As rightly said by Noam Shpancer -
“Mental Health is not a destination but a process.
It's about how you drive, not where you're going.”
Mental health is very important, but it is a long process. We all think that mental health is peace of mind but it’s not only that mental health also includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. We don’t focus much on our mental health. There are many events for us to keep mentally fit, but we think they are not worth it. We focus on our physical health and want to be physically fit, but we think that we are mentally fit. The absence of mental illness does not mean that we are mentally fit. Just as the lack of physical illness does not mean that we are physically fit. According to a survey, one in six adults experiencing a mental illness. Some of them can be between us, some could be friends or family members or may be ourselves too.
Mental Illness causes conditions such as stress and depression which can be severe. Mental health should be our priority. If we look after our mental health, it can increase the quality of life. Science has proven many benefits of mental health like reduction in anxiety, more clear thinking, a greater sense of inner peace, increased confidence, reduced risk of depression and improvements in relationships. Especially in the time of lockdown and COVID it is really difficult to have a stable mind. In this time of pandemic people are suffering from mental and social stigma so it becomes more difficult to have a prosperous mind. The stigma and fear associated with COVID is affecting more people than the disease is affecting.
A problem cannot be solved only by thinking about it or discussing it.
Every problem has a solution.
A person can have better and improved mental health and the solutions could be-
- By being positive and thinking positive about ourselves. Research shows that how we think about ourselves can have a powerful effect on how we feel. When we perceive our self and our life negatively, we can end up with depression. Treating ourselves with respect and kindness. Instead, practice using words that promote feelings of self-importance and confidence.
- We say or hear people saying that "I can’t do anything. I won't win the competition because I didn’t perform well, but they should try". I didn't do as well in the competition as I would have liked, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to win the competition".
- We all should take care of ourselves: We can do the following things
- Eat healthier and nutritious meal
- Drink lots of water
- Exercise, which helps in getting rid of depression and anxiety and improve our mood
- Have enough sleep as researchers believe that lack of sleep contributes to depression and stress.
- Meditation is a good way to reduce stress and anxiety. It helps us in keeping ourselves calm and peaceful. It is proven that different types of meditation can give good results. Relaxation exercises can improve your state of mind and our thoughts. Research shows that meditation may help us feel calm and enhance the effects of therapy.
- People with strong family or social connections are generally healthier than those who lack it. We can make plans with family members and friends or seek out activities where you can meet new people, such as a class, club or sports group.
- Being attentive to work allows us to let go of negative or difficult emotions from past experiences that weigh us down. We should focus at a thing on time.
- We should take a break at the moments when it feels like it is enough or we can’t do it anymore and try to do something else but not whatever was stressing you out until you feel a little better. Sometimes the best thing to do is a simple breathing exercise that can be done by closing eyes and taking deep breaths.
These simple things can help us to get rid of mental illness. I also have mental illness, and these help me to reduce it. These all ways are effective as I use it and recommended to the other's also. Believe me and try it and see yourself flourishing.