MENTAL HEALTH

We have been fairing a million things since time immemorial to adorn our body with the best attires and fragrances, faces with the best cosmetics and routine gym but have often we pause to think and adorn  our mental health?

What is Mental Health?

Good mental health is a sense of wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem. It enables us to fully enjoy and appreciate other people, day-to-day life and our environment. When we are mentally healthy we can:

• form positive relationships
• use our abilities to reach our potential
• deal with life’s challenges

What is Mental Illness?

A mental illness is a health problem that significantly affects how a person thinks, behaves and interacts with other people. It is diagnosed according to standardised criteria.

One in 5 Australians will suffer from a mental illness in any given year.

There are various kinds of mental illnesses. Some of the major types are:

• Anxiety disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar mood disorder
• Personality disorders
• Eating disorders
• Depression

Mental illness is also referred as ‘Psychological disorder.’

What causes Mental Illness?

Mental illness results from complex interactions between the mind, body and environment.  Factors which can contribute to mental illness are:

• Long-term and acute stress
• Biological factors such as genetics, chemistry and hormones
• Use of alcohol, drugs and other substances
• Cognitive patterns such as constant negative thoughts and low self esteem
• Social factors such as isolation, financial problems, family breakdown or violence

These factors can be minimised by a strong and supportive community environment.

Importance of Mental Health

Your mental health can affect your daily life, relationships and even your physical health. Mental health also includes a person's ability to enjoy life - to attain a balance between life activities and efforts to achieve psychological resilience.

How can we be mentally healthy?

Here’s how can you attain  a good mental health.

• Talk about or express your feelings
• Exercise regularly
• Eat healthy meals
• Get enough sleep
• Spend time with friends and loved ones
• Develop new skills. Enjoy what you do and do what you love.