Why Mental Health Is Important

Being a healthy person does not mean only having a healthy and strong body. A person’s health is measured in terms of their complete physical, mental and emotional well-being. “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Definition from the World Health Organization (WHO). Mental health is thus very important for our overall health and well-being.

When it comes down to fever or having a cold we visit the doctor as soon as possible or sometimes even don’t hesitate to take a pill on our own. But when it comes to mental health most people completely ignore their state of mind throughout their lives, living the idea that mental and emotional health is not necessary for them to function properly. They do not even visit a psychologist or get professional counseling when they need the most.

Now the question is that what is mental health? Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects our thinking, feelings and how we act under certain circumstances. It also helps to determine how we handle stress, our relations with others, and make choices in our life. Mental health is very important for peace of mind at every stage of life, from childhood to teenage years through adulthood.

Common mental health issues include stress, anxiety, depression, excessive worry, mood and personality disorders and other psychological disorders. There are several factors that can lead to these disorders such as biological factors, life experiences such as shock, trauma and abuse (both physical and verbal), family history of mental illnesses etc.

Why mental health is important?

• Mental wellbeing and stability can increase your life span

• Mental problems can lead to physical health problems i.e. too much stress and worrying can result in lack of appetite and excessive smoking and drinking. Anxiety causes panic attacks and depression that can eventually result in insomnia.

• Our mental health affects those close to us and has a great impact in our life

• Mental wellbeing results in other positive life outcomes relating to employment, education and relationships

• Mental wellbeing gives peace of mind and confidence in one’s own self that can help in recovery from illnesses

• Poor mental health reduces a person’s level of self-care and wish to live life

• People with long-term physical illness are more likely to develop a mental illness; for example, diabetic people can experience depression

Now-a-days mental health problems are becoming more common than before but help is available only if you are willing to seek it. Out of all people suffering from mental illnesses only half of them receive treatment. A person suffering from some health issue may not even know themselves at first. The biggest help they can get at start is the support and recognition of their family and friends. A mental health illness can be as bad as any physical illness or even worse, only you cannot see it. So, if you see anyone from your circle behaving differently, don’t ignore the early signs. Talk to them and make sure they seek medical help as soon as possible.