Mental health may be an individual problem, but it affects everyone. It is therefore important for both individuals and society as a whole to treat mental illness in the same way we would treat any other serious medical condition.
How Can I Take Better Care of My Mental Health?
Taking care of your mental health is not only important for you – it’s important for everyone around you. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to improve your mental wellness right away:
1. Get plenty of exercise!
2. Find something you’re passionate about and spend time doing it
3. Keep in touch with friends and family – don’t spend too much time alone!
4. Spend some time each day doing things that make you happy (watch a funny show, listen to your favorite music, play a video game, etc.)
5. Get rid of anything that makes you feel bad (contact the seller to arrange a return, throw it away, give it to someone who can use it)
6. Reach out and ask for help – don’t be afraid to let your friends or family know when you need them!
7. Spend time around people who make you happy and care about you
8. Always remember that you are loved and let that love guide your decisions about yourself!
9. Choose to refuse things that may jeopardize your mental health (substances, unsafe sex, etc.)
What Can I Do If I’m Struggling?
If you are struggling with mental health issues, there are so many resources available to help – including your doctor, therapist, and support groups just for people who may be in a similar situation. You can talk all about the challenges that come with your mental illness on an online message board or in private chat.
And remember – your mental illness doesn’t define you! Your personality, interests, and abilities make you who you are. Even if you aren’t able to do everything that makes you feel like yourself, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a way to get better and enjoy life again!
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