When people hear the word “health,” they automatically think about illness or the physical aspect and completely leave out mental health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the definition of health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.
Many of you may ask yourselves, what is mental health? Mental health is an important part of one’s overall health and well-being. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
It’s important to remember that a person’s mental health can change over time, depending on many factors. There is no single cause for mental illness. When things in life become overwhelming, one’s mental health could be severely impacted. For example, early adverse life experiences, medical conditions, genes, drug and alcohol use, economic hardships, caring for ill relatives, and feeling lonely or isolated may cause someone to experience poor mental health.
Poor mental health is more common than we believe. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, more than 50% will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime.1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year and 1 in 25 Americans lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression. 1 in 5 children, either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously devitalizing mental illness.
As I mentioned before, mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health. Mental illness, mainly depression, increases the risk for many types of physical health problems, explicitly long-lasting conditions like diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. For this reason we must take care of our minds just as much as our bodies.
According to WHO, there is a need to allocate resources and provide adequate training to the General Physicians about mental health and incorporate mental health care at primary level. The educational awareness needs to be spread among masses to reduce stigma associated with disclosure of mental illness.
In order to maintain good mental health, you must value yourself by treating yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid self-criticism. You must make time for yourself and your hobbies. Taking care of your body is essential as well. You should eat nutritious meals, drink water, avoid drug use, exercise, and get enough sleep! Exercise helps decrease depression and anxiety and improve moods. Researchers believe that lack of sleep contributes to a high rate of depression in college students. You should make sure to have good connections with people and have someone to talk to, especially about your thoughts, emotions, and feelings. And lastly, don’t be afraid to get help if and when you need it. Remember you are not alone!
Additional Resources:
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP (4357)
OK2Talk Helpline Teen Helpline 1 (800) 273-TALK
Crisis Text Line Text SIGNS to 741741 for 24/7, anonymous, free crisis counseling
Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255
Keep Your Mind Healthy 
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