There’s no denying that the last couple of years has been extremely disturbing for almost everyone. The stress and fear generated by the COVID-19 outbreak has been magnified for many by the limits and loneliness of lockdown and quarantine. It’s more important than ever to look after your mental health in these times and as we move forward. Check on your strong friends, the ones that try to muscle through everything showing very little emotion. I was this person several years ago. It’s Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s chat.
What is mental health?
The word mental health refers to an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social welfare. The World Health Organization also defines it as “a condition of wellbeing in which an individual recognizes his or her own potential, can manage with typical life challenges, can work successfully and fruitfully, and can contribute to his or her community.”
What are mental health issues?
When we discuss mental health, we include both internal and external factors that have an impact on a person’s emotional wellbeing and health. When we talk about mental health, we’re talking about conditions that affect a person’s way of thinking, and ability to cope. We are susceptible to a number of mental health problems, and many of them are more common than you may think. Some of the most common ones are depression and anxiety, every one will either experience or be affected by a mental problem at some point in their life. Sometimes it may stem from a chemical imbalance or it may be situational. We all cope with these things differently; that’s why it’s important to be in tune with yourself. I just want you to know that, it’s ok to not be ok (even when the world tells you it’s not) and seek help or counseling.
Growing up, I do not remember any of my family members ever really addressing mental health. If someone was battling or going through something, it seems as though they figured it out and moved on like nothing happened. Better yet, they prayed about it, while prayer is a primary, you may still professional assistance. There was always this stigma I found in the South which was that if you seek help or counseling you were considered “crazy.” I know that sounds bizarre, I quickly learned as an adult that this was not the case.
There is a large and diverse list of mental health concerns that can impact your brain and daily life. Note that only a medical or mental health professional should make such diagnosis, please no “self diagnosis.” The US Department of Health and Human Services says that 18.1% of the population suffers from anxiety disorders every year. Here are a few examples mental
- Mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD)
- Eating disorders
- Personality disorders
Significance of mental health
Why is it critical to look after your mental health? This can literally be between life or death. Taking care of your mental health benefits your physical health, relationships, and resilience, among other things. It’s also one of the best decisions I made. I’ve learned to identify my triggers and ways to cope with different situations. This has made me better in different areas of my life. If you ever find yourself struggling with your mental health, just know that it’s ok to reach out for help. You got this Sis!
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