What is mental
health?
Though no concise definition exists, mental
health is basically your attitude and approach
to life. Psychological, environmental, genetic,
or physiological factors have a profound
effect on overall mental development.
What is mental
illness?
Mental illness impairs your ability to
perform routine tasks, foster healthy relationships,
or cope with anger or stress. It may be
classified on the basis of extreme mood
swings, irrational or destructive thought
patterns, and behavioral problems.
How important
is mental health ?
Your mental health has a huge impact on
every aspect of your life.
• Self-image
Good mental health means appreciating your
achievements and accepting your shortcomings.
A mental illness can cause an inferiority
complex, a negative body image, and intense
feelings of self-hate, anger, disgust, and
uselessness, which could mutate into extreme
depression, psycho-social disorders, or
eating disorders.
• Education
Students with mental problems socially isolate
themselves, and develop anxiety disorders
and concentration problems. Good mental
health ensures an all-round educational
experience that enhances social and intellectual
skills that lead to self-confidence and
better grades.
• Relationships
Mental health largely contributes to the
functioning of human relationships. Mental
illness can hamper even basic interactions
with family, friends, and colleagues. Most
people suffering from mental illness find
it difficult to nurture relationships, have
problems with commitment or intimacy, and
frequently encounter sexual health issues.
• Sleep
An inability to handle stress or anxiety
can cause insomnia. Even if you mange to
fall asleep, you may wake up a dozen times
during the night with thoughts of what went
wrong the day before or how bad tomorrow
is going to be. You may develop severe sleeping
disorders which leave you exhausted and
less productive.
• Eating
People with mental disorders are more prone
to indulging in comfort eating or emotional
binges. Finding comfort in food is something
we all do from time to time. But with a
mental illness, it becomes difficult to
control yourself. Overeating can lead to
obesity, which puts you at a risk for heart
disease and diabetes, in addition to creating
an unhealthy body-image.
• Physical
health
Your mental state directly affects your
body. For example, stress can lead to hypertension
or stomach ulcers. People who are mentally
healthy are at a lower risk for many health
complications.
So make a conscious effort
to improve and maintain your mental health.
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