By Amenyowu M. Jessica (Level 300 student journalist of UniMAC-GIJ
Background
Mental well-being is an essential part of our overall health. Society often thinks of health as something biological and physical. The condition of the bodies, how healthy we eat, and the physical exercise we do.
In other words, mental well-being is the state of doing well in various areas of life, such as in relationships, at work, play and more, despite ups and downs. It’s the knowledge that we are separate from our problems and the belief that we can handle those problems.
Mental health is essential to our overall well-being and as important as physical health. When we feel mentally well, we can work productively, enjoy free time, and contribute actively to society.
Concern About Mental Well-Being
The counselor of university of media arts and communication – institute of journalism Mr. Osei Arko Godfred also shared his view on mental well-being. Individual who does not practice self-compassion, i.e. to treat yourself with kindness, understanding and patience.
Stress: high level of stress can contribute to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Stress can be caused by a variety of factors, including working or school pressure, financial difficulties, relationship issues.
Social Isolation: feelings of loneliness and social isolation can have a negative impact on mental health. Social connections and relationships are important for our well-being, and isolation can contribute to feelings depression and anxiety.
Trauma: experiencing traumatic events, such as abuse, violence, or a natural disaster, can have long lasting effects on mental health. Access to Mental Health Care; Limited access to mental health resources including, therapy, medication, and support groups, can be a barrier to receiving proper treatment for mental health conditions.
Emotional Well Being: neglecting emotional well-being, such as self-care practices, mindfulness, and healthy coping strategies, can also impact mental health. It’s important to prioritize emotional well-being and engage in activities that promote relaxation, stress relief, and emotional balance.
The Total Nature of Mental Well-Being
The total nature of mental well-being has to do with the interconnectedness of various aspect of health and well-being that contribute to a person’s overall mental health. Physical health has a profound impact on mental well-being. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and overall physical wellness can positively influence mental health by reducing stress, improving mood, and boosting self-esteem.
Emotional Well-Being: Comprises of the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s emotions effectively. It involves developing emotional intelligence, coping mechanisms, and strength to sail through life’s challenges and maintain a positive outlook.
Social Connection: Strong social connection and relationships are essential for mental well-being. Social support, communication skills, empathy, and a sense of belonging contribute to overall happiness, fulfillment, and mental strength.
Environmental Factors: The environment in which a person lives, works, and spend time can significantly impact mental well-being. Access to safe and supportive environment, nature, fresh air, and a clean, organized space can promote mental clarity, relaxation, and overall well-being.
Occupational Wellness: Work related factors such as job satisfaction, workplace culture, stress levels, and work life balance can have a great impact on mental well-being. Finding purpose, fulfillment, and balance in one’s career can positively influence mental health.
Positive Effects of Mental Well-Being
Mental well-being helps us to meet life’s challenges, make good connections with others, and live life fully. It also allows us to feel good and function well, even in difficulty situations and improve more positive outlook on life and a better mood. This helps individuals cope with daily stressors more effectively and enjoy life more fully.
Increase Strength’ Good mental well-being improve strength in the face of challenges and setbacks. Individuals with good mental health are better able bounce back from difficult situations and maintain a positive outlook during tough times.
Enhanced Productivity: A healthy mind help improved focus, concentration, and productivity. Good mental well-being can help individuals stay motivated, set goals, and work towards achieving success in various areas of life.
Better Physical Health: There is a strong connection between mental and physical health. Good mental well-being can lead to improved physical health outcomes, such as better sleep, lower risk of chronic diseases, and a stronger immune system.
Increase Creativity and Problem-solving Skill; Good mental well-being can enhance creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills. A healthy mind is more open to new ideas, perspectives, and approaches to challenges. The fact that most people are out there feeling so depressed and anxiety, quality sleep is necessary for brain function and emotional regulation. Individuals should aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to maintain perfect mental and physical health.
