Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity – the World Health Organization.
Often when talking about mental health, we only focus on illness – issues that have been diagnosed by a doctor and require intensive care. Mental health is so much more than that. It encompasses illnesses, absolutely, but also covers our everyday experiences. It covers those days where we feel mentally well and fully functional, and it covers those days where we may be feeling stressed, worried, downhearted or overwhelmed.
Through the trying times we find ourselves in, our mental health is more important now than ever. The stress we feel now, if not managed, will continue on for months to come, and may develop into more serious health issues. We could see this in our mental health with an illness such as depression, anxiety, or burnout, and we could see it in our physical health too.
Awareness is necessary to prompt us to have an open and honest conversation about mental health, illness, and wellness. By talking about this, we can help to reduce the stigma that unfortunately often still exists around mental health. We can also help to support each other with what we are facing. Sharing experiences about what we are dealing with on a daily basis, things that help us to cope, and challenges that we face can help us to form lasting bonds of understanding and attachment to each other.
The next time you ask someone how they are doing, listen to their response and try to find out how they really are. Reaching out like that could make a big difference to someone. Take time to look after your mental health – when things are not going so well, but also when they are going great. This will ensure self-care becomes a habit. Consider taking time to do things you enjoy, and taking a few minutes every day to check-in with yourself and your needs. A healthy meal, a quick walk, a warm bath – all of these can help to boost your mood and give you some perspective.
If you find you are not coping with your mental health needs, it is okay to ask for help! Reach out for an appointment with a doctor or therapist, and take the first step to better manage your mental health.
By Megan Hosking, Psychiatric intake clinician, Akeso Clinics – www.akeso.co.za, info@akeso.co.za.