The Importance of Mental Health
Mental health awareness has been on the rise throughout the past few years. People have been deemed to self-isolation as a result of the global pandemic, which is also a breeding habitat for mental illnesses. Approximately 4 in 10 adults have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorders in this past year. As for teens, a national poll has shown that 46 percent have shown signs of a new or worsening mental health condition since the beginning of the pandemic. Many people believe that mental health is less important than other aspects of human health, such as physical or nutritional health; however, mental health is just as important for a multitude of reasons. It stems from neurological imbalances, has an impact on our daily lives, and is essential for good physical health.
Often when we hear that someone is ill or injured, our mind often jumps to images of blood or broken bones. However, some of the worst illnesses are the ones we fight amongst ourselves in the brain. Neurons in the brain communicate with one another through the use of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters. This communication system is necessary in order to maintain adequate brain function. Imbalances with certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine can cause depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders. Instead of dismissing the concept of "mental health," it is critical to recognize illnesses that we may not always see, as they are very important and can be just as challenging as physical ones.
Whether we see it or not, mental health affects the way we think, behave, and perform in our daily lives. Symptoms of different mood disorders vary, but one thing they all have in common is the ability to make it difficult to function or perform simple tasks in our daily lives. It can have an impact on relationships and family life, as well as sleep and eating habits, education, and career. If left untreated, it can lead to a slew of other serious complications that can have an impact on both one's personal and professional life. For these reasons, it is critical to value one's mental health and set aside time to devote to one's own mental stability. Healthy habits such as exercising, getting enough sleep, and eating a good breakfast can go a long way in maintaining sufficient mental health.
Our mental state of mind and physical fitness may not seem to be correlated in any way, but the two actually go hand in hand. Poor mental health can affect the ability to make healthy decisions for oneself and others. It can also make one prone to other serious health complications such as high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, obesity, etc… Physical activity is an excellent way to improve one's mental health. Even gentle exercise can have a significant impact on your quality of life. For example, walking for 10 minutes increases our mental alertness, energy, and positive mood.
In conclusion, mental health should not be overlooked simply because it is not visible to the naked eye. The biology behind mental illnesses is very serious and can have a significant impact on one's daily life. A positive mental state is necessary for physical health and vice versa. Simple activities can go a long way, and dedicating time to oneself is essential.