Your mental health plays a vital role in your overall well-being. This part of your well-being determines the way you can function psychologically, socially and emotionally.
It’s vital to improve your psychological health by taking the right measures.
We will highlight risk factors that can impact your mental health and the signs of mental distress. We’ll also discuss the many benefits of maintaining a healthy mental state.
Risk Factors for Poor Mental Health
Mental health can be described as a well-being state where an individual is able cope with normal life stresses. This allows for productive work and meaningful contributions to the society.
Nevertheless, there are different situations that can affect your ability to deal with life’s unexpected curveballs. These factors can also affect daily life and your ability to cope with these changes.
These factors may have a negative impact on mental health and increase the risk for psychological disorders.
Child Abuse
If a child suffers physical abuse, sexual assault, emotional abuse or neglect, this can cause severe mental and/or emotional distress.
Abuse increases your risk of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and post-traumatic disorder.
Children who are abused can develop alcoholism and other substance abuse problems. Child abuse can lead to more than just mental health issues. It may also cause medical complications like diabetes, strokes, and heart disease. The environment in which a person lives is a major contributor to their mental health. Negative environmental conditions can have a negative impact on mental wellness.
Weather conditions, for example, may be a factor in an increase of suicides. Similarly, first-hand experience of natural disasters can increase your chances of developing PTSD. Air pollution can have negative effects on symptoms of depression in certain situations.
Living in a positive environment can protect against mental disorders. 4
Biology
The state of your health could be determined by your biological makeup. Many mental disorders run in families, and can be passed on to family members.
There are many conditions that can be classified as mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, autism, bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders.
Enjoy the Lifestyle
You can also affect your mental health by changing your lifestyle. Psychological harm can be caused by smoking, poor nutrition, alcohol, drug use and risky sexual behaviors. These behaviors are linked to depression.
Signs of Mental Health Issues
Mental health problems are not always obvious to the person or to those around them. There are warning signs that can indicate a change in the individual’s well-being. These include: 6
- Changes in eating habits, either overeating or undereating
- Reduced energy levels
- Shyness and being more private
- Unexplained confusion or anger, guilt or worry
- Extreme mood swings
- Fighting with family members and friends
Good mental health has many benefits
It is impossible to overstate the importance of good mental health, whether you are young or old. Psychological wellness can affect negative behaviors, which can not only impact personal health, but also relationships with others.
Here are some benefits of mental health.
Strengthen your ability to cope with life’s stressors
When the mental and emotional state is at its peak, it can make life’s challenges easier to overcome.
A stable mental state is a better way to cope with relationship problems, financial difficulties, work challenges and other issues.
Positivity and Self-Image
The mental health of an individual is closely related to how they feel about themselves. Your self-esteem is affected by your overall mental health. Confidence is often a good indication of a healthy state of mind.
People who are in good mental health will be more inclined to see the positive aspects of themselves. They will focus on these positive qualities and have goals that aim for a happy, healthy life.
Healthier Relationships
You might be able to give your family and friends more time, love, and support if your mental health is good. It’s easier to support those you love when you are not experiencing emotional distress.
Improved Productivity
Depression or other mental disorders can affect your productivity. You will likely be more productive and produce better work if you are mentally strong.
Enjoy a Higher Quality of Living
Your quality of life can improve when your mental health is in good shape. It can allow for more involvement in community development. You can start volunteering at soup kitchens, food drives, shelters etc.
Travel to new cities, make new friends, or learn new hobbies.
How to maintain mental health and well-being
Mental health is important for your overall wellbeing.
Some lifestyle changes and introductions may be needed to maintain mental health. These include: 6
- Regular exercise is important
- Rest and sleep should be given daily priority
- Try meditation
- Learning coping skills for life challenges
- Keep in touch with your loved ones
- Positive outlook on life
A professional can also help you improve your mental health and maintain it. Talk therapy can help you learn healthier ways to communicate with others, and how to cope in difficult situations.
You can use therapy to address your own negative behavior and give you the tools you need to make changes in your life.