What do I need to know about mental health?

Grecia De FloresFollow

Nov 23, 20214 min de lectura

Mental health It is of vital importance for our daily functioning, if we do not feel good in this aspect we will not be able to function optimally even if our body does not have any deficiency.

In addition, the mind and the body are inevitably united, so mental health can even change our physical health, which is why it is so important to take care of ourselves in every way.

Nowadays, we are becoming more and more aware of how important it is to take care of and work our mind to be healthy, join us to learn more about what it is and how to improve our mental health.

What is mental health?

This goes beyond the simple lack of discomfort, mental health implies feeling good and mentally full.

So we cannot say that we are mentally well only if we do not suffer from any disorder, we have to work on our mental health to feel satisfied and be healthy.

In general terms, in the state of balance that a person achieves between their sociocultural environment and themselves, guaranteeing their labor, intellectual participation, healthy and meaningful relationships that make us achieve well-being and quality of life.

According to the World Health Organization, it is a state of physical, mental and social completeness, so it not only includes one of the areas of our life, but is directly related to all of them.

Mental health includes subjective well-being, autonomy and emotional potential, it is an integral and essential component of health. In which individuals can enhance the ability to cope with the stresses of daily life, work productively, and contribute to their community.

For this reason , mental health is the foundation of the well-being of individuals.

How can I take care of my mental health?

• Maintain healthy interpersonal relationships: Social contact generates oxytocin, which provides a feeling of well-being, so the support of our friends and relationships with the family is important.

• Avoid isolation: Since it is related to low self-esteem and the appearance of depressive symptoms.

• Get proper rest: It is advisable to sleep between 7 and 8 hours a day approximately, maintain a routine that tells your brain when to rest.

• Eat healthy: Choose the healthiest foods such as fruits, vegetables, vegetables and foods rich in fiber for your diet and avoid those foods that are fatty or excessively sugary.

• Organize your routines: Prioritize the most important activities and take into account your capacity and resources, try not to overload your brain.

• Manage your emotions: Express your feelings, share them with others and do not keep worries.

• Relax: Keep your mind active and engaged in activities that you like and help you relax.

• Exercise: It is very beneficial to practice physical activity at least half an hour a day to keep our body healthy, which will positively influence our general health.

• Set goals: Set short, medium and long-term goals that help structure and give meaning to your life.

• Be positive: Maintaining a positive attitude towards ourselves and our characteristics increases self-acceptance and with it mental health.

How can I take care of the mental health of others?

Mainly if we want to take care of those around us, we must start with taking care of ourselves, otherwise we will not be able to encourage those who matter to us to increase their mental health.

Recognize your own emotions and convey them assertively, in this way we will have better communication with others and we can also teach them how to communicate back assertively.

Organize activities that you can do either in person or online with the people you love the most to stay united, communicated and entertained. This can release the accumulated tensions of the day and connect you with your loved ones.

Also encourage others to have a positive view of things, be kind to yourself and to others looking for the good side. Propose physical activities that cultivate their health and keep them fit.

Likewise, you can also perform activities that require mental agility to keep the mind working. Share your experience with those around you and let them know that you are there to support them in whatever they need, that they are not alone, since they have each other.

And I remember that it is always a good option to suggest that your loved ones request an appointment with a mental health specialist if you feel they need it, emphasize that this is nothing to be ashamed of and that they are counting on you.