Why Mental Health Matters
The broad field of Mental Health links our emotional, psychological, and social well-being and can alter how we think, feel, and act.
The stability of our mental health can influence our decision-making. It determines how we respond to stressful situations, relate to others, and perceive ourselves and the world we live in.
Here’s what we cover in this guide:
Why Does Mental Health Matter?
What Contributes to Mental Health?
What Are Some Early Warning Signs?
4 Basic Dimensions of Mental Health
How to Maintain Positive Mental Health
Why Does Mental Health Matter?
When battling your inner demons becomes too much, and as a result, your mental health depletes, it takes a toll on you both mentally and physically. Your relationships, goals, and ability to overcome challenges can be deeply impacted, and life can become draining and difficult to enjoy.
What Contributes to Mental Health?
Work, school, or home life
Relationships with others
Life experiences such as trauma or abuse
Biological factors such as genetics or brain chemistry
Family history of mental health issues
There are four basic dimensions of mental health and well-being.
Our overall patterns of thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and body reactions determine mental health.
2. Body reactions
Body reactions are the simple fluctuations in your bodily functions, such as your heart rate, breathing, digestion, and hormones.
Examples of body reactions:
Muscle tension, aches, or headaches
Sweating, hot flushes, or cold chills
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
Lack of or increased appetite
Upsets stomach, bowels, or diarrhoea
Decreased sex drive
Pounding, racing, or abnormal heartbeat
Feeling light-headed, dizzy, or nausea
Tinging in hands and/or feet
Feelings of isolation
Aggravation of an existing health problem i.e. acne, migraines, etc.
4. Behaviours
Behaviours are how you respond to your environment. Others are helpful, while some are the utter opposite.
Examples of helpful behaviours:
Breaking down an issue and resolving it one step at a time
Communicating with a trusted friend or family member
Eating wholesome, nourishing food to fuel your body. Check out my post here on the Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet and the ways it can impact your mental health.
Engaging in exercise, yoga or pilates to get your blood flowing
Undertaking hobbies to distract yourself
Practising Gratitude Meditation or other mindful forms of meditation
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