October 10 was World Mental Health Day where emphasis was being put on raising awareness about mental health issues globally.
Such commemorations do not only provide an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and communities to come together and address the challenges faced by people with mental health conditions but also help foster understanding and inspire others to prioritize their mental well-being.
While in the previous years mental health conditions have been viewed negatively and patients with such conditions stigmatized mainly due to ignorance on the causes and the myths surrounding the matter, significant changes have been noted recently where optimal mental health is being prioritized.
This can be attributed to a lot of organizations that are actively supporting their employees’ mental health wellness and by so doing breaking down the stigma and discrimination associated with those struggling with mental issues.
Being guided by the World Federation for Mental Health theme for the year 2023’s World Mental Health Day commemoration, “MENTAL HEALTH IS A UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHT” it is only credible that we all understand the fundamental importance of mental health in promoting overall well-being and making a deliberate effort to lead fulfilling lives.
The concept of mental health as a human right is rooted in the principles of dignity, equality, and non-discrimination, which are central to human rights frameworks worldwide.
Mental health plays a crucial role in our overall well-being and has a significant impact in our daily lives. This encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting how we think, feel and act. Mental health influences how we handle stress, make decisions, form relationships, and cope with the challenges that life presents. It determines how we experience and express emotions such as happiness, sadness, anger, fear, and joy. This is why when mental health is compromised, individuals may experience mood swings, irritability, or difficulty managing their emotions. This can lead to a decreased ability to enjoy life’s pleasures and an increased susceptibility to negative emotions.
While it is always easy to share how certain people or circumstances are contributing to our emotional distress, it is important also to understand how we can personally take care of our mental health at personal, social & professional level.
Based on this year’s theme, let us look at some of the tips that can help us manage our mental well-being;
1. Prioritize self-care: with lots of responsibilities around us, it is always easy to think about how we make other people’s lives easier even when it is overwhelming. However, taking care of yourself should be a top priority when it comes to promoting mental well-being. Make sure to allocate time for self-care regularly, as it can help reduce stress levels and improve overall mental health.
2. Maintain a balanced lifestyle: While this may seem like a challenge to most of us where we seem to be hanging on the balance in one area such as work, school or household responsibilities. We should still make an effort to pay attention to various aspects of your life, including physical health, social connections, work-life balance, leisure activities, building strong relationships and maintaining a support network
3. Practice stress management techniques: Stress is a common factor that can negatively impact mental health. Excessive stress can take a toll on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and straining relationships with family members, friends, and colleagues. By learning stress management techniques, individuals can improve their emotional regulation skills and communicate more effectively with others. This can lead to healthier relationships and a more supportive social network.
4. Seek professional help when needed: If you are experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or other symptoms that significantly affect your daily life, it is important to seek professional help from a mental health service provider. They can provide guidance and support tailored to your specific needs.
These are just but a few tips on promoting mental health and hopefully, each one of us makes an effort to take care of theirs.
Matilda Moyo (MSC Counselling Psychology student –GZU) – ORAP Community Visioning Field Officer