There are several questions as to why people need to take the topic of mental health seriously. Some tag mental health as depression, meanwhile, as much as we could safely say ‘mental health’ is not and may not necessarily be a case of depression, both conditions are interrelated as one leads to the other.
Mental health is integral to living a healthy, balanced life. Pain, work, stress, heartbreak, lack of organisation, anxiety, pressure, and more are basic factors that can affect our mental health, and if not properly addressed, they can lead to depression.
Our mental health encompasses our psychological, emotional and social well-being. This means it impacts how we feel, think and behave each day. Our mental health also contributes to our decision making process, how we cope with stress and how we relate to others in our lives.
Emotional and mental health is important because it’s a vital part of your life and impacts your thoughts, behaviors and emotions. Being healthy emotionally can promote productivity and effectiveness in activities like work, school or care-giving. It plays an important part in the health of your relationships, and allows you to adapt to changes in your life and cope with adversity.
According to Psycho pharmacologist and Neuropsychiatrist, Dr. Glen Xiong some of the basic steps to improve your mental health includes exercising, eating balanced and healthy meals, opening up to other people in your life, taking a break when you need to, remembering something you are grateful for and getting a good night’s sleep.
Issues related to mental health can impact different people in different ways. If you start to see changes in your overall happiness and relationships, there are always ways get the support you want. Here are some ways you can get help:
Connect with other individuals, friends and family — Reaching out and opening up to other people in your life can help provide emotional support.
Take a mental health assessment — An assessment can help determine if stress, anxiety or depression may be having an impact on your life. Doctor On Demand offers a free and private online mental health assessment that you can take at any time.
Talk to a professional — If you start to feel like your emotional health is starting to impact you, it may be time to reach out for extra support. With Doctor On Demand, you can see a psychologist or psychiatrist and find the personalized support you want.
Lastly, you can also learn more about taking care of your mental health on our blog. Discover ways to take a healthy approach to your emotional wellness, as well as understand issues like depression and how it can affect men and women differently.
