Your mental health is probably the most important aspect of a healthy lifestyle. While mental health and mental wellness are often used interchangeably they are distinct.
Mental Health
Mental health is a clinical term and goes from thriving to mildly depressed to severe mental illness. Mental wellness refers to the more positive side and includes resilience, contentment, and the ability to manage stress effectively. Even a person who has a high level of mental wellness can still be diagnosed with a clinical mental disorder. And people diagnosed with clinical depression may also struggle with a low level of mental wellness due to stress, loneliness, or emotional challenges. Understanding the distinctions between these two is very important to your mental well-being.
If you are experiencing these symptoms:
- Feeling sad or hopeless but you don’t know why
- Aches and pains that don’t respond to treatment
- You lost interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Trouble sleeping at night or sleeping too much
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms you should contact your personal physician for a referral to a mental health professional. If you or someone you know feel that you are having a crisis or feel you would be better off not being here, do NOT hesitate help is available. You are NOT alone. Please call or text 988 or dial 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
Mental Wellness
Because I am not a clinician or a physician the advice provided to take a subtle and holistic approach to your mental wellness.
Key Components of Mental Wellness
- Emotional wellness: Recognizing, expressing, and managing emotions in a healthy way.
- Intellectual wellness: Staying curious, learning, problem-solving, and thinking critically.
- Social wellness: Feeling connected to others and maintaining supportive relationships.
- Purpose and resilience: Having a sense of direction, coping with adversity, and building strength proactively
Benefits of Mental Wellness
Maintaining mental wellness has wide-ranging benefits such as improved physical health; reducing stress-related risks like high cortisol and heart problems. It enhances your productivity allowing you to think clearly, improve focus and performance.
Your communication and empathy are strengthened allowing for better personal relationships. Being mentally well gives you a sense of hope during challenging times. Studies have shown that individuals who have a higher level of mental wellness have increased longevity living and enjoying a more satisfying life well into their elder years.
Nurturing Your Mental Wellness
Mental wellness requires intention and work. You don’t just ‘become’ mentally well it is something you work on for a lifetime. Strategies include stress management, social connection, self-awareness, learning new skills, and seeking support when needed.
Here are some ways that you can nurture your own mental wellness
Build your Emotional Intelligence and Resilience:
Mental wellness begins with exploring our emotional landscape. Building emotional resilience enables us to navigate life’s challenges with grace, bouncing back from setbacks and learning from adversity.
Maintain Social Connections and Meaningful Relationships:
Nurturing connections with others provides support, understanding, and a sense of belonging. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you.
Work on Physical Health and Wellness:
A healthy body supports a healthy mind. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep contribute to mental wellness.
Following Your Purpose and your Passion:
Finding purpose in life gives direction and a sense of fulfillment. Pursuing passions and setting meaningful goals contribute to a sense of purpose.
Mindfulness and Gratitude:
Practicing mindfulness cultivates an awareness of the present moment, reducing stress and enhancing our ability to enjoy life. Focusing on what we have rather than comparing yourself or your life to others’ is a simple way to stay grateful and gratitude is one of the pillars of mental wellness.
Prioritize Self-Care:
Dedicate time to activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it is reading a book, taking a nature walk, or doing a face mask, self-care is essential.
Cultivate Positive Relationships: Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you.
There are other ways to build-up your mental wellness:
I hope this article encourages you to take some time to focus on your own mental health and wellness. There is no separation of the body and the mind. In order to be a whole person and a well person being mindful of our mental well-being is a must.
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