Mental Health **As important as Physical health**

Let’s talk about something which is not talked often...!!

Mental Health

Mental health is all about how people think, feel, behave. It refers to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being. Social and financial circumstances, biological factors, and lifestyle choices can all shape a person’s mental health. We all suffer from racism, gender-based discrimination, job stress, peer pressure, etc. at some point in our life, and coping with all these with a positive attitude encourages good mental health. Thank you to everyone who is reading this blog right now because this shows that you are fighting your battles and conquering it. Just say a small thank you to yourself as well for being so great to you and your loved ones.

How to look after your mental health?

1. Keep a positive attitude towards life.
2. Do exercises like yoga, cycling, aerobics, swimming, etc.
3. Do things you are good at like crafting, gaming, cooking, painting, etc.
4. Go out and hang out with people.
5. Talk to your loved ones and spend time with them.
6. Take a break & maintain Work-life balance
7. Accept who you are and love yourself
8. Ask for help
9. Eat healthy get good sleep

Now let’s talk about Mental Illness.

Well, it is something that affects the way we think and feel. There are many mental health disorders- bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia (hallucinations, hear voices, delusions), post-traumatic stress disorder etc.

How to figure out that our mental health is affected? 

The answer is simple, something is not normal. When we are sick we suffer from fever, cold, muscle ache, etc. Similarly, when our mind is affected we suffer from loneliness, sadness, anger, extreme mood changes, low energy most of the time, we question ourselves, life seems purposeless, being distant from people & activities, detachment from reality, suicidal thoughts, etc. Well, symptoms may vary from person to person but we all know when something is not right with us.

What is the next step when we figured out that we have a mental illness?

1. Don’t be ashamed of it at all. The way our body parts needs treatment at some point in our life. The same way our mental health also needs medical help.

2. Seek the help of a professional. A professional can diagnose the problem and advice regarding the appropriate treatment and way of coping with it.

3. Talk to your loved ones. Well talking to the people who love us and understand us is the best therapy and solution. Have open and honest discussions about your concerns.

4. Sometimes symptoms of a mental health disorder appear as physical problems, such as stomach pain, back pain, headaches, or other unexplained aches and pains. Go and see your primary health care provider or mental health professional.

We are not the only one who is suffering from mental illness and it is ok. There is no need to be silent about it because being suffering in silence is the worst. Be open about it and seek help. Maybe we become an example for someone and save them from suffering.

Be an example to someone by talking about your mental health and might be you encourage someone else also to talk about their issues and seek medical help.

Don’t ever think suicide is an option because it is not. Suicide will do good to no one. Think of your loved ones, what will happen to them after you? And about yourself- you could achieve so much in life, make your dreams come true, have an amazing life, and just so you know no one is a loser. Just keep doing the right things for yourself and the people around you.

Symptoms of mental health disorder may get worse if left untreated. If you are unsure, talk to your primary care doctor or mental care professional.

Another question comes in mind- What to do when someone around us is showing symptoms of mental illness or suffering from it?

The answer to it is very simple - Be there for them. Listen to them, understand their point of view, keep them happy & positive, and take them to a professional. It will be very difficult to do all this but in the end, it will be worth doing. Seeing their smile back and love towards life & people will be the ultimate satisfaction. You will feel be proud of yourself for saving someone’s life.

*It’s important to know that you can still have a normal and happy life with a mental illness. You are a winner and you must fight your battles...!!

Thanks!

Cheers! Always live happy life.

(Editor - Parul Rajput)