EP 21 What is mental health?

This is a new series on mental health as it affects professionals and those in high income roles. We will look at what mental health is, how stress affects mental health and then how the defective mental health affects you after you are diagnosed.

Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It involves the individual’s ability to handle stress, relate to others, make decisions, and cope with the challenges of life. Mental health is essential at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Key aspects of mental health include:

• Emotional Well-being: The ability to understand and manage one’s emotions, as well as being able to express and communicate them appropriately.
• Psychological Well-being: Having a positive mindset, self-esteem, and resilience. It also involves the ability to solve problems, make decisions, and think critically.
• Social Well-being: Building and maintaining healthy relationships with others, having a support system, and feeling a sense of connection and belonging.
• Coping with Stress: The capacity to handle life’s challenges and stressors effectively, adapting to changes, and bouncing back from setbacks. We will later look at how stress affects mental health.
• Balance: Striking a balance between various aspects of life, such as work, relationships, and personal time, to maintain overall well-being. A surprising one, but an consistent feature in those who are free of mental health worries.

Mental health is not just the absence of mental disorders; it encompasses a spectrum of well-being. Mental health issues can range from common stress and anxiety to more severe conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and others. It is crucial to prioritize and promote mental health, seek help when needed, and reduce the stigma associated with mental health challenges. Professional mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors, can provide support and treatment for individuals experiencing mental health difficulties.