mental health

 

People often use the terms mental wellbeing and mental health interchangeably, but that is incorrect. Let’s examine the definition of both terms and learn the differences between them.

Mental Wellbeing Definition

While we wished that the definition of mental wellbeing meant that your life would be problem-free, that is not the case. Instead, it means that you have the skills to handle what life throws your way. These are skills that you can learn and develop, so your mental wellbeing can be better today than yesterday.

These skills include:
• Self-fullfillment
• Realization that you are part of something bigger
• Ability to care for yourself independently
• Identifying and employing character strengths
• Accurate perception of reality
• Desire to learn new skills
• Emotional resilience
• Interested in the world around you
• Recognizing and staying true to your values
• Forming and maintaining healthy relationships
• Having a sense of hope
• Understanding that happiness comes from within
• Being determined
• Taking action to improve your life

Definition of Mental Health

Mental health is your mind’s wellbeing. In many ways, it is like physical health but relates only to your mind. Just like your physical health, it ebbs and flows daily. Generally, your mental health depends on your life experiences, environmental and relationship factors, and the strength of the community surrounding you. Your physical health and mental health are tightly interwoven, so you need to be as healthy as possible on both accounts.

While you might go to the doctor if you suspect you have heart problems or some other physical ailment, you also need to see a professional if you suspect your mental health needs a booster shot.

These signs might include:
• Trouble sleeping
• Isolation from things and people that you used to love being around
• Constant fatigue
• Feeling numb
• Experiencing aches and pains that are not caused by a physical ailment
• Feeling hopeless
• Excessive drinking
• Frequently arguing with loved ones
• Frequent mood swings
• Unhealthy thought patterns that you cannot avoid
• Hearing voices or seeing things that do not exist
• Suicidal thoughts
• Lack of concentration
• Overeating or not eating enough

Like going to a doctor when you have a physical health issue, you need to seek help if you have a mental health challenge. While mental health challenges will not go away, many types of treatment are available. Once you find a treatment that works for you, you can focus on your wellbeing. They often go hand-in-hand, so seek out treatment today.

 

 

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