The month of May, is a month dedicated to raising awareness on mental health. According to WHO (World Health Organization), mental health is a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. WHO further stresses that mental health is not just the absence of mental disorder.
Mental health comprises of our emotional, social and psychological well-being. How we think, feel and our actions are as a result of mental health, our relationships, the way we handle stress, the choices we make are all due to mental health. Being aware of mental health is a vital part of every stage of our life, from infancy to childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Mental health problems affects us in so many common ways and often goes unnoticed for lengthy period which ends up blowing out into an ocean of problems.
Like every ailment, early diagnosis is key to containing the effects to the minimal and possible cure. Early warning signs of mental health may include;
- A feeling of helplessness or hopelessness.
- Constant yelling or fighting with friends and family.
- Unexplained aches and pains.
- Lack of zeal or inability to perform daily tasks.
- Severe mood swings, pulling away from people, low or no energy.
- Sleeping and eating a lot or too little than usual.
Mental wellness is of great importance, it aids us in living our best lives in so many ways. We are aware of our potentials and are motivated to stay in the game, cope through the stress and contribute our quota in making the world a better place. We can maintain mental health through therapy with professionals, building lasting relationships, sleeping well, helping others and being optimistic and more.
Watch out for your family, friends and colleagues, carry each other along and together let’s kick out this menace from our community. Health is wealth.