Dear Editor,
Health of every citizen is important for development of the country. WHO defines mental health as mental well-being in which an individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. In fact, mental health is the foundation for individual well-being and the effective functioning of a community. Your mental health influences how you think, feel, and behave in daily life. It also affects your ability to cope with stress, overcome challenges, build relationships, and recover from life’s setbacks and hardships.
Strong mental health isn’t just the absence of mental health problems. Being mentally or emotionally healthy is much more than being free of depression, anxiety or other psychological issues.
Having a good mental health doesn’t mean that you never go through bad times or experience emotional problems. We all go through disappointments, loss, and anger. And while these are normal parts of life, they can still cause sadness, anxiety and stress.
Just as physically healthy people are better able to bounce back from illness or injury, people with strong mental health are better able to bounce back from trauma and stress.
People with good mental health remain focused, flexible, and productive, in bad times as well as good. Even when they don’t immediately know how a problem will get resolved, they are hopeful that a solution will eventually be found.
Mental health has nothing to do with age. Anyone can suffer from mental or emotional health problems. This year alone, about one in five suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder due to stress and unrest because of COVID. So, it becomes more important to pay attention towards our mental health. The key is to interact with someone who is a ‘good listener’-someone you can regularly talk to in person, who will listen to you without their own conceptions of how you should think or feel. A good listener will listen to the feelings behind your words, and won’t interrupt, judge or criticise you. Rather he will help you overcome all the stress and anxiety. It is important to understand that reaching out is not a sign of weakness and it won’t make you feel low in front of others.
The mind and the body are intrinsically linked. To lead a happy and healthy life. you need to work both on body and on mind.
One of the best Mantra to beat stress is to think about the things you’re grateful for. Mediate, pray, enjoy the sunset, or simply take a moment to pay attention to what is good, positive, and beautiful as you go about your day. Do not ignore your mental health and stay happy and healthy.
Kshitiza Kerni,
Jammu.
