Emotional, psychological, and social well-being brings up a meaning for the word Mental Health. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps us to go through the hassle, relate to others and make healthy and better decisions. Mental Health is important in all walks of life from infancy and adolescence through adulthood. Mental Health is as important as physical health for overall well-being. The significance of emotional well-being ripples into everything we do, think or say.
Being mentally well directs us into an ordered mind that functions in our best interest. You can think, feel, and act in ways that create a positive impact on your physical and social well-being. Mentally well people are in control of their thoughts, emotions, and behavior which makes them self-assured, and happy and gives a more positive outlook that prepares them to face challenges, build strong relationships and appreciate life. There are many ways in which you can enhance your mental wellness. The first step always would be learning to be at peace with yourself and the rest falls in place.
The association between women and mental health is uncomplicated. Our mental health advances are not only a result of our thoughts but also the energy emitted and reflections of the people surrounding us. The well-being of women is considered to be the well-being of society, although this perspective is well-founded, that the health of women brings a positive impact on the general health of the family and then the society. But most women’s health is concentrated on maternal and child health and many policymakers often tend to define women’s health as reproductive health and childcare. The anthropological data points to different patterns of psychiatric disorders and distress among women than among men. This dates to the social stigmas surrounding women. The mental disorders women face grew out of overwork, domestic and civil violence, and economic dependency. Understanding the sources of ill health of women means that there is to recognizing how cultural and economic forces interact to undermine their social status.
The patriarchal society we live in happens to have network effects, starting from subtle sexism at the workplace to violence and abuse we encounter on daily basis. The aftermath displayed in women is tangible as it is not only the repercussion but also the deprivation of confidence. Constant interaction with the misogynistic notions makes women accept the present circumstances, which turns into a toxic mindset of permanence.
Talking about the problem alone gets us nowhere. Hence, we are prone to look at the solution. The network effects won’t break down in a day or two, it will take a silent revolution at an individual level to reshape the society.
To empower girls and women and help them climb back from the dark pit, education is the key. Financially independence and the courage to ask questions will change a woman’s life miraculously. Educated women will be in-charge of themselves rather than be stabbed down by the patriarchal norms. Education revolves around the learning of one’s rights. Awareness leads to assertion. This will in turn help them to shut down any attempt to suppress their voices because a strong mind leads to a strong and equal world.
Mental health and empowerment are intangible journeys with beautiful destinations. Being mentally well and the feeling of being empowered are concepts of individual understanding hence it stands for different definitions and to attain it each one of us will work towards them in a manner we individually want. From standing for yourself to taking uncomfortable but perfect decisions you will get to know that, those paths filled with thorns and spines led you to a garden of strong and delicately beautiful sunflowers.