One of the most important parts of wellbeing is mental health, yet its impact is often underrated, and mental health as a whole is misunderstood and overlooked in society. When you better understand mental health as a whole, and your own mental wellbeing, it can help you when you are struggling, as well as create a supportive community and workplace. When you know more about what is impacted, how, and why, then you can provide yourself with the support that you need and meet your needs, with less stigma. A huge problem at the moment is that people either don’t know what is going on and therefore don’t know what support they need, or they are too afraid to speak up or seek help.
To help spread the word and increase understanding, so you can better support yourself and others, here are some important things that everyone needs to know about mental health and wellbeing.
Mental health impacts everyone, not just those with a diagnosis
Mental health is something that everyone has and is not black and white; it is a spectrum. Whether or not a person has been diagnosed with a mental health disorder or not, everyone will experience fluctuations in their psychological and emotional well-being at different times in their life. When you can acknowledge this, it can help to reduce the stigma. From dealing with stress and managing anxiety to enjoying moments of happiness, mental health is a normal part of being a human being. The more this is ignored in society, the more difficult it is for people.
Mental health disorders are more common than you think
Anxiety, depression, and stress are extremely common disorders in adults around the world. But mental health doesn’t just impact adults; it also impacts children. Children are prone to depression and anxiety, as well as stress from academic environments and peers, as well as eating disorders and ADHD. No one is immune to mental health disorders, but there are those who may struggle less. Having awareness of mental health disorders can help with early interventions and improving outcomes.
Mental health is linked to physical health
Your mind and body are closely connected, so your mental and physical health are going to impact each other. Mental health disorders often lead to physical symptoms such as fatigue, digestive issues, and headaches. It is really important that you learn about the connection and consider both, so that you can treat the mind and body together, rather than separately. When you are moving and active, you will positively support your mental health, and vice versa.
Support is essential
The earlier mental health struggles are acknowledged and addressed, the better the outcomes. Unfortunately, due to mental health being overlooked, misunderstood or stigmatized, it is difficult to ask for support. Just like with a physical illness, the earlier you do something about it, the more preventative action you can take, before it becomes chronic. If you notice changes in your thoughts, moods or behaviours, then it is important to seek help as soon as possible. It isn’t always as easy as this, and things like drug addictions can feel like they come out of nowhere and can feel very isolating. But being aware of the trusted and compassionate support out there, such as drug rehabilitation centres, you can seek the support and care that you deserve.
Genetics and environment play a role in mental health
A person’s mental health can be impacted by a variety of things. For some people, genetic and environmental factors can contribute to mental health. For example, if you have a gene that you have inherited, then you may have a genetic predisposition to certain mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia. Environmental factors can also impact, create or worsen these conditions, such as stress, trauma or substance abuse. The way a person is brought up, their life experiences and social environments will all play a role in shaping mental wellbeing.
Mental health is not a sign of weakness
One of the biggest problems within society is the harmful narrative that mental health and asking for help are signs of weakness or a lack of resilience. This makes mental health a lot worse, as people don’t feel like they can speak up, and fuel more mental health problems by isolating themselves and being hard on themselves for their experience. It is important to know it is not a reflection of you as a person or your character; you just need the right care, understanding and support.
Understanding and addressing mental health is more important than ever. It isn’t just an individual effort; it is a collective one.
