Mental Health

Mental health has been defined as:

‘The successful performance of mental function, resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships with other people and the ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity; from early childhood until late life, mental health is the springboard of thinking and communications skills, learning, emotional growth, resilience and self-esteem.’

What Is Meant By Mental Health?

Emotional wellbeing, emotional welfare and balanced psychological health are some of the important terms which describe ‘mental health’.

Our state of mind or mental health is primarily influenced by the way we think and the way our brain processes. How we look at things and how we lead our lives is a major determining factor on our mental health. Apart from that, our past life and other physical factors as well as environment play a significant role in shaping our mental health. Mental health not only shapes our present but also determines our physical life and future over all health. Mental health can vary according to our circumstances and can change our life, in the same way as our physical health.

Mental health can be maintained by allowing your brain to think positively and keep an eye on how you are leading your life. It is also important to see which factors are shaping your personality and how they affect you. When you let your brain processes go askew and no longer care about the positive and negative matters your mental health is affected.  

What Is Good Mental Health?

Good mental health is defined as a person’s ability to perform all his/her duties and fulfill a number of tasks, functions and activities of his/her daily routine life.

Good mental health is characterized by one’s:

• capability to feel, express and manage a range of positive and negative emotions.
• potential to maintain good relationships with others.
• ability to cope with and manage change and uncertainty.

How Is Good Mental Health Maintained?

Good mental health can be maintained by living a stress free life. A life which has its share of problems and worries yet, enables one to take them in stride and live a normal and adjusted life.

Only the absence of mental problems do not comprise of a good mental health. Good mental health also means that one does not let these problems and tribulations overcome the brain processes.
After countless researches, scientists have concluded that people who always seem to be in a good mood may have naturally higher levels of endorphins (types of hormone) and the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals are released by the brain and make us feel good when we are enjoying ourselves or when something pleasant happens.

What Happens When Good Mental Health Is Not Maintained?

Due to any reason such as an illness or some unpleasant experience in life, mental health can get affected. Any normal person with good mental health can fall victim to mental health problems which result from a complex interaction of biological, social and psychological factors.

Mental health problems are among the most common of all health conditions, directly affecting about a quarter of the population in any one year. They range from short-term problems to serious long-term illnesses. These problems can seriously harm an individual and one may never regain the good mental health that one possessed earlier.

Some Tips To Maintain Good Mental Health

You can help keep yourself in good mental health by following these tips. These tips not only help you in maintaining a good mental health but you can also help others in maintaining a balanced mental health:

• talking about your feelings
• keeping active
• eating healthy
• drinking moderately
• keeping in touch with friends and loved ones
• asking for help when you need it
• taking a break
• doing something you are good at and enjoy
• accepting who you are
• caring for others

Mental health comprises not only of what is going on in your mind at one time but also encompasses of all the functions that you perform while you are conscious of them. Maintaining a sound mental health is very important to lead a normal and happy life.