Mental health is made up of many diverse components; it is not a single feature that someone possesses. This is wonderful news because it means that mental health is diverse and accessible to everyone in their own unique way.
In general, mental health is the ability to thrive in various areas of life, such as relationships, jobs, leisure, and so on, despite the ups and downs. It is the understanding that we are apart from our difficulties and the idea that we can deal with them.
That is a broad term that may appear difficult to achieve, but mental health is more accessible when it is broken down into multiple components. When you understand the components, you can set goals and take action to achieve them.
Here are the seven elements of good mental health.
- In-person therapy
Few of us are fully equipped with the tools required for daily mental health; we frequently require an objective sounding board to bounce life experiences off of to discover patterns and emotions that require further study.
The need for in-person counseling is greater than ever. In general, we humans experience a desire to relax from life's strains and tensions as we acquire new self-care and regulatory strategies that can improve our quality of life.
- Community
Treating mental illness now may look different than in the past, but there is no reason to isolate yourself and wallow in your own set of troubles. Building a strong community of love, support, and friendships around you will be an important aspect of your wellness path.
Surround yourself with people who share your desire to be healthier and happier, and be uplifted by chats, in-person meetings, virtual care services, and exchanges with your circle of support. You'll understand that this isn't a solo journey and that you have people around you to help you improve the quality of your life.
- Physical health
Your body is a sophisticated network of systems that all operate in unison to keep you moving and grooving, day in and day out. If we do not take care of ourselves, the system will begin to fail. Adequate and consistent sleep, exercise, water, and a nutritious diet are all essential for general health. Caring for your physical health not only leads to a more positive outlook on life, but it also contributes significantly to longevity of life.
- Intellectual health
Our minds, like the muscles in our bodies, need to be exercised regularly to grow and sustainably. Making a commitment to lifelong learning, whether through meditation, introspection, learning a new skill, or gaining new knowledge, all contribute to mental well-being. It not only keeps your brain sharp but also improves your quality of life by giving you a sense of purpose. You may discover that you are more in tune with yourself, or you may discover that you have joined a new group with similar interests.
- Environmental health
Your environment can have a big impact on your mental state of mind. Individuals who are subjected to daily stressors and less-than-ideal living situations can harm their environmental health and create mental diseases. Doing all you can to eliminate the stressors in your life—relationships, living conditions, social situations, and physical health issues—will assist in lessening the stress response in your brain, which can contribute to impaired cognitive function.
- Boundaries
It is hard to accomplish all of life's commitments while also taking care of yourself; creating boundaries and learning to say "no" to things that aren't necessary will help you to carve out some time for protecting your mental health. You may feel terrible at first if you haven't previously said no to friends and family, but the more you stand up for yourself and reclaim your time, the simpler it will be to adopt the daily practices that promote mental health.
- Self-care
Self-care is a broad concept that encompasses everything you do intentionally to improve your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. It may appear straightforward, but many of us do very little for ourselves to recharge and renew. Self-care is different for everyone, but it all starts with enhanced self-awareness to recognize which activities or situations help or degrade your mental health.
Self-care might include eating nutritious foods, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Self-care can include things like meditation and writing, as well as making a financial budget. It could involve doing rapid mental surveys of your body in different scenarios to recognize how you truly feel at that moment.
How many of these aspects of happiness do you believe you have under control? Is there anything that needs to be improved? Can you think of anything we could have overlooked? You can make positive changes in your resilience and mental health. It is up to you to shift the focus and attitude regarding mental illness.