What is mental Health?
Mental health relates to how we think, feel, behave and interact with other people.
Just as we can develop problems with our physical health, mental health problems will be experienced by many of us over the course of our lives.
How do we define Mental Health?
World Health Organisation (WHO), defines Mental Health as:
‘a state of mind in which an individual is able to realise his or her own abilities, cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.’
It is basically a pattern or patterns of behaviour that causes a person to experience significant pain or prevents normal functioning.
What are some of the Myths about mental health?
Mental health problems are caused by being weak
People generally believe that mental health problems will not affect them at all
The belief that people with mental health problems are violent and unpredictable
The belief that people with mental health issues are not including those who are managing it, cannot be able to function well in school or work or in society in general.
There is no hope for a person who is mentally ill
Medication does not work on mental illness (cultural beliefs etc.)
What causes mental health problems?
Mental health problems have nothing to do with being lazy or weak and many people need help to get better. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:
Biological factors, such as genes, physical illness, injury, or brain chemistry
Life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse
Family history of mental health problems
People with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely.
What is the most common type of mental health problems?
Mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, substance abuse and stress are the most common.
These problems affect individuals, families and communities.
Statistics South Africa Published in the Mbalo Brief (2017), that an estimated 400 million people worldwide suffer from mental or psychosocial problems.
Example: Depression:
We all have days when we feel down, but those feelings usually pass without having too much impact on our lives.
But if they last beyond a couple of weeks or you feel as though things are getting worse, it could be a sign that you’re experiencing depression.
It is an emotional disorders primarily involving sadness and dependency.
People who are depressed lose hope in life and do not have the ability to enjoy life or have any interest in doing anything
Depression is a serious illness that needs medical attention.
If it is left untreated, depression can lead to suicide
People experience depression differently but some of the symptoms include feeling low, worthless or without hope.
You may find you sleep too much or too little, don’t eat properly, and withdraw from social contact with friends and family. Some people will even have thoughts about self-harming or suicide.
There are lots of reasons why someone might feel depressed, but sometimes there isn’t any obvious reason.
It can be caused by a difficult life event such as failing to achieve something, losing a job, relationship difficulties, or physical health problems like illness and disability, or low self-esteem.
Can Mental illness be treated?
Mental illness can be prevented and treated with medication, therapy or a combination of both. These also include self-help plans and activities, recovery and support groups and peer support
Treatment for mental health problems is different depending on the individual.
Many individuals work with a support system during the healing and recovery process.
Not many people are aware that they have mental health problems and therefore do not seek help at all.
Very few South Africans seek treatment for mental illness
This is due to stigma attached to mental health issues.
What kind of things contribute to your wellbeing?
Mental Wellness is being able to cope with the problem you have. It means that you:
Feel good about yourself
You are functioning well
When is my mental health poor?
We do not function and feel good about ourselves because we;
Does NOT share feelings
Emotions control behaviours
Is pessimistic (negative)
Ignores/denies problems
Cannot accept change
Let’s stress control life
“You” messages (blame and escalate)
Aggressive and passive
Depressed
Runs from conflict
Close minded
What can I do to have a good mental health?
Prevention is key
We can prevent mental issues from becoming serious problems by learning to manage and address issues for example, anger, depression and stress.
The key is to know yourself, understand your own issues for example, I easily react, or get angry or depressed.
To prevent mental illness you can train yourself to manage your own issues through practising healthy activities.
Share your feelings and emotions with someone you trust
Use positive self-talk
Learn skills to manage stress
Make healthy decisions and do not expose yourself to harm
Use effective communication skills - “I Messages”
KNOW the signs and symptoms
KNOW yourself
By having resilience:
It is the ability to cope with life’s challenges and to adapt to adversity.
It is important because it can help to protect against the development of some mental health problems.
Resilience helps us to maintain our wellbeing when faced by difficult circumstances.
How do I know I have good mental health?
You feel good about yourself
You feel comfortable with other people
You are able to meet the demands of life
You are also able to expresses emotions in healthy ways
You are positive in your daily living
You are able to use health skills
Stress management
Decision making
Conflict resolution
You can adapts to change in your life, at work, at school at home.
You are Self-confident
You can function well in a group or a team
How can I help others who are experiencing mental health issues?
Remain calm, unemotional and factually honest in speaking to the person about the signs you are seeing
Encourage your friend / child / wife / husband / work colleague to seek help
Do not cover up/ avoid the situation Do not be afraid to bring up the issues
Do not blame them
Call for help. They are many therapists, counsellors and help lines that offer help
