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The Importance of Mental Health
Elizabeth is a freelance health and wellness writer. She helps brands craft factual, yet relatable content that resonates with diverse audiences.
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Risk Factors for Poor Mental Health
Signs of mental health problems, benefits of good mental health, how to maintain mental health and well-being.
Your mental health is an important part of your well-being. This aspect of your welfare determines how you’re able to operate psychologically, emotionally, and socially among others.
Considering how much of a role your mental health plays in each aspect of your life, it's important to guard and improve psychological wellness using appropriate measures.
Because different circumstances can affect your mental health, we’ll be highlighting risk factors and signs that may indicate mental distress. But most importantly, we’ll dive into all of the benefits of having your mental health in its best shape.
Mental health is described as a state of well-being where a person is able to cope with the normal stresses of life. This state permits productive work output and allows for meaningful contributions to society.
However, different circumstances exist that may affect the ability to handle life’s curveballs. These factors may also disrupt daily activities, and the capacity to manage these changes.
The following factors, listed below, may affect mental well-being and could increase the risk of developing psychological disorders .
Childhood Abuse
When a child is subjected to physical assault, sexual violence, emotional abuse, or neglect while growing up, it can lead to severe mental and emotional distress.
Abuse increases the risk of developing mental disorders like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or personality disorders.
Children who have been abused may eventually deal with alcohol and substance use issues. But beyond mental health challenges, child abuse may also lead to medical complications such as diabetes, stroke, and other forms of heart disease.
The Environment
A strong contributor to mental well-being is the state of a person’s usual environment . Adverse environmental circumstances can cause negative effects on psychological wellness.
For instance, weather conditions may influence an increase in suicide cases. Likewise, experiencing natural disasters firsthand can increase the chances of developing PTSD. In certain cases, air pollution may produce negative effects on depression symptoms.
In contrast, living in a positive social environment can provide protection against mental challenges.
Your biological makeup could determine the state of your well-being. A number of mental health disorders have been found to run in families and may be passed down to members.
These include conditions such as autism , attention deficit hyperactivity disorder , bipolar disorder , depression , and schizophrenia .
Your lifestyle can also impact your mental health. Smoking, a poor diet , alcohol consumption , substance use , and risky sexual behavior may cause psychological harm. These behaviors have been linked to depression.
When mental health is compromised, it isn’t always apparent to the individual or those around them. However, there are certain warning signs to look out for, that may signify negative changes for the well-being. These include:
- A switch in eating habits, whether over or undereating
- A noticeable reduction in energy levels
- Being more reclusive and shying away from others
- Feeling persistent despair
- Indulging in alcohol, tobacco, or other substances more than usual
- Experiencing unexplained confusion, anger, guilt, or worry
- Severe mood swings
- Picking fights with family and friends
- Hearing voices with no identifiable source
- Thinking of self-harm or causing harm to others
- Being unable to perform daily tasks with ease
Whether young or old, the importance of mental health for total well-being cannot be overstated. When psychological wellness is affected, it can cause negative behaviors that may not only affect personal health but can also compromise relationships with others.
Below are some of the benefits of good mental health.
A Stronger Ability to Cope With Life’s Stressors
When mental and emotional states are at peak levels, the challenges of life can be easier to overcome.
Where alcohol/drugs, isolation, tantrums, or fighting may have been adopted to manage relationship disputes, financial woes, work challenges, and other life issues—a stable mental state can encourage healthier coping mechanisms.
A Positive Self-Image
Mental health greatly correlates with personal feelings about oneself. Overall mental wellness plays a part in your self-esteem . Confidence can often be a good indicator of a healthy mental state.
A person whose mental health is flourishing is more likely to focus on the good in themselves. They will hone in on these qualities, and will generally have ambitions that strive for a healthy, happy life.
Healthier Relationships
If your mental health is in good standing, you might be more capable of providing your friends and family with quality time , affection , and support. When you're not in emotional distress, it can be easier to show up and support the people you care about.
Better Productivity
Dealing with depression or other mental health disorders can impact your productivity levels. If you feel mentally strong , it's more likely that you will be able to work more efficiently and provide higher quality work.
Higher Quality of Life
When mental well-being thrives, your quality of life may improve. This can give room for greater participation in community building. For example, you may begin volunteering in soup kitchens, at food drives, shelters, etc.
You might also pick up new hobbies , and make new acquaintances , and travel to new cities.
Because mental health is so important to general wellness, it’s important that you take care of your mental health.
To keep mental health in shape, a few introductions to and changes to lifestyle practices may be required. These include:
- Taking up regular exercise
- Prioritizing rest and sleep on a daily basis
- Trying meditation
- Learning coping skills for life challenges
- Keeping in touch with loved ones
- Maintaining a positive outlook on life
Another proven way to improve and maintain mental well-being is through the guidance of a professional. Talk therapy can teach you healthier ways to interact with others and coping mechanisms to try during difficult times.
Therapy can also help you address some of your own negative behaviors and provide you with the tools to make some changes in your own life.
A Word From Verywell
Your mental health state can have a profound impact on all areas of your life. If you're finding it difficult to address mental health concerns on your own, don't hesitate to seek help from a licensed therapist .
World Health Organization. Mental Health: Strengthening our Response .
Lippard ETC, Nemeroff CB. The Devastating Clinical Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect: Increased Disease Vulnerability and Poor Treatment Response in Mood Disorders . Am J Psychiatry . 2020;177(1):20-36. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2019.19010020
Helbich M. Mental Health and Environmental Exposures: An Editorial. Int J Environ Res Public Health . 2018;15(10):2207. Published 2018 Oct 10. doi:10.3390/ijerph15102207
Helbich M. Mental Health and Environmental Exposures: An Editorial. Int J Environ Res Public Health . 2018;15(10):2207. Published 2018 Oct 10. doi:10.3390/ijerph15102207
National Institutes of Health. Common Genetic Factors Found in 5 Mental Disorders .
Zaman R, Hankir A, Jemni M. Lifestyle Factors and Mental Health . Psychiatr Danub . 2019;31(Suppl 3):217-220.
Medline Plus. What Is mental health? .
National Alliance on Mental Health. Why Self-Esteem Is Important for Mental Health .
By Elizabeth Plumptre Elizabeth is a freelance health and wellness writer. She helps brands craft factual, yet relatable content that resonates with diverse audiences.
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Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Mental Illness — The Importance of Mental Health
Well-being and The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
- Subject: Nursing & Health
- Category: Psychiatry & Mental Health
- Essay Topic: Mental Illness , Social Isolation , Stress Management
- Words: 1714
- Published: 17 May 2022
- Downloads: 377
Table of contents
Introduction, mental health awareness, emotional well-being, psychological well‐being, social well-being.
- Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aginglifecarejournal.org/health-effects-of-social-isolation-and-loneliness/.
- Top of Form Mental Health Myths and Facts https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/mental-health-myths-facts
- Mental Health Care Services by Family Physicians Position Paper. American Academy of Family Physicians Web site. http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/policy/policies/m/mentalhealthcareservices.htm. Accessed February 11, 2013. [Google Scholar]
- Newman, T. (2017, August 24). Mental health: Definition, common disorders, and early signs. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154543.php.
- Bottom of Form Rodriguez, B. D., Hurley, K., Upham, B., Kilroy, D. S., Dark, N., & Abreu, E (n.d.).Happiness and Emotional Well-Being. Retrieved from https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/understanding/index.aspx.
- World Health Organization. The Global Burden of Disease, 2004 Update. Part 4, Burden of Disease, DALYs. http://www.who.int/healthinfo/global_burden_disease/GBD_report_2004update_full.pdf . Accessed January 10, 2013. [Google Scholar]
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Why is Mental Health Important?
(Note: This article discusses suicide and other serious issues pertaining to mental health.)
Whether through a minor bump in your journey or a full-blown crisis, you may have struggled with your mental health in some capacity in the last few years. Faced with a seemingly endless onslaught of bad news on top of life’s usual challenges, it can be difficult to prioritize yourself while pursuing educational and professional goals. Focusing on your mental health is perhaps the most powerful step you can take to improve your overall quality of life.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 1 in 5 adults now lives with a moderate to severe mental health condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) further notes that over 50% of Americans will be diagnosed with mental illness in their lifetime. But what exactly is mental health, and why is it so important?
What is Mental Health?
“When in a state of good mental health, a person has a general positive outlook, can accomplish daily tasks, maintain relationships and engage in meaningful recreation,” said Dr. Darleen Dempster , a Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) clinical faculty member in the clinical mental health counseling program . “This includes a sense of balance and empowerment to set boundaries and address life and work goals, step by step.”
In addition to the impact that mental health has on your day-to-day life, serious mental health issues can affect your relationships, career, education and long-term goals. As rates of mental illness increase worldwide, addressing your mental health challenges as they arise can change —or even save — your life.
Why is Mental Health Important for Students?
The World Heath Organization (WHO) reports a sharp rise in the number of people experiencing mental illness in recent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating mental health problems throughout the world. For students, it is more important than ever to address your mental health issues to stay mentally healthy and keep up with your educational and personal goals.
Even before the pandemic, mental health was a prominent concern for students. In 2019, the National College Health Assessment (NCHA) noted that many students reported feeling exhausted, lonely and overwhelmed, among other symptoms and difficulties ( NCHA PDF Source ). Of the surveyed students, 20.2% reported experiencing depression and 27.8% reported experiencing anxiety that affected their studies in the preceding year.
“College can be a stressful time as you manage academic demands on top of other life demands,” Dempster said. “However, just as many students can learn to be successful academically, you can also learn to manage and improve mental health outcomes, including managing stress.”
Ways to Cope with Stress
Stress management can be a vital aspect of student success, especially for busy students who may also be working or caring for others. Dempster and the CDC recommend several methods to help manage stress:
- Adequate sleep
- Avoidance of alcohol and substance abuse
- Breaking down large tasks into smaller, more manageable tasks
- Cultivating healthy relationships
- Eating well
- Meditation, breathing exercises and other self-care activities
“At times, it is necessary also to set boundaries, to communicate needs, to be flexible to changing circumstances and to let go of perfectionistic standards,” Dempster said. “There should be no shame in seeking out mental health care as needed, just as one would not feel shame in seeking medical care for a persistent medical issue.”
Some colleges have free, real-time mental health services for students—for example, students at SNHU can access the school’s HelpU program. If you are a student struggling with mental health, look into what resources are available through your school.
How is Mental Health Connected to Physical Health?
The NIMH reports that some mental illnesses like depression and anxiety can cause physical symptoms that are otherwise unexplained. The CDC also reports that mental illness can increase the risk of diabetes, stroke and heart disease and has recognized that severe mental illness can increase the likelihood of a person becoming seriously ill after contracting COVID-19. At the same time, chronic physical health issues can also contribute to mental health issues.
“Factors like proper diet, sleep and exercise can positively impact our mental health. Conversely, lack of sleep, poor diet and lack of exercise can impede our ability to manage stress and life’s demands,” Dempster said. “Sometimes mental health symptoms can lead to somatic symptoms due to tension, worrisome thoughts or other reactions. Therefore, there is a circular loop between mental and physical symptoms.”
What Are Examples of Mental Health Problems?
Mental health problems can affect your life in various ways, depending upon the issue or disorder. The following are examples of different mental health problems and their corresponding challenges and symptoms.
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety disorders are a leading mental health issue globally, and the NIMH approximates that almost 1 in 3 people will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. Symptoms of anxiety can range from tenseness or nervousness to panic attacks and physical illness. Anxiety can refer to generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, separation anxiety, specific phobias and other anxiety-based disorders.
Depression is another common disorder with the capacity to severely impact a person’s life, according to NIMH. Symptoms typically include persistent sadness, emptiness, irritability, impaired motivation, guilt or feelings of low self-worth. People with depression also may have difficulties focusing, aches, pains, digestive issues or changes in their sleep and eating habits.
Some of the most serious symptoms of depression are suicidal thoughts and actions. Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States overall—yet it is the 2nd leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10-14 and 24-34 and the 3rd leading cause of death for Americans 15-24 years old, per the NIMH. The CDC reports that suicide rates rose 30% between 2000 and 2020.
Trauma and Addiction
The psychological impact of a traumatic event or experience can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, unwanted memories, nightmares and panic attacks. Although the disorder is often associated with war veterans, a wide variety of traumatic experiences can lead to PTSD, like assault, abuse, serious accidents and loss.
Addiction is another mental health concern that has been on the rise in recent years, with drug overdose deaths having rapidly increased since the 1990s according to the CDC. Alcohol is the most abused substance, with 5.3% of deaths worldwide attributed to alcohol consumption, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Addiction is a complex disease that many are only able to overcome with professional help.
Other Disorders
Psychotic disorders are among the most stigmatized in our society, which only serves to further alienate people living with psychosis and seeking treatment, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Psychosis is defined as a disconnect from reality by way of auditory/visual hallucinations, disorganized thinking or delusions. Some psychotic disorders include schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder . Despite misconceptions regarding psychosis and violence, the World Psychiatry Journal notes that experiencers of psychosis are far more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators.
Other common psychiatric disorders include Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, personality disorders like borderline personality disorder, and mood disorders like bipolar disorder . Each mental health disorder has its own set of challenges—and its own set of treatments.
What Are Warning Signs and Risk Factors of Mental Illness?
Some mental illnesses may be hereditary, while others are developed. Dempster notes a variety of warning signs that signal mental health issues as well as additional risk factors that can lead to mental health problems.
Some warning signs of mental illness are:
- Appetite changes
- Disruption of sleep
- Engaging in risky behaviors (self-harm, sexual acting out, disordered eating or other compulsive behaviors)
- Mental distress (worrisome thoughts, tension, insecurity)
- Negative impacts on relationships (isolating, arguing, etc.)
- Substance abuse
- Suicidal thoughts
Other risk factors of mental illness include:
- Adverse childhood experiences
- Past or present trauma
- Present or past experiences of being abused or assaulted
- Sudden loss
If you are experiencing warning signs of mental illness, consider reaching out to a professional for help. If someone you know is struggling with any of these symptoms, Dempster recommends the “QPR” approach.
“A great way to help a loved one into care is to remember the acronym QPR, which stands for Question, Persuade, Refer,” Dempster said. “ Question : Directly ask the individual you are concerned about how they are doing, sharing your care and concern. Persuade: Talk to the person about the benefits of seeking out care with a mental health professional who can provide support and resources to address overwhelming thoughts and feelings. Refer: Support the individual in seeking out care by helping them to find available care, helping them to make an appointment or even taking them to the appointment.”
What Mental Health Treatments and Resources Are Available?
A variety of treatment options exist for different mental health issues. “There are times that some mental health problems can be treated by increasing self-care, accessing one’s support system and by careful problem-solving and communication,” Dempster said. “However, there are other times that professional mental health care, including therapy, medication or some other form of treatment offered by a professional can help to address mental health problems much more expediently through evidence-based methods.”
Many patients visit multiple mental health providers–for example, seeing a psychiatrist regarding medications and a therapist for more frequent counseling sessions. Consult the Mayo Clinic’s guide to finding a mental health provider , and reach out to your health insurance provider to find mental health services near you. You can also use Psychology Today’s expansive directory to help locate a provider in your area, and Findtreatment.gov offers a substance abuse treatment locator tool. For serious mental health concerns, The National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has an early serious mental health treatment locator tool to find treatment centers in the United States.
“Historically, there has been a stigma with seeking mental health care that is not evident in seeking care for physical problems, and this stigma prolonged the suffering of many needlessly and has even cost lives,” Dempster said. “Seeking out care for mental health concerns is a sign of strength and there is robust evidence that demonstrates that mental health care is effective.”
If you or someone you know needs help now, consult these resources or contact a professional mental health provider. In the event of an emergency, please call 911.
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline : 988
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration : 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention
- Veterans Crisis Line
- National Strategy for Suicide Prevention
Mars Girolimon '21 is a writer and student at Southern New Hampshire University, pursuing a master's in English and creative writing. Connect with them on LinkedIn .
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About southern new hampshire university.
SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone.
Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs . Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.
A Helping Hand: An Essay On The Importance Of Mental Health Parity
By: Sydney Waltner
More than half of all Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness in their lifetime. But not everyone will receive the help they need. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, only forty percent of adults and fifty percent of youth receive the medical help they need. Even though mental illness is common and can affect anyone, there is still a great stigma attached. This stigma creates reluctance and shame in seeking help. The acceptance and understanding of mental illnesses has come a far way from where it used to be, but improvements can, and should still be made.
Mental illnesses should not be thought of any differently from physical illnesses. In fact, I believe the two are inseparable. Because the whole body is connected and interwoven, the two cannot be separated. The brain is an organ just like everything else in the body and can be hurt like everything else. When the brain is ill, it is not isolated in just the brain, but instead affects the whole body and the overall wellness. Substance abuse, self-harm, and suicide are very common and dangerous in those with mental illnesses. The stigma surrounding mental illness keeps people from getting the help they need to get better and causes them to hide their pain.
For three years I was one of those people hiding my illness. I was quietly suffering from depression and an eating disorder. My whole day revolved around my eating disorder and hiding it from everyone. This caused a lot of sadness, anger, and loneliness. I not only hid it from others, but I also tried to hide it from myself. I tried to convince myself that nothing was wrong because I did not fully understand what was happening. I did not know what was making me hurt myself and why I could not stop. As my weight was decreasing, my sadness and anger were quickly increasing. I became so mad and upset at everyone and everything. The stress and pressure of holding everything in caused me so much misery. If something small happened, it became too much to handle and I had to release it somehow. The only way I could think of to handle this was to hit myself and other things until I forgot about all my pain. By this time, it was impossible to hide my illness, and my family finally found out my deep secret. They did not want to see me suffer like that and wanted to help. They tried their hardest to help, but they just did not know how to help me. They tried to get me to go see somebody and get help, but I refused. I was scared of admitting that I had a mental illness and that I needed help. I was worried that people would judge me, treat me differently, or even bully me if they found out about my mental illness. So, I refused to get any help. I insisted that I was okay and could fix it myself. After a while of getting worse, my parents made me an appointment and told me I was going to get help. I remember crying and begging my mother to not make me go, but she did, and I am so grateful to her now.
For almost a year now I have been going to see a mental health counselor once a week. It took me a while to open up to her and tell her how I felt. But when I realized she was there for me and did not judge me, I was finally able to let her help me. Looking back now, I cannot believe how sick and miserable I was. I cannot imagine how my life would be if I had not received her help. I cannot express how grateful I am to her. She has changed my life for the better, I am so much happier and healthier now and look forward to living.
Receiving help is the most important thing anyone can do for themselves. But unfortunately, the stigma keeps people from getting help. Mental illness should not be something to be ashamed about or thought of differently. When mental illness is treated equally to other illnesses, more people will have the courage to get help and better their lives.
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Depression is an agonizing experience, yet it can be imperceptible from outside. “Unfortunately, people are not transparent; you cannot look into their heads to see what they are thinking or feeling. You might not notice that what you are seeing could be the person’s cry for help” (Hittelman 1). No matter how close two people are, it is difficult to grasp what the other is thinking. Without any obvious hints, one can easily overlook a depression. “Million of people suffer from depression, yet many are putting on a brave face” (Mayoh 1). Instead of accepting proper treatment, some people camouflage their depression under a cheery
Essay On Mental Health Stigma
Stigmatization of mental illness existed well before psychiatry became a formal discipline, but was not formally labeled and defined as a societal problem until the publication of Goffman’s book (1963). Mental illnesses are among the most stigmatizing conditions, regardless of the specific psychiatric diagnosis. Unlike other illnesses, mental illness is still considered by some to be a sign of weakness, as well as a source of shame and disgrace. Many psychiatric patients are concerned about how people will view them if knowledge of their condition becomes public
Persuasive Speech On Mental Illness
Generally when people think if the word illness they think of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, hemophilia, etc. These are all physical illnesses. Not many people realize that mental illnesses are also just as impactful on lives. One in four people suffer from mental disorder today, however few receive help; only 50% of the ill receive proper treatment. One in four people is a pretty large ratio. These people could be your family or friends, and the fact that many of them are not able to receive the proper treatment that they require should be alarming. Mental illness affects more lives than one would expect and this epidemic could be easily solved if mental healthcare were to be more accessible. Currently, The United States spends as little $113 billion on mental health treatment. That works out to about 5.6 percent of the national health-care spending, according to a 2011
Mental Health Persuasive Speech Outline
Why is it so hard to say “I am fighting depression,” and so easy to say “my show got cancelled, I’m so depressed”? The first is looked down upon, and the second is seen as more acceptable. Many people misuse mental illnesses and use them as adjectives, whether on purpose or not. For example, people say, “the way you organize the books on your desk is so neat! You’re so OCD!” Or: “She’s like … anorexic skinny!” Or: “The weather is so bipolar today!”
Persuasive Essay About Mental Health Care
One in ten children and adolescents will experience a period of major depression (“Mental Health Myths and Facts”). Many avoid the topic of mental health like the plague. In truth, people should be able to talk about mental illness and its repercussions on society and the individual. A minority of those affected with mental illnesses get help. Therefore, it is important to discuss possible solutions to helping those who suffer get treatment. Mental health plays a huge role in the everyday lives of people and their physical health. While some think that mental health services are not important, should not be provided to many, and should not be available in schools, mental health care should be available to all who need it for free and be available in schools. Free mental health can help those struggling and the public be aware of the issues, help those get the help they need, protect the individual and
Essay On Mental Health Issues
Mental disorders are commonly misconceived as Wyatt Fisher, a Colorado-based licensed psychologist implied in an interview with The Cheat Sheet; “People tend to view mental illness as a sign of weakness that people should just be able to ‘get over’, and many view it as a title given to those who are just ‘crazy’”. At one point mental health was a
Essay On Mental Health Awareness
While the topic of mental health awareness has recently been introduced, the roots of mental illnesses run deep into history. Mental illnesses, also called mental disorders, are a wide range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. Many people with mental illnesses are now fighting to increase awareness of disorders like depression and anxiety, and some argue that the best way to educate about mental illnesses is to teach about it in school. By educating about mental illnesses in schools, activists are hoping to increase understanding about the topic and prevent teenagers who have mental illnesses from feeling alone.
More about Essay On Importance Of Mental Health
Related topics.
- Mental disorder
- Major depressive disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
Importance of Mental Health Essay Sample
Mental health issues have been more accepted by society today than in past generations. Now, people who struggle with mental health can have easier access to the help they need. This response to mental health allows people to receive help such as therapy or medication without shame or judgment from our society. Even with more acceptance people today seem to struggle more with anxiety and depression. What is more shocking is anxiety is the number one mental health issue instead of depression. It is also important to remember that there is no shame in needing help for your mental health. Many people struggle in silence, and this will not fix the issue or help long-term. Many causes affect our mental health such as social media, quarantine, stress from school and work, etc. These effects can make people’s mental health suffer such as someone developing depression after being in quarantine. Society needs to identify and acknowledge mental health issues. Mental health is extremely important and needs to be taken care of like any other health issue.
In 2020 a world pandemic happened from a disease called Coronavirus or Covid-19 that spread rapidly. This eventually led to everyone having to quarantine which meant that people could not leave their house unless it was for necessities such as grocery shopping. This lockdown was the main cause of an increase in mental health issues. With the virus being so unknown this left many people uneasy about the future and caused extreme amounts of anxiety. The schools were put online, and people could not see their family or friends so they could protect everyone from the virus. While quarantine was necessary to do for people’s safety being in lockdown caused mental health issues to skyrocket. Not only was it difficult for everyone not to be able to see people they cared about, but the only way also to have connections with people was online. This caused people to feel depressed, anxious, and have other mental health issues. Which was difficult because the pandemic made it hard to get help for mental health issues.
Another issue was that people struggled with their mental health. It was also hard to find someone who could take you in for an appointment. Personally, when I was struggling with my mental health it took me three months to get in for an appointment with a psychiatrist because there was a long waitlist before anyone could see the psychiatrist. Many people also had that experience and struggled to get an appointment for the help that they needed. Which was also challenging because everything was online and the only way to see a therapist or psychiatrist was online.
Quarantining made many people feel isolated and it made them anxious about the future. Now that many Covid-19 restrictions are being lifted it is strange to get used to the fact that we may be going back to the way things used to be. Even though some people may be hopeful of the future it is quite troubling that we still do not know what may happen. This uncertainty and stress can affect people’s mental health for the worse. Prolonged periods of stress can even affect your immune system. While stress does not make you sick it can make your immune system weaken and that can lead to you being more prone to getting sick. A weakened immune system is not good to have, especially during a pandemic. It is important to talk about how Covid-19 affected people’s mental health because our mental health can also affect our physical health. While it is scary that we are still learning about this disease, many people have lost loved ones to Covid-19. Losing someone that you love is hard, especially when you cannot say goodbye. When people were hospitalized for Covid-19 they could not have visitors to prevent the spread of the disease. This can lead to depression and the struggles of going through the five stages of grief which is the process that people deal with grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance). People now after lockdown tend to struggle more with socializing, the reason for this is that people did not have to talk to people in person. Instead of having to confront people in person during quarantine, they would send an email or text. Which is the reason many people now struggle more than ever with social anxiety.
Since quarantine prevented people from leaving their homes online school also affected people's mental health. Most people in public school were not used to or prepared for this new way of learning. This made people feel stressed and even lose motivation to do their schoolwork. I remember when I was in my senior year of high school, my psychology teacher talked about how online school is causing many kids to drop out of school. This was upsetting to hear that so many people struggled with this change. Schools were already stressful but online schools had different issues. Many students struggled with adapting to this change distance learning was new to both students and teachers at public schools. I remember when I did distance learning in high school it was incredibly stressful for me because it seemed like no one knew what to do. Many of my teachers did not know how to work with technology and it made school even more challenging. I felt like I had to do more work and the stuff that I was learning was not clicking. Now that in-person learning is back many people are excited to go back but other people worry about if that will change with the uncertainty of Covid-19. The amount of stress that Covid-19 has caused people is not healthy and has a negative impact on people’s mental health.
Covid-19 also affected people’s jobs with lockdown people either had to work at home or they lost their jobs. 2020 was an extremely stressful time for people in the workforce. Some people still had to go to work in person with the fear of getting Covid-19 and spreading it to a loved one. Others had to work at home not being certain what would happen with their job. Sadly, many people also lost their jobs at this tough time. This caused people to get anxiety or anxious about the future. Since Covid-19 was such a stressful time this led to many people developing depression or anxiety.
With phones and a fast-paced society, people feel more pressure to keep up with our new world. This causes many people to suffer from mental health issues. As someone who struggles with anxiety and depression, it is difficult to deal with how fast everything is. We get fast gratification from social media we scroll through our feeds hoping to find satisfaction. Instead, we find ourselves anxious and sometimes depressed that we are not living our lives like the social media influencers. We talk to our friends online instead of in-person and while internet friends' fantastic way to meet new people it is also important to have friends to meet up with in person. When you meet with people in person it allows you to get out and away from your device which can help improve mental health. Another issue is how easy it is for people to edit their photos online, which is especially harmful to younger audiences. We view these beautiful photos of models on Instagram, wishing to look like them even though they may not even look like their photos. Editing is harmful to both viewers' and posters’ mental health since it is impossible to look the way of the edited photos. Photos of people that are edited can cause issues such as body dysmorphia or depression. I remembered when I was in middle school and high school wondering why I did not look as beautiful as these models online. Now I know that editing is a huge reason. Sadly, many people do not realize that the photos online are edited. People tend to want to look like what society deems as the beauty standard. With editing, the beauty standard has gotten more unrealistic to be almost impossible. This is detrimental to people’s mental health and can cause body dissatisfaction or dysmorphia. Some people may even try to achieve these standards with plastic surgery and even then, they may not even fit the beauty standard.
Mental health is essential and knowing what can cause people to struggle with their mental health is also important. If we know what is causing the issue that someone has it is also easy to find a solution. Whether it is that the person may need therapy or medication, knowing the cause can help determine which one is needed to treat the issue. As stated, earlier social media affects people’s mental health because it is unrealistic, for example, Instagram influencers. Influencers on social media platforms tend to edit their photos which a lot of time is unknown to their audience. This can cause people, especially younger audiences to feel self-conscious in the way they look and even in worse case scenarios cause body dysmorphia. While the influencer may not think they are causing harm it is harmful to audiences when they do not know that a photo is edited and that it is not possible to look like the photo. To fix this problem influencers should disclose when they edit a photo that they post to prevent a negative impact on people’s mental health. It is also essential for us to talk about the effects of Covid-19 and lockdown on people’s mental health. This period was stressful and challenging for many people, which affected people’s mental health. If we do not address these issues that damage people’s mental health and fix them this can negatively affect our culture in the future.
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- Mental Health Essay
Essay on Mental Health
According to WHO, there is no single 'official' definition of mental health. Mental health refers to a person's psychological, emotional, and social well-being; it influences what they feel and how they think, and behave. The state of cognitive and behavioural well-being is referred to as mental health. The term 'mental health' is also used to refer to the absence of mental disease.
Mental health means keeping our minds healthy. Mankind generally is more focused on keeping their physical body healthy. People tend to ignore the state of their minds. Human superiority over other animals lies in his superior mind. Man has been able to control life due to his highly developed brain. So, it becomes very important for a man to keep both his body and mind fit and healthy. Both physical and mental health are equally important for better performance and results.
Importance of Mental Health
An emotionally fit and stable person always feels vibrant and truly alive and can easily manage emotionally difficult situations. To be emotionally strong, one has to be physically fit too. Although mental health is a personal issue, what affects one person may or may not affect another; yet, several key elements lead to mental health issues.
Many emotional factors have a significant effect on our fitness level like depression, aggression, negative thinking, frustration, and fear, etc. A physically fit person is always in a good mood and can easily cope up with situations of distress and depression resulting in regular training contributing to a good physical fitness standard.
Mental fitness implies a state of psychological well-being. It denotes having a positive sense of how we feel, think, and act, which improves one’s ability to enjoy life. It contributes to one’s inner ability to be self-determined. It is a proactive, positive term and forsakes negative thoughts that may come to mind. The term mental fitness is increasingly being used by psychologists, mental health practitioners, schools, organisations, and the general population to denote logical thinking, clear comprehension, and reasoning ability.
Negative Impact of Mental Health
The way we physically fall sick, we can also fall sick mentally. Mental illness is the instability of one’s health, which includes changes in emotion, thinking, and behaviour. Mental illness can be caused due to stress or reaction to a certain incident. It could also arise due to genetic factors, biochemical imbalances, child abuse or trauma, social disadvantage, poor physical health condition, etc. Mental illness is curable. One can seek help from the experts in this particular area or can overcome this illness by positive thinking and changing their lifestyle.
Regular fitness exercises like morning walks, yoga, and meditation have proved to be great medicine for curing mental health. Besides this, it is imperative to have a good diet and enough sleep. A person needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night on average. When someone is tired yet still can't sleep, it's a symptom that their mental health is unstable. Overworking oneself can sometimes result in not just physical tiredness but also significant mental exhaustion. As a result, people get insomnia (the inability to fall asleep). Anxiety is another indicator.
There are many symptoms of mental health issues that differ from person to person and among the different kinds of issues as well. For instance, panic attacks and racing thoughts are common side effects. As a result of this mental strain, a person may experience chest aches and breathing difficulties. Another sign of poor mental health is a lack of focus. It occurs when you have too much going on in your life at once, and you begin to make thoughtless mistakes, resulting in a loss of capacity to focus effectively. Another element is being on edge all of the time.
It's noticeable when you're quickly irritated by minor events or statements, become offended, and argue with your family, friends, or co-workers. It occurs as a result of a build-up of internal irritation. A sense of alienation from your loved ones might have a negative influence on your mental health. It makes you feel lonely and might even put you in a state of despair. You can prevent mental illness by taking care of yourself like calming your mind by listening to soft music, being more social, setting realistic goals for yourself, and taking care of your body.
Surround yourself with individuals who understand your circumstances and respect you as the unique individual that you are. This practice will assist you in dealing with the sickness successfully. Improve your mental health knowledge to receive the help you need to deal with the problem. To gain emotional support, connect with other people, family, and friends. Always remember to be grateful in life. Pursue a hobby or any other creative activity that you enjoy.
What does Experts say
Many health experts have stated that mental, social, and emotional health is an important part of overall fitness. Physical fitness is a combination of physical, emotional, and mental fitness. Emotional fitness has been recognized as the state in which the mind is capable of staying away from negative thoughts and can focus on creative and constructive tasks.
He should not overreact to situations. He should not get upset or disturbed by setbacks, which are parts of life. Those who do so are not emotionally fit though they may be physically strong and healthy. There are no gyms to set this right but yoga, meditation, and reading books, which tell us how to be emotionally strong, help to acquire emotional fitness.
Stress and depression can lead to a variety of serious health problems, including suicide in extreme situations. Being mentally healthy extends your life by allowing you to experience more joy and happiness. Mental health also improves our ability to think clearly and boosts our self-esteem. We may also connect spiritually with ourselves and serve as role models for others. We'd also be able to serve people without being a mental drain on them.
Mental sickness is becoming a growing issue in the 21st century. Not everyone receives the help that they need. Even though mental illness is common these days and can affect anyone, there is still a stigma attached to it. People are still reluctant to accept the illness of mind because of this stigma. They feel shame to acknowledge it and seek help from the doctors. It's important to remember that "mental health" and "mental sickness" are not interchangeable.
Mental health and mental illness are inextricably linked. Individuals with good mental health can develop mental illness, while those with no mental disease can have poor mental health. Mental illness does not imply that someone is insane, and it is not anything to be embarrassed by. Our society's perception of mental disease or disorder must shift. Mental health cannot be separated from physical health. They both are equally important for a person.
Our society needs to change its perception of mental illness or disorder. People have to remove the stigma attached to this illness and educate themselves about it. Only about 20% of adolescents and children with diagnosable mental health issues receive the therapy they need.
According to research conducted on adults, mental illness affects 19% of the adult population. Nearly one in every five children and adolescents on the globe has a mental illness. Depression, which affects 246 million people worldwide, is one of the leading causes of disability. If mental illness is not treated at the correct time then the consequences can be grave.
One of the essential roles of school and education is to protect boys’ and girls' mental health as teenagers are at a high risk of mental health issues. It can also impair the proper growth and development of various emotional and social skills in teenagers. Many factors can cause such problems in children. Feelings of inferiority and insecurity are the two key factors that have the greatest impact. As a result, they lose their independence and confidence, which can be avoided by encouraging the children to believe in themselves at all times.
To make people more aware of mental health, 10th October is observed as World Mental Health. The object of this day is to spread awareness about mental health issues around the world and make all efforts in the support of mental health.
The mind is one of the most powerful organs in the body, regulating the functioning of all other organs. When our minds are unstable, they affect the whole functioning of our bodies. Being both physically and emotionally fit is the key to success in all aspects of life. People should be aware of the consequences of mental illness and must give utmost importance to keeping the mind healthy like the way the physical body is kept healthy. Mental and physical health cannot be separated from each other. And only when both are balanced can we call a person perfectly healthy and well. So, it is crucial for everyone to work towards achieving a balance between mental and physical wellbeing and get the necessary help when either of them falters.
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Mental health greatly correlates with personal feelings about oneself. Overall mental wellness plays a part in your self-esteem. Confidence can often be a good indicator of a healthy mental state. A person whose mental health is flourishing is more likely to focus on the good in themselves.
Mental health is very important at every stage of our life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood and even until we get old. Mental health is the state of an individual who is functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioral adjustment. It affects how we think, act and feel.
“When in a state of good mental health, a person has a general positive outlook, can accomplish daily tasks, maintain relationships and engage in meaningful recreation,” said Dr. Darleen Dempster, a Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) clinical faculty member in the clinical mental health counseling program.
Substance abuse, self-harm, and suicide are very common and dangerous in those with mental illnesses. The stigma surrounding mental illness keeps people from getting the help they need to get better and causes them to hide their pain. For three years I was one of those people hiding my illness.
Mental health is just as important to be treated as physical illness – to be healthy as a whole, mental wellness is also considered. Depression is viewed by society as a slang term for a bad day, mere sadness, or that it is non-existent and those who are diagnosed are just making it up for attention.
Mental health is extremely important and needs to be taken care of like any other health issue. In 2020 a world pandemic happened from a disease called Coronavirus or Covid-19 that spread rapidly. This eventually led to everyone having to quarantine which meant that people could not leave their house unless it was for necessities such as ...
Mental fitness implies a state of psychological well-being. It denotes having a positive sense of how we feel, think, and act, which improves one’s ability to enjoy life. It contributes to one’s inner ability to be self-determined. It is a proactive, positive term and forsakes negative thoughts that may come to mind.