A few years ago, my life was in a downward spiral as I battled with stress and anxiety due to a life-changing event. I was on the verge of having a gigantic breakdown but kept going thinking that I had way too many responsibilities at that point and couldn’t afford to pause. But at what cost?
Eventually, my physical health began deteriorating, and only then did I reach out for medical help. But why? Why didn’t I, or many of us, pay attention to mental health at the very first sign? When we reach out to a doctor at the slightest sign of a physical health issue, shouldn’t we do the same for our mental health as well?
Importance Of Prioritising Mental Health
Our mental health impacts our thoughts, behaviour, and feelings and can reflect on our everyday lives hence it is vital to keep it in good shape for the overall wellbeing of our lives. Ahead of World Mental Health Day, let’s explore some solid reasons why prioritising mental health isn’t an option but a necessity.
Improves Quality Of Life
Having good mental health can have a positive impact on our lives by helping us feel happy, confident and content. When our mental health is well cared for, we are better equipped to deal with the challenges and stress that life throws at us.
We will be able to maintain a positive and healthy relationship with everyone, have a strong handle on our emotions and deal effectively with any situation.
Boosts Productivity
When we are mentally healthy, we feel happy, confident, and satisfied. Subsequently, we are able to focus more on work and life, be more creative, energetic, and productive. Having good mental health allows us to be more productive in life and perform better at the workplace, school, college, or any work we do.
Improves Physical Health
The fact that mental health and physical health are interconnected is very underrated. A simple example of this is experiencing chronic headaches, shoulder, neck, and back pain, digestive problems, and a weak immune system due to excessive stress, anxiety, and depression. Also, people who are generally happy and content with life are less likely to engage in smoking or excessive drinking behaviour, which can take a toll on our physical health.
Improves Relationships
When our emotional well-being is taken care of, our relationships with others can improve. We communicate more effectively; we are more understanding, empathetic, and sensitive towards others. We will be able to resolve arguments and conflicts in a healthy way. On the other hand, having poor mental health makes us angry and frustrated, and we end up hurting people and losing relationships.
Enhanced Coping Ability
When our mental health is already in a good state, it becomes relatively easier for us to deal with a drastic life-changing or traumatic event such as the loss of a loved one, divorce or breakup, major illness, sudden pressure at home or the workplace, etc. Of course, it will hit us hard but having a good mental health makes us more resilient, and equip us to deal with stressful situations in life.
Smash The Stigma
By prioritising our mental health, we are smashing the stigma around it. By observing us, people around us, including family and friends, will begin to realise the significance of mental health and understand that it is not something to be ashamed of. Thus, the stigma attached to mental health issues will gradually disappear.
Increase Awareness
The more we are vocal about mental health, the better it is for us and society. The generation before us was unaware of the significance of mental health due to the stigma around it. Today, many of us are aware but are hesitant to talk about it. But the more we educate ourselves and others about the symptoms of mental health issues, their significance, and the benefits of prioritising it, the more people will be aware and seek help if needed.
Views expressed by the author are their own
Suggested Reading: Women Are Aware Of Mental Health, But Still Fail To Prioritise It: Psychologist Aisha
Views expressed by the author are their own
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