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Mental Health is equally important as physical health
Good mental health is crucial for individuals to enjoy life and cope effectively with challenges, encompassing emotional and spiritual well-being while honoring cultural, social justice, and personal dignity principles. Mental wellness enables people to reach their full potential and actively participate in daily life. However, mental health issues, ranging from emotional well-being enhancement to severe mental illness prevention and suicide prevention, can hinder this. Mental illnesses indirectly impact Canadians, with 20% experiencing mental illness in their lifetime, and over 70% developing symptoms in childhood or early adolescence, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health for the overall well-being of society.
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.
Here are some ways to maintain good mental health:
- Enhance self-assurance by recognizing your strengths and weaknesses, accepting them, and leveraging your abilities.
- Adopting a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient rest can alleviate stress and improve overall well-being.
- Prioritize nurturing relationships with family and friends as they provide essential support during life’s challenges.
- Both giving and receiving support from positive friends and family members are vital for mental wellness.
- Develop a sensible budget to alleviate financial stress and distinguish between wants and needs.
- Engage in volunteering activities within your community to find purpose and fulfillment.
- Effective stress management techniques are crucial for coping with life’s pressures and maintaining mental health.
- Seek solace in group settings where shared experiences can provide comfort and potential solutions to challenges.
- Recognize and address emotions such as anger, sadness, joy, and fear in constructive ways.
- Cultivate self-awareness and acceptance by understanding your identity, finding happiness, and embracing both change and stability within yourself.
Moreover, mental health promotion aims to raise awareness and reduce stigma through education and training, with significant roles for parents and educators in fostering mental wellness in children and students.
