Mental and Emotional Health

Understanding Mental and Emotional Health

Mental health refers to our cognitive, behavioural, and emotional wellbeing. It involves how we think, feel, and behave and our ability to cope with stress, work productively, and make a contribution to the community.
Emotional health is an integral part of mental health and encompasses our ability to manage and express our emotions appropriately, navigate relationships, and enjoy life.
Like physical health, mental and emotional health can be affected by a variety of factors including biological factors, environment, and lifestyle choices.

Maintaining good mental and emotional health allows us to better cope with life’s ups and downs, build strong relationships, and fully enjoy life.
Sound mental and emotional health can help improve one’s self-esteem and body image, and promote better concentration and decision making.
Excellent mental and emotional health plays a crucial role in promoting overall health, reducing the risk of physical health problems and increasing life expectancy.

Mental illnesses and disorders include conditions like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
They can cause symptoms such as changes in mood, personal habits, and personality, difficulty coping with life’s daily routines, and difficulties with relationships and work.
Early recognition and treatment of these conditions can significantly reduce discomfort and disruption to life and improve prognosis.

All individuals experience a range of emotions and stress. Managing these emotions and stressors is important for maintaining mental and emotional health.
Coping strategies can include regular exercise, quality sleep, balanced diet, mindfulness, relaxation exercises, maintaining a positive attitude and seeking social support.
When these strategies are insufficient, professional help from mental health specialists such as psychologists, psychiatrist or counsellors may be necessary.

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity. It involves healthy ways of thinking and behaving that can help people get through stressful situations.
Resilience is not an innate quality but can be learned and developed. Key aspects include nurturing supportive relationships, fostering optimism, practicing self-care and pursuing personal growth.
Developing resilience can help manage stress, reduce the impact of traumatic experiences, and promote good mental and emotional health.

Community and family can significantly influence an individual’s mental and emotional health. Supportive relationships, community engagement, and positive family interactions can promote mental and emotional well-being.
Lack of social support, isolation, or living in conflict environments can contribute to mental health disorders.
Community initiatives like mental health awareness campaigns, access to mental health services, and programs focussing on social inclusion can promote mental and emotional health in the wider community.