We all know that feeling of waking up from a good night’s sleep and still feeling like we could use another couple of hours of rest. You know how it feels when your to-do list is long, and you have messages to respond to and deadlines to meet, but by the time mid-morning hits, your head is foggy, and your energy level is somewhere south of low. 

These feelings aren’t just reminders. They are warnings to those of us who are still figuring out why we must take care of our mental health. Mental health is how we think, feel, and act and cope with everyday life because mental health is the foundation for all the other aspects of life.

Mental health doesn’t refer to not having a mental illness. Rather, good mental health means that you are in a healthy state of mind and have the ability to face life’s ups and downs with strength and resilience and live life to the fullest. Mental health gives you the ability to see the bigger picture, make reasonable decisions, and handle the stress of everyday life.

What is Mental Health?

Mental health is how we handle our emotions, our relationships with others, and our relationship to society.  It includes a wide range of effects on stress management, decision-making, and how one interrelates with others. With good mental health, one would go through situations in life with much confidence and be composed in stressful conditions. When it is weak, even the slightest challenges feel exhausting.

Mental Health Around the World

Mental health problems are very common throughout the world. According to the World Health Organization,
more than 1 billion people[1]
around the world suffer from some type of mental health disorder (e.g., Anxiety Disorders, Major Depressive Disorder, and Stress-Related Disorders) Mental health disorders are one of the top reasons worldwide for long-term disabilities.

Researchers have shown that even very small amounts of early assistance and improvements in basic daily habits can have an enormous impact on the course of these disorders. Things like healthy living, having supportive family and friends, and establishing regular sleep patterns can assist in returning an individual’s mood, energy, and concentration to their ordinary level. The global burden of mental illness can be lessened through a commitment to effective mental wellness treatments, which can also improve the quality of life for millions of people.

How Neglecting Mental Health Affects Daily Life

Over time, mental health neglect causes a person to experience increasing levels of both stress and anxiety. This may lead to feelings of both physical fatigue and irritability toward otherwise minor events, such as paying bills or replying to emails. Some people may experience difficulty sleeping or have significantly decreased motivation. 

A person who neglects their mental health may have both mental and physical impacts. For example, increased levels of chronic stress could result in higher blood pressure and greater inflammation and, therefore, a higher risk of developing certain cardiovascular diseases. Relationships can suffer greatly from an individual’s lack of focus or motivation. Relationships and overall quality of life may also suffer as a result.

Easy Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health

The good news is that small, consistent actions make a big difference. You do not have to make huge lifestyle changes just to improve your mental health. Here are some science-backed habits you can start today:

  • Get moving: Even a short walk, stretching, or dancing in your room may help. Exercise releases chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and endorphins, which are associated with happiness and relaxation.
  • Get plenty of sleep: Go to bed and wake up at about the same time every day. Try not to use screens before going to sleep. That will help your brain to rest and keep your mood stable.
  • Wholesome nutrition: Healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and healthy fats allow your brain and mood to get the proper nourishment. Nutrition keeps energy crashes and irritability at bay.
  • Stay connected: You may not feel quite so lonely if you call a friend or family member. You can feel supported and understood when you can share your feelings with others.
  • Be more mindful: Take a few deep breaths, practice meditation, or write down some things you are grateful for to see your mind relaxed and focused.

When these feelings of being overwhelmed by life become very frequent, you must seek professional help. There is still a mental health stigma around the globe. But you must seek a counselor when you need to talk with someone. Professional guidance through counseling puts ways in front of you to handle stress, anxiety, and emotional struggles. Well-established counseling services in mental health, such as Insight Psychological Group, can also help you establish healthy patterns and resilience.

The Bottom Line

Mental health affects every part of your life. It shapes how you think, feel, and respond to challenges. The importance of mental health, the reason why mental health matters, is not a trendy wellness concept but a matter of living well. If you are able to pay attention to your mind and emotions, you will be able to cope with stress and also live a full life and build better social relationships. Small habits, professional help, and awareness are the keys to better mental health. After all, strong mental health lets one live fully and face life resiliently and with confidence.

References
  1. World Health Organization. Over a billion people living with mental health conditions; services require urgent scale-up .