Why Mental Health Matters
Mental health is the emotional, psychological and social well-being that influences thinking, perception, behavior and response to stress.
A mental illness is a medical problem caused by genetics, brain chemistry, brain structure and experiences like trauma. It is also related to other health conditions, like heart disease.
1. It’s a normal part of life
Good mental health means being able to think, feel and react in ways that you want and need. But when these ways become difficult, or even impossible to manage, it can affect your overall quality of life.
There are many reasons people experience mental illness. These include things like genetics, family history and environmental factors, such as a person’s economic situation or living in a region with high rates of mental disorders.
But mental health also includes life satisfaction, self-acceptance, a sense of purpose and identity, feeling connected and belonging, empowerment and resilience. These are all important aspects of good mental health and help people to live their best lives possible.
2. It’s not a choice
Unlike cancer or diabetes, people don’t wake up and decide that they want to be depressed, anxious, bipolar, schizophrenic, or any of the other conditions that are classified as mental illnesses.
The world’s population is growing older, and one in five adults has some form of mental illness. Despite that, many people do not get help for their mental health problems.
This is because people with mental illness don’t understand that they have a disease, and they don’t see themselves as having any control over it. This is called anosognosia.
3. It’s not a sign of weakness
Mental health is a complex issue that is affected by a variety of factors. These can include your genetics, lifestyle, and a person’s life events.
The myth that mental illness is a sign of weakness stems from a lack of understanding about how these disorders develop.
It’s also a form of stigma, which can be harmful to those who are suffering from them.
It can fuel feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, and can exacerbate psychiatric symptoms. It can also make it more difficult for someone to seek help and access the treatment they need.
4. It’s not your fault
Mental illness is a medical condition that affects the way your brain works and how you think. It’s caused by a mix of biological, psychological and environmental factors.
Despite the fact that one in five adults experience a mental illness at some point, there is still a lot of stigma surrounding this topic. That’s why many people aren’t able to get the help they need.
It’s important to remember that it isn’t your fault if you have a mental health problem. You need to take care of your mental health so you can live a happy and productive life.
5. It’s not a sign of weakness
People who suffer from mental health disorders often have a lot of strength and determination. This is why many people have become so determined to end the stigma associated with mental illness.
It’s true that mental health conditions affect the way a person thinks and feels, and how they handle stress and relationships. However, the belief that mental health is a sign of weakness is false and has a harmful impact on those who have it.
The causes of mental health conditions are complex and influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. These factors can be inherited, or caused by life experiences such as stressful situations in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
