The importance of mental health
Stuid
Mental health is essential for a happy living. It includes our emotional, psychological and social well being. Mental health is as important as our physical health. It has an impact on the way we think, feel and act. Mental health is crucial in every stage of our lives. It determines the way we handle stress and relate to others in life. It has a great impact on our decision making capacity as well.
A person with great mental health has a big chance for attaining great happiness in life. He/she will radiate positivity and will be always better prepared for facing the challenges in life.
Mental health and mental illness are two different things. A person suffering from poor mental health need not be diagnosed with a mental illness and vice versa.
Physical health and mental health is of equal importance in a person’s life. Depression can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Similarly, the presence of chronic conditions in a person can ultimately push him into deep depression.
Mental health change over time
Toxic workplaces, family liabilities, and financial problems can worsen a person’s mental health over time. Too much expectations, pushing a person beyond his capabilities and other life pressures can easily make a person fall into depression.
Mental Illness
More than 50 percent of the people will be diagnosed with some sort of mental illness or disorder at some point in their life.
Some of the common mental illnesses are schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression.
Causes
A person who has horrible life experiences has a high chance of suffering from mental illness. Child abuse, sexual assault and witnessing violence can cause mental illness. Loneliness, excessive use of alcohol or drugs and chemical imbalance in the brain also lead to a very bad mental state/illness.
Reasons for poor mental health in students
Bullying, peer pressure, poor diet and lack of exercise can result in poor mental health among students. Overburdening students with academics and assignments can put them under immense pressure.
Increased stress levels can even be witnessed among students who are eager to get good grades, outperform everyone else in the class. Sometimes being very competitive can backfire.
Sometimes, failing in an exam or a competition might push them into depression. The feeling of worthlessness and being isolated in such instances will make them extremely sad.
Improving mental health in students
Students should be always allowed to speak up. They should be always reminded of their special qualities. This will help in building their self-esteem.
Practicing mindfulness and a healthy diet will ensure great mental health among students.
Regular exercise, setting realistic goals and working towards them help students derive great happiness. They realize that they can achieve the goals in life with hard work, dedication and perseverance.
A supportive environment will help students express themselves. A great learning environment will help us in producing creative and innovative students.
Role of parents and teachers
Teachers and parents should spend adequate time with students discussing their lives, goals and dreams. This will help them in developing a positive attitude and also help them in identifying their strengths and weaknesses.
Parents and teachers should work together to ensure great mental health among students. We must not forget that students are the future citizens of our country. Their happiness is key to the progress of our nation.
Good mental health brings in a sense of contentment, gratification, and tranquility in our lives.
World Mental Health Day is observed every year on 10 October to raise awareness on mental health issues. The day aims at mobilizing efforts in support of mental health and overcoming the stigma associated with mental illness.
Read more : Guidelines for Writing a Cheque
Check your knowledge
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well being. Mental health is as important as our physical health.
10 October
Depression can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.