What is Mental Health? Understanding Its Role in Wellness and Everyday Life

When I first started reflecting on mental health, I realised how often it’s misunderstood or overlooked in conversations about wellness. Many of us focus on physical health-what we eat, how much we exercise, whether we get enough sleep-but mental health is just as crucial to our overall well-being. I created this space not only to share supportive reflections and visuals, but also to help break down what mental health really means, and how we can nurture it every day.

"Embracing the harmony between mind and nature, nurturing mental wellness in every moment."

What is Mental Health?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, act, handle stress, relate to others, and make choices (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). Good mental health isn’t about always being happy or never experiencing difficulties; rather, it’s about how we manage life’s ups and downs, process emotions, and maintain a sense of balance.

Mental health is unique for each person, and it can change over time-just as physical health does. Factors like genetics, life experiences, trauma, and family history all play a role (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2022). That’s why it’s so important to approach our mental well-being with compassion and patience.

The Deep Connection Between Mental Health and Wellness

Wellness is a holistic concept that encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being. When one part of this triad is neglected, the others can be affected. For example, chronic stress or untreated anxiety can impact sleep, immune function, and even heart health (Harvard Health Publishing, 2021). Conversely, healthy habits like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and quality sleep contribute positively to both mental and physical health.

In my own journey, I’ve found that nurturing my mental health helps me stay more present, kind, and resilient-not just for myself, but for those around me as well. When we care for our minds, we lay the foundation for overall wellness.

Tips for Supporting Your Mental Health

While everyone’s path is different, here are some evidence-based tips that have helped me-simple practices that can make a big difference over time:

"Together, we lift each other, reminding ourselves that support and compassion are the heart of healing."

1. Stay Connected: Meaningful relationships provide emotional support and a sense of belonging. Reach out to friends, family, or support groups, even if it’s just a quick check-in (Mental Health America, 2023).

2. Move Your Body: Physical activity releases endorphins, which can help reduce stress and boost mood. Even gentle movement like walking, stretching, or yoga can be beneficial (Sharma et al., 2006).

3. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness means focusing on the present moment without judgment. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or journaling can help manage anxiety and improve emotional regulation (American Psychological Association, 2022).

4. Set Boundaries: Protect your energy by saying no when needed and setting limits around work, relationships, and technology use.

5. Seek Professional Help: There’s no shame in reaching out for support from a mental health professional. Therapy and counseling can provide valuable tools and coping strategies.

6. Be Kind to Yourself: Practice self-compassion, especially on tough days. Remember that healing takes time and small steps matter.

   
   

A Gentle Reminder

Mental health is an essential part of who we are.

By caring for it, we invest in our overall wellness and our capacity to enjoy life’s moments-big and small. If you’re struggling, remember you are not alone.

There is always hope and always support available.

Let’s continue to support one another, share our journeys, and stay strong-together.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023) About Mental Health. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm (Accessed: 20 June 2024).

World Health Organization (2022) Mental Health. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response (Accessed: 20 June 2024).

Harvard Health Publishing (2021) How Mental Health Affects Physical Health. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/how-mental-health-affects-physical-health (Accessed: 20 June 2024).

Mental Health America (2023) Building Connections. Available at: https://www.mhanational.org/building-connections (Accessed: 20 June 2024).

Sharma, A., Madaan, V. and Petty, F. D. (2006) ‘Exercise for Mental Health’, Primary Care Companion to The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 8(2), p. 106.

American Psychological Association (2022) Mindfulness Meditation: A Research-Proven Way to Reduce Stress. Available at: https://www.apa.org/topics/mindfulness/meditation (Accessed: 20 June 2024).