What is Mental Health?  

It is no secret that we are in the midst of a mental health crisis. Over the last decade, there has been a large cultural shift that encourages healthy minds, sharing personal stories, and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health^[1-3]. This is good news; individuals should be open and vocal about mental health because this is integral to our overall well-being and state of mind. Mental health is a human right and it encompasses individual, psychological, environmental, and social well-being. These are vital components that affect our ability to act,  think, and feel and this can change over time depending on many factors.^[2]

Who is Affected? 

The World Health Organization (WHO), among other organizations, have demanded a call to action for a collective and multisectoral approach to transform mental health globally, emphasizing human rights, empowerment, and a commitment to comprehensive mental health  resources and strategies to build supportive environments.^[1] According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 20% of adults currently live with a mental illness, more than 20% of youth, ages 13-18, are experiencing mental illness now or had so in the past.^[2] According to a recent 2024 Newsweek article, a whopping 33% of young adults aged 18-25 suffer from mental illness and are twice as likely to suffer from depression and anxiety  compared to teenagers. These statistics are alarming and warrants radical and immediate policy reform and advocacy to help prioritize and drive change to the health sector by enhancing  accessibility and affordability of mental health care.^[3] 

Why Mental Health is Important ​

Mental health is just as important as our physical health and symptoms can go unnoticed by both the individual and those around them. Individuals should be encouraged to acknowledge and address mental health challenges in order to reach their full potentials.^[4]

The importance of self-awareness and transparent communication with healthcare providers,  family, or friends is underscored as the first step towards overall well-being. Undervaluing  our mental health can have a harmful impact on cognitive functioning, physical health, resilience, relationships, and overall well-being.^[4] 

When we invest time and energy into our mental health, it comes with a lot of advantages. It can help us build confidence, self-esteem, and build resilience by learning how to manage our  feelings and not let our emotions get the best of us.^[4] 

3 Quick Ways to Support One’s Mental Health^[4,5] 

1. Take care of yourself first: prioritizing personal time and self-care through healthy  boundaries involve recognizing and respecting one’s values and limits without compromise. Disconnecting from social media, the constant buzz of the outside world, and reducing  stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation or mindfulness is key. In addition, regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and getting adequate sleep are all examples  of actions one can incorporate into one’s routine to contribute to overall mental well-being. 

2. Support Groups: it provides individuals with a supportive, empathetic group of trusted confidants who share mutual interests and understand each other’s challenges. These groups offer a sense of connection, community, understanding, and a space to share coping strategies and encourage authentic conversations about their feelings. 

3. Psychotherapy: talking to a trained mental health professional who can offer personalized and effective intervention. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are among various different therapeutic approaches one can take. 

Resources and Tips to Help Invest in YOU 

If you are not sure what mental health resources your insurance covers call your insurance  provider to see what is covered at no cost to you. Many plans now offer some therapy sessions  for free annually and some type of health coverage.  

Many workplaces now offer some easy measures for well-being such as mental health or  wellness days and flexible scheduling for therapy or treatment^[3]. Be sure to not let these benefits  go to waste and take the time to understand your options. Below are links to a few resources to help get started:  

● Crisis Hotlines and Resources (apa.org) 

● Thrive Global: Well-Being & Behavior Change Platform 

● Support Groups | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness 

● Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) o National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) 

● 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 or chat on 988lifeline.org  

Life is an emotional journey with lots of ups and downs! Our well-being is not dependent on external circumstances; we are in charge and we cannot let ourselves down. It’s vital to remain calm and take the time to prioritize mental health for a brighter tomorrow! 

References 

[1] World Health Organization. (2022, June 17). Mental health. World Health  Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health strengthening-our-response 

[2] CDC. (2023, April 25). About Mental Health. Centers for Disease Control and  Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm. 

[3] McGuire, K. (2024, January 8). Making Mental Health Our Number One Issue in 2024.  Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/making-mental-health-our-number-one-issue 2024-1858290.  

[4]  6 Reasons Mental Health Is SO Important. (2024, January 4). Cleveland Clinic.  https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-mental-health-is-so-important.  

[5] Codd, E. (2020, September 21). Make Mental Health Your #1 Priority. Harvard  Business Review. https://hbr.org/2020/09/make-mental-health-your-1-priority.