Mental health refers to a person’s state of mental well-being whether or not they have a psychiatric condition. Mental health allows people to use their abilities, be productive, make decisions, and play an active role in their communities. What is Mental Health? Mental health is a term used to describe emotional, psychological, and social health
History of Mental Health
Mental health officially emerged as its own field of study in 1946
- The WHO Constitutions stated that mental “well-being” is an integral part of overall health, even in the absence of psychiatric illness
- Before mental health, “mental hygiene” was a term used in the 19th and 20th centuries to refer to the impact that mental processes have on overall health
- Stigma surrounding mental illness still exists, but more and more people realize the importance of receiving treatment-like psychotherapy-for maintenance of mental well-being
Support
Loneliness is linked with both physical and mental health issues including cardiovascular disease, depression, memory problems, drug misuse, alcohol misuse, and altered brain function.
Impact of Mental Health
The state of a person’s mental health has a significant impact on their quality of life
- Taking care of your mental health allows you to contribute to your community, cope with stress, have quality relationships, and maintain physical health
- Improved mental health is also linked with better physical health, lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes
- Poor mental health can be linked with issues like increased stress, sleep problems, smoking, and substance use
Learn Coping Skills
Learning coping mechanisms for managing stress can go a long way in improving mental health.
Life Satisfaction
A person’s ability to enjoy life is frequently used as an indicator of mental health and wellness. It is often defined as the degree to which a person enjoys the most important aspects of their life.
Stay Connected to Others
Social interaction can reduce our stress levels, improve the symptoms of depression, and even benefit our physical health.
Resilience
The ability to bounce back from adversity has been referred to as resilience.
Help Others
One study found that helping behavior and other kinds of social interactions were linked with reduced stress and even longer lifespans.
- Try volunteering in your community or lending a hand to people in your everyday life.
- Performing small acts of kindness can make you and the recipient of your generosity feel a boost in mood and well-being.
Keep a positive outlook
There are many health benefits to using optimism and positive thinking in your everyday life
A Word From Verywell
There are many factors that influence mental health and overall well-being. Individual factors play an important part, but social, environmental, and financial circumstances can also either enhance or worsen mental health.
Flexibility
Emotional flexibility is just as important as cognitive flexibility
Physical Exercise
Reduces stress and improves mood
- Elevates levels of endorphins, which promote mood regulation and feelings of well-being
- A 20-minute walk will clear your mind and release stress, anxiety, and depression anxieties
- It doesn’t have to be strenuous
Adequate Sleep
Not getting enough sleep can worsen mental health and cause mental distress, especially in people with existing mental health conditions.
- Try adhering to a consistent sleep schedule (going to bed and waking up at the same times each night), limiting distractions, and making sure you get some exercise during the day.
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