“Mental health” refers to how people think, feel, and act in response to life’s challenges. It affects how we handle stress, relate to others, make decisions, and view ourselves and our lives. Like physical health, mental health is important at every stage of life. Mental health is a major problem people usually encounter without noticing. It could range from the slightest loneliness to low self-esteem, to anxiety, depression, and all other forms of complications.
#1. Mental Health Plays A Role In Nurturing Relationships
Relationships are an integral part of our lives, and mental health plays a crucial role in shaping them. Mental illness can significantly impact our interactions with friends and family. Often, it leads to passive-aggressiveness, hostility, and the inability to engage in social activities, prompting conflicts in our closest relationships. In some cases, mental illness may even compel individuals to distance themselves from their loved ones inexplicably. However, through self-care practices and, when necessary, seeking professional help and medication, we can strive to lead a mentally stable life while nurturing our relationships.
#2. Good Mental Correlates With Good Physical Health
The connection between mental and physical health is substantial. Mental illness has the potential to trigger stress and weaken our immune systems. For instance, a poor mental condition like depression can come with headaches, fatigue, and digestive problems. Anxiety can also create an upset stomach. Other symptoms can include insomnia, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. Consequently, our body’s ability to combat illnesses may be compromised. Furthermore, mental distress can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression, hindering one’s ability to engage in physical activity.
#3. Good Mental Health Kicks Away Self-Rejection
Self-rejection is one of the most critical problems of mental health. The concept of self-rejection, where an individual rejects a past version of themselves that they are ashamed of, can help to understand the idea. When we reject ourselves, we prevent ourselves from taking action or pursuing opportunities due to fear of failure or rejection from others. This fear leads us to avoid situations that may cause us pain or embarrassment. As little as it might look from the beginning, self-rejection can escalate into self-hatred, low self-esteem, depression, and even suicide.
Research from the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) reveals that 46% of those who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition. This is because such people fail to accept who they are, their condition, and how to work things out for the better. They are usually frustrated and captivated by their mental woes and this drives them to either engage in severe crimes like homicide or suicide.
#4. Mental Illness Makes One Vulnerable To Victimization
It’s a common misunderstanding that individuals grappling with mental health challenges are more likely to commit crimes. In reality, the opposite holds true. This misunderstanding often stems from biases within the criminal justice system, where individuals with mental health struggles are more prone to being apprehended, charged, and given longer sentences compared to their counterparts without mental health issues.
Any person dealing with a mental illness is at a heightened risk of becoming a victim of a crime. This highlights the significance of mental health awareness. For individuals at risk, it’s crucial for organizations to establish a comprehensive support system that can identify mental health issues early on and provide the necessary assistance to ensure that these individuals are safeguarded and not unfairly labeled as criminals.
#5. Mental Health Contributes To Productivity
Taking care of your mental wellbeing is essential because it directly impacts your overall productivity and financial stability. A negative state of mind can bring about feelings of sadness, irritability, or distress, impacting our productivity and effectiveness both at work and in our daily lives. Research published in the British Journal of Psychiatry has shown that individuals with serious mental illnesses earn roughly a third less than the median income.
Insufficient mental well-being can significantly impede one’s ability to work. To put this into perspective, the World Health Organization notes that anxiety and depression lead to an estimated loss of 12 billion working days annually. Poor mental health results in reduced productivity, which in turn affects financial security. Prioritizing mental care facilitates the maintenance of strong work performance and the achievement of financial stability.
#6. Mental Illness Puts Those Around You At Risk
Mental health conditions can have a significant impact on families and close relationships, causing tension, uncertainty, and stress. Different family members may be affected in various ways, and children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of mental health issues. Adults dealing with conditions such as depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, and antisocial behavior are at a higher risk of harming their children. While not every parent with mental issues will mistreat their child, unaddressed problems can increase the likelihood of abuse, neglect, and behavioral difficulties in children. As a result, these children may struggle to find acceptance and support within society as they grow into complex individuals.
#7. Mental Health Helps Build Social Life
Individuals experiencing mental health challenges often face social isolation, making it challenging for them to uphold a healthy social life. Social isolation makes it more difficult to access support, and loneliness has been linked to higher rates of suicide, anxiety, and depression, exacerbating the underlying issues. Therefore, it is crucial to learn how to prioritize and maintain good mental condition and seek professional medical guidance to prevent social isolation.
#8. Impact of Mental Health on Quality of Life
Mental health significantly influences one’s quality of life. Conditions such as depression can lead to a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. The regular ups and downs of life become overwhelming to the point where carrying out even the simplest tasks becomes challenging. Untreated mental concerns often manifest as feelings of hopelessness, sadness, worthlessness, guilt, anxiety, fear, and a sense of losing control. When these symptoms emerge, it is crucial to seek advice and treatment from certified professionals before the situation worsens.
Overall, prioritizing mental wellbeing can lead to improved mood, reduced anxiety, inner peace, clear thinking, better relationships, increased self-esteem, and overall well-being. Emotional and mental wellbeing is essential for productivity, effectiveness, and the ability to adapt to life’s changes and cope with adversity. Remember, when it comes to mental health, seeking help and support is not a sign of weakness—it’s a positive step toward better overall well-being.
Read Also: Oropouche Virus: The Rising Health Threat
REFERENCES
[1] 10 Reasons Why Mental Health Is So Important in 2023 – PLANSTREETINC.COM
https://www.planstreetinc.com/top-ten-reasons-why-mental-health-is-so-important/
[2] Why It’s Important to Care for Your Mental Health – doctorondemand.com
https://doctorondemand.com/blog/mental-health/why-its-important-to-care-for-your-mental-health/
[3] Importance of Mental Health – Centerpointe behavioral &mental healthcare