What is Mental Health?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel,
and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and
behavior could be affected.

Many factors contribute to mental health conditions, including:

- Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry

- Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse

- Family history of mental health problems

Some mental health topics include:

- Antisocial personality disorder

- Anxiety disorders (including generalized anxiety, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),
phobias, and social anxiety)

- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

- Bipolar disorder

- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

- Depression

- Eating disorders (including Anorexia Nervosa, binge eating Disorder, and Bulimia Nervosa)

- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

- Schizophrenia

- Self-harm

- Suicide and suicidal behavior

- Eating or sleeping too much or too little

- Pulling away from people and usual activities

- Having low or no energy

- Feeling numb or like nothing matters

- Having unexplained aches and pains

- Feeling helpless or hopeless

- Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual

- Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared

- Yelling or fighting with family and friends

- Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships

- Having persistent thoughts and memories you can't get out of your head

- Hearing voices or believing things that are not true

- Thinking of harming yourself or others

- Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school

Tips for Living Well with a Mental Health Condition

- Stick to a treatment plan. Even if you feel better, don’t stop going to therapy or taking medication
without a doctor’s guidance. Work with a doctor to safely adjust doses or medication if needed to
continue a treatment plan.

- Keep your primary care physician updated. Primary care physicians are an important part of long-term
management, even if you also see a psychiatrist.

- Learn about the condition. Being educated can help you stick to your treatment plan. Education can
also help your loved ones be more supportive and compassionate.

- Practice good self-care. Control stress with activities such as meditation or tai-chi; eat healthy and
exercise; and get enough sleep.

- Reach out to family and friends. Maintaining relationships with others is important. In times of crisis or
rough spells, reach out to them for support and help.

- Develop coping skills. Establishing healthy coping skills can help people deal with stress easier.

- Get enough sleep. Good sleep improves your brain performance, mood and overall health.
Mental Health Promotion

Mental health promotion attempts to encourage and increase protective factors and healthy behaviors
that can help prevent the onset of a diagnosable mental disorder and reduce risk factors that can lead to
the development of a mental disorder. It also involves creating living conditions and environments that
support mental health and allow people to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles or a “a climate that
respects and protects basic civil, political, socio-economic and cultural rights is fundamental to mental
health promotion. Without the security and freedom provided by these rights, it is very difficult to
maintain a high level of mental health.”

Specifically, mental health can be promoted through:

- early childhood interventions

- providing support for children

- programs targeted at vulnerable groups, including minorities, indigenous people, migrants, and people
affected by conflicts and disasters

- incorporating mental health promotional activities in schools

- violence prevention programs

- community development programs.

Positive youth development is defined by the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs as an
intentional, pro-social approach that

- engages youth within their communities, schools, organizations, peer groups, and families in a manner
that is productive and constructive;

- recognizes, utilizes, and enhances youths' strengths; and

- promotes positive outcomes for young people by providing opportunities, fostering positive
relationships, and furnishing the support needed to build on their leadership strengths.

It provides a lens for promoting the mental health of youth by focusing on protective factors in a young
person's environment, and on how these factors could influence one's ability to overcome adversity.
Understanding the Difference Between Mental Health Issues and Diagnosed Mental Health
Conditions

Mental health issues refer to a broad range of challenges that affect one's emotional well-being, stress
levels, or overall mental state. These can be temporary and may not meet the criteria for a diagnosed
mental health condition.

Having a diagnosed mental health condition implies that a qualified professional has assessed and
identified a specific disorder, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis often involves
meeting established criteria and may lead to a more targeted and comprehensive treatment plan.

In essence, mental health issues are general struggles, while a diagnosed mental health condition
indicates a specific recognized disorder with defined symptoms and treatment approaches.

Reaching out to classmates, friends, and family members who have mental health issues

When reaching out to classmates, friends, or family members facing mental health issues, consider
starting the conversation by expressing your care and concern for their well-being. Use a gentle and
non-judgmental tone, emphasizing that you're there to offer support and understanding.

Share specific observations that have raised your concern, framing it in terms of your genuine worry for
their welfare. For example, you might say, "I've noticed that you seem more withdrawn lately, and I
wanted to check in to see how you're doing."

Encourage open communication by letting them know that you're available to listen whenever they're
ready to talk. Avoid pressuring them to share more than they're comfortable with, but make it clear that
you genuinely care about their feelings and experiences.

If appropriate, you can gently suggest the idea of seeking professional help. This could involve
recommending a mental health professional, providing information about available resources, or even
offering to accompany them to an appointment.

Throughout the conversation, be patient and understanding. Mental health challenges can be complex,
and it may take time for someone to open up or consider seeking help. Reassure them that you're there
for support and that seeking assistance is a sign of strength.

Remember to follow up periodically, showing ongoing support and checking in on their well-being. Your
caring and consistent presence can make a significant difference in helping someone navigate their
mental health journey.
Positive Mental Health Advocacy

Positive mental health advocacy is a crucial effort that involves actively promoting awareness,
understanding, and destigmatization surrounding mental health issues. It encompasses various
strategies aimed at fostering a more supportive and empathetic environment for individuals facing
mental health challenges.

One key aspect of advocacy is encouraging open conversations about mental health. By breaking down
the barriers of silence and creating spaces where people feel comfortable discussing their emotions and
struggles, we contribute to reducing the stigma associated with mental health.

Sharing reliable and informative resources is another vital component of positive mental health
advocacy. Disseminating accurate information about mental health conditions, available treatments,
and support services helps empower individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being. This
can include sharing articles, videos, or reputable organizations that focus on mental health education.

Advocates also play a role in challenging stereotypes and dispelling misconceptions surrounding mental
health. By addressing and correcting inaccurate beliefs, we contribute to a more inclusive and
understanding society. This involves promoting the idea that mental health is a continuum, and
everyone falls somewhere on that spectrum.

Emphasizing the importance of seeking help when needed is a central theme in positive mental health
advocacy. By normalizing the act of reaching out for support, whether from friends, family, or
professionals, we encourage individuals to prioritize their mental well-being. This might involve
highlighting success stories of people who have sought help and experienced positive outcomes.

Creating a supportive community is essential in fostering positive mental health. This includes promoting
workplace initiatives, educational programs, and community events that prioritize mental well-being. By
integrating mental health into broader conversations about overall health, advocates contribute to a
holistic understanding of well-being.

In essence, positive mental health advocacy is a multifaceted effort that involves proactive engagement,
education, and the promotion of a culture that values and prioritizes mental well-being. By collectively
working towards creating a more empathetic and informed society, we can contribute to the overall
improvement of mental health outcomes for individuals and communities.