How aware are you of your mental health? I was in a just-concluded mental health awareness program. So, I thought to share my learning points which in my opinion are of great value to everyone.
I consider the topic rather timely given the numerous stories of mental health disorders that are becoming a growing concern.
What is mental health?
Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, Can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community
Therefore, to simply put it, there is no health without mental health.
Why talk about mental health?
Research has shown that there is an increased rate of individuals with some form of mental illness. Therefore, mental health awareness has become an important social movement.
This is to both improve understanding and increase access to healthcare.
Furthermore, mental health awareness is important because:
- Mental health does not discriminate against age. That is, it can happen to everyone.
- It does not discriminate against gender.
- Mental health does not select social or economic status. This means prominent people can also be affected.
In addition, studies show that there is a relationship between job satisfaction and productivity.
Therefore, if you do not take care of your mental health, it will affect your output.
You must be conscious and watch out for it because anyone can have it.
Factors that can make you succumb to mental illness.
Unlike most diseases, you can trace a cause but there is no one cause to mental illness.
Vulnerability factors are things that can influence the mental illness. Amongst them are:
- Genetics: This plays a strong role in mental illness.
- Environment: This is also a vulnerability factor. You can imagine a family that is full of domestic violence and disagree on everything. It will take a conscious effort for any individual to survive mental illness in such an environment.
- The work environment also is a factor. Where bullying is not curbed, it can lead to mental illness.
Common mental health disorders.
- Psychotic disorder: This is a perception disorder. This refers to a situation when an individual is hearing voices and seeing strange things.
- Mood disorders: people with these conditions have significant changes in mood, generally involving a period of high energy and elation or depression
- Anxiety disorder: People with these conditions have severe fear or anxiety. It usually relates to certain objects or situations.
Coping Skills
Here are some recommended coping skills against mental illness.
- Building resilience: It is okay to speak out, However, it is expected to adapt and improve on yourself. You have to put effort to build resilience.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Positive self-esteem.
- Mature defence mechanism. Having a good sense of humour.
- Supporting relationships. We all need support.
- Social identity.
- Nurturing environment. This consist of the family, the church environment. e.tc
When do you need to see a specialist?
When you notice unusual things happening around you, it’s time to see a specialist.
Thus, if you notice any sign of confusion, feeling overwhelmed, always under pressure and losing satisfaction, visit a specialist.
Also, look out for a sudden change and deviation in normal behaviour with no concrete reason.
3 tips to promote mental health awareness
When we are quiet about mental health and fitness, we allow stigma to continue.
- Speak up for yourself and be honest about it.
- Learn more about mental health
- Talk to a mental health coach
In conclusion, we should take mental health awareness very serious. This is because it paves way to protecting self and others from being a victim.
Remember, the knowledge you have can save you. Do not die in silence.
Thanks for reading.
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