Mental health is an essential part of our overall wellbeing. It involves our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It includes our emotions, connection to others, thoughts, behaviours, and ability to manage life’s highs and lows. It's about how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Just like physical health, mental health needs care and attention.
Mental Health is not the same as Mental Illness. Mental illness refers to specific conditions that affect our mood, thinking, and behavior. It involves alterations in thinking and behaving associated with significant distress and impaired functioning.
The presence or absence of a mental illness is not a predictor of good or bad mental health. Everyone will experience challenges regarding their mental wellbeing, but not everyone will experience a mental illness.
Some common mental health challenges include anxiety, depressive feelings, stress. Feeling overwhelmed, experiencing persistent sadness, or excessive worry? These could be signs that talking to a mental health professional might be helpful! It’s okay to seek help and talk about what you’re experiencing.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness! If you or someone you know needs support, reach out. You don’t have to go through it alone.
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Take care of yourself and reach out for help whenever you need it. You are valued and important!