It is essential to be healthy and fit. To be active and healthy, we exercise and eat a nutritious diet. How many of us give as much thought to our mental health? The majority of us don’t. According to WHO, approximately 450 million people suffer from mental disorders.
Mental fitness is just as important for our health. It helps us deal with stress and improves our quality of life. We tend to take our mental health for granted, despite this fact. Our emotional and psychological well-being is often overlooked. This can significantly impact how we feel, think, and act.
For a balanced and healthy life, mental health is essential. Many times, we make mistakes that can have a lasting effect.
These are some lesser-known facts that you need to know about mental health.
1. Mental health issues don't just vanish
We often fail to recognize mental disorders. It is often referred to as a "low phase", and we either try to ignore it or wait for it to pass. This is the most serious mistake we make. Mental disorders are not something that can be ignored. It is important to recognize and treat them in a compassionate manner. The best way to do this would be to seek professional assistance.
2. People suffering from mental illness are not considered a threat
It can be difficult for many people to interact with someone suffering from mental illness. People often view a mentally disturbed person as a threat because they associate aggressive behavior with mental disorders. This is not true. According to the Association for Psychological Assessment (APA), only 7.5 per cent of crimes can be attributed to mental illness. People with mental illness are usually the victims. We should not view mental illnesses as a threat but rather remove stigmatization.
3. What you eat
Research has shown that our diets have a significant impact on our mental health and physical well-being. Recent research shows that a healthy diet and nutritious lifestyle can help reduce hyperactivity and mood swings. An appropriate diet can not only improve your mood, but also prevent mental disorders. Mediterranean cuisine, for instance, is thought to reduce the risk of developing depression by at least 33%. A Washoku, or Japanese-style cuisine, is also known to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by 36%. Consuming food rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants is a great way to nourish the brain and protect it from stress.
4. Mental illness begins earlier than you might expect
What causes young people to become disabled? Mental illness is one of the most common causes. A study found that about 10% of teens and pre-teens have been diagnosed with mental illness. This can have a negative impact on one's adult life and must be addressed in a planned and healthy way. This is where early treatment is key. It is crucial and the only way to ensure that these young minds have a healthy future.
5. Social media can have a negative impact on your mental health
Every day, the world becomes more connected. We prefer to communicate with our friends via text rather than meeting in person. The joy of making real connections and being physically present is now replaced by the desire to use emojis. Social isolation can lead to mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. According to a study, every 10 percent negative experience on social media leads to 13% of loneliness. This is especially true for those younger than 25 years old, who are more likely to be able to confirm this fact due to their engagement on social media.
6. Coping mechanisms may not always be helpful
Mental issues can be managed with many different methods. You could take excessive amounts of caffeine or turn to alcohol or medication. Although alcohol and caffeine can push you further into darkness, medications are only effective when prescribed and monitored by a doctor. Research shows that physical exercise is the best way to cope.
Exercise can improve blood circulation and reduce stress. People with mental illness can benefit greatly from a change in lifestyle and some exercise.
Mental health goes beyond the absence of mental illness. Mental health is a combination our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects all aspects of our lives, including how we think, feel, and act. It affects how we relate with others, how we handle stress and whether we make healthy or unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Excellent mental health techniques
Pay attention to how you feel and what your body tells you. Do you feel stressed all the time? Do you have trouble sleeping? Are you angry or depressed? Are you feeling drained? These feelings could indicate a mental health problem. Talk to a friend, family member, or professional counselor about your feelings.
Exercise regularly to improve your health and focus.
Take part in a relaxing activity. It could be meditation, yoga, breathing exercises or listening to soothing music.
A healthy diet is essential to ensure your body gets all the nutrients it requires to function well.
Avoid drinking alcohol. Using alcohol to cope with difficult situations will not provide lasting relief. In fact, it may make you feel worse. It is not a good idea to use alcohol to solve problems. The same applies to other recreational drugs.
Keep in touch with others Do not try to do it all alone. Friends and family can help you cope with your life's stresses and problems.
Ask for help It is a sign that you are strong, not weak. Accepting that you cannot solve all problems and being able to ask for help is a sign of maturity and self-confidence. If you are willing to ask for assistance, there are many programs that can help.