What is mental health?
According to the World Health Organization (2014), mental health is defined as “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stressors of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her communityâ. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood through to adulthood.
Mental health involves being able to function effectively in daily activities that result in productivity at work, school and home and also involves being able to have healthy relationships, as well as the ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity.
Mental illnesses are health conditions involving changes in thinking, emotion or behaviour. They are associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities.
There are several contributing factors to mental health problems that include:
o Biological factors, such as genetic predisposition and brain chemistry
o Life experiences, such as abuse, poverty and neglect
o Environmental factors, such as exposure to alcohol and other drugs and brain injury
o Family history of mental health problems
Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of! It is a medical condition, just like heart disease or diabetes, and mental health conditions are treatable. Mental illness does not discriminate; it can affect anyone, regardless of your age, gender, income, social status, or other aspects of cultural identity. While mental illness can occur at any age, learning about early warning signs and taking action can help. Early intervention can aid in the reduction of the severity of an illness. Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviours can be an early warning sign of a problem:
o Social withdrawal
o Loss of interest
o Difference in eating or sleeping
o Feeling helpless/ hopeless
o Problems with concentration, memory or logical thought and speech
o Severe mood swings
o Having persistent thoughts and memories you canât get out of your head
o Hearing voices
o Thinking of harming yourself or others
o Inability to perform daily tasks
o Feeling disconnected from oneself or oneâs surroundings
Strategies for maintaining mental health:
o Avoid alcohol, marijuana and other drugs
o Healthy eating
o Exercise
o Learn how to deal with stress
o Practise meditation and relaxation techniques
o Surround yourself with supportive family members and friends
o Set realistic goals
o Get professional help when you need it
If you are experiencing any mental health problems, please see your district doctor. In an emergency, you will be able to obtain help at the Accident and Emergency Department (Casualty) at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. They will be able to refer you, if needed, to the Mental Health outpatient clinics for follow-up, or the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre for those in need of hospitalization. Not only is medical help available, counsellors and social workers work along with the medical team to provide holistic care to clients.
Help is available. Do not be afraid to seek it.
Email: mhcsvg@gmail.com
Contact #458-4240
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