Because of the salient challenges our society faces these days, including still living in a pandemic, geopolitical upheaval, increasing gun violence, inflation, climate change, and social unrest, the concept of one’s “mental health” has been coming up a lot in the news and especially on social media. So let’s get down to basics to understand what exactly is a person’s mental health, and how it can be nurtured and taken care of, or damaged.
It refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. When a person’s mental condition is troubled, it will affect how that person thinks, feels, and acts. Mental well-being is crucial to a person’s overall health and happiness.
Factors Affecting Mental Health
There are many factors that can affect a person’s psychological health and emotional well-being. Some factors can include:
- Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
- Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
- Family history of health-related problems
- Lifestyle, such as diet, exercise, and substance abuse
Being mindful and educated about these factors is the first step in bettering mental health. Without understanding the factors that can alter or affect a person’s mental well-being, one cannot overcome problems that arise.
Some early signs that a person may struggle with can include, but are not limited to:
- Not getting enough sleep or getting too much sleep
- Eating too much or too little
- Having low or no energy
- Feeling like nothing matters
- Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than normal
- Feeling forgetful, angry, upset, nervous, scared, confused, or on edge
- Being unable to perform daily tasks in life
- Thinking of harming oneself or others
So… Why Does Mental Health Matter?
Understanding factors that can affect mental health and understanding the early signs to look for in yourself, friends, or family members is the first step in improving mental health.
If you find yourself needing help maintaining positive psychological and emotional health, try:
- Surrounding yourself with people who make you happy
- Staying positive
- Seeking professional help if needed
- Talking about your feelings with someone you trust
- Taking care of your body by staying healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep
- Doing something that makes you feel good
Mental health is important and affects us immensely, so stay positive and smile!
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If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, fill out our Appointment Request form. We will work together to set you up with the right therapist at a time that works for you.
