I’m not sure when I first realized what mental health was. I’ve always believed that physical health was more essential than mental health.
I saw on the news one-time about a man in his mid-thirties (let’s name him John). He was married to a beautiful woman who had two darling children. John took his own life.
According to sources, he was facing financial debt, lay-offs, and the stress that comes with living in this world. He didn’t say anything about his problems. The only option seemed to be to end his life, probably as a tool of liberation.
I understand that you are outraged by this story because the man abandoned his wife and children, but consider this: if he had shared his concerns, many people would have downplayed his struggles regardless of the impact his condition was having on his health.
Here’s when mental health enters the picture. Clearly, John was suffering from a serious mental disorder.
WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?
Mental health, according to the World Health Organization, is a condition of well-being in which an individual recognizes his or her own abilities, can manage with typical life challenges, can work creatively and fruitfully, and can contribute to his or her community. This is a rather broad definition.
Mental health, in a layman’s terms, is defined as a condition of emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It has an impact on cognition, perception, and behavior. It also influences how a person deals with stress, interpersonal interactions, and making decisions.
Even with this definition, in our world, a lot of people, say an approximate of 970 million struggle subtly with mental health illnesses. The causes of these illnesses may be difficult to understand, despite the fact that the meaning is simplified.
Not to worry though. I’ve broken it down for you.
MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESS CAUSES
Abuse in Childhood
Physical assault, sexual violence, emotional abuse, or neglect of a kid while they are growing up can cause serious mental and emotional pain.
Abuse raises the likelihood of acquiring mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and personality disorders.
Children who have been abused may have alcohol and substance misuse problems later in life. Child maltreatment, in addition to mental health issues, can lead to physiological difficulties such as diabetes, stroke, and other types of heart disease.
The Natural World
The state of a person’s regular environment is a significant contribution to mental well-being. Adverse environmental conditions can have a negative impact on mental health.
Experiencing natural disasters personally, for example, can raise the risk of acquiring PTSD .
Consider this: I’m Nigerian. A whole lot of people in this country have PTSD since terrorist attacks and magical kidnappings, bad living conditions etc have become a norm. Obviously, these things can have a psychological impact. It’s a given.
Living in a pleasant social environment, on the other hand, can protect you from mental illness.
Biology
The state of your health may be determined by your biological makeup. Several mental health illnesses have been discovered to run in families and may be handed on to family members.
Autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar illness, depression, and schizophrenia are among them.
Let’s look at the importance now that we’ve learned about the reasons.
For starters, emotional instability and stress play a significant role in mental health difficulties. So, why should you be concerned about your mental health?
Benefits of a stable Mental Health
The importance of mental health for overall well-being cannot be emphasized, whether young or old. When one’s psychological well-being is compromised, it can lead to undesirable actions that not only harm one’s own health but also jeopardize interpersonal connections.
Some of the advantages of excellent mental health are listed below.
A Better Ability to Handle Life’s Stressors
The obstacles of life can be simpler to overcome when mental and emotional states are at their optimum.
A stable mental state might enable healthier coping techniques where alcohol/drugs, seclusion, tantrums, or fights have been used to deal with relationship conflicts, financial woes, work obstacles, and other life issues.
Positive Self-Concept
Personal thoughts about oneself have a strong correlation with mental health. Your self-esteem is influenced by your overall mental health. Confidence is frequently a sign of a healthy mental condition.
A person with good mental health is more inclined to focus on the positive aspects of themselves. They’ll hone in on these characteristics, and they’ll aim for a healthy, happy existence in general. When people deliberately try to bring you down, you’ll have effective ways to handle the situation
Relationships that are more healthy
If your mental health is in good shape, you may be able to devote more time, affection, and support to your friends and family. It’s easier to show up and support the people you care about when you’re not in emotional pain.
Increased Productivity
Dealing with depression or other mental health issues can have a negative influence on your productivity. It’s more likely that you’ll be able to work more efficiently and produce higher-quality work if you’re mentally strong.
That’s a wrap! You’re now aware of mental health issues. When you can, take measures to avoid things that put a strain on your mental health.
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Thank you for reading. Ciao!
