WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH?
We need to learn and understand mental health for several compelling reasons. It is essential for our well-being. By gaining insights into mental health, we can better recognize and address our mental health challenges and adopt practices that promote psychological resilience and balance. Understanding mental health is crucial for reducing the stigma associated with mental illnesses. When we grasp that mental health conditions are real, prevalent, and treatable, we are less likely to stigmatize those experiencing them, fostering a more empathetic and inclusive society where individuals are not judged based on their mental health status.
Advocating for Mental Health: A Call to Prioritize Well-being
Mental health, often overshadowed, demands our advocacy. Countless individuals quietly grapple with anxiety and depression (WHO, 2019). Pervasive stigma endures (Corrigan, 2004). Amplifying mental health awareness, support, and policy reform is vital. Mental health issues have dire consequences, including suicide (CDC, 2021). Advocacy saves lives and influences daily well-being (MHA, 2021). Unaddressed mental health issues impose a substantial economic burden (Wang et al., 2020). To contribute, we must initiate conversations, share experiences, and advocate for policies enhancing mental health support (NAMI, 2021; SAMHSA, 2020; KFF, 2020). Prioritizing self-care practices like mindfulness and stress management is essential (Mayo Clinic, 2021). Mental health advocacy is a societal imperative, challenging silence and stigma. Together, we can profoundly impact lives and prioritize well-being.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
To improve our mental health, we can prioritize self-care practices such as regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques, and seeking social support when needed. These habits can significantly enhance our mental well-being. We encourage everyone to watch the attached video for more in-depth guidance on mental health improvement strategies.
REFERENCES
World Health Organization (WHO). (2019). Mental Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Suicide Prevention
Mental Health America (MHA). (2021). Mental Health in America
Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). (2020). Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services
Mental Health America (MHA). (2021). Mental Health in America
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (2021). Mental Health By the Numbers
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Stress Management
Corrigan, P. W. (2004). How Stigma Interferes with Mental Health Care. American Psychologist, 59(7), 614-625
Wang, P. S., Simon, G., Kessler, R. C., & the Healthcare Financing Administration, et al. (2020). The economic burden of depression and the cost-effectiveness of treatment. International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research, 12(1), 22-33