Hello,
Hope you've been enjoying the articles so far?
How are you doing, how's your mental health?
Gen Z's frequently get dragged about how supposedly no conversation can end without them rejecting bad energy and protecting their mental health, but I love the awareness mental health is getting and I think more should be said, as well as done about it. So what is mental health, and what is mental illness?
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".
Mental illnesses on the other hand, are conditions that affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, mood, behaviour, or a combination of these. They cause significant distress and impaired function and as a result, have a huge impact on social interactions and day to day living. What do these definitions tell you and how can you relate them with what you know?
Since the beginning of documented history, the mentally ill have fascinated (and provoked) the public, and been an object of curiosity. Common reactions such as fear and revulsion have been unhelpful and contributed extensively to the shame and secrecy surrounding mental illness, and as such misconceptions have been difficult to quell. People still think mental illness is: contagious, as a result of witchcraft or demonic possession, caused by character flaws, laziness, even weakness…whereas, mental illness is a real health condition that can affect anybody; literally anybody irrespective of gender, age, race, socio economic status, religion or spirituality, location, etc.
The good news is just like most other health conditions, mental illness can not only be treated, but prevented, and there are highly trained mental health professionals such as clinical psychologists and psychiatrists around you physically and virtually to help you navigate mental health care. Don't wait until one breaks down and actively becomes a danger to oneself or the society before seeking help, do it early for a better prognosis and outcome. And yes dears, do get rid of bad energy - see the previous article on stress and handling stressors if you're a bit lost.
Till we see next, protect your mental health.
Cheers!
Featured images: Getty images
