Although mental illness affects most of the community, much of the community is unaware of what mental health is, the related disorders and relevant responsibilities and solutions.
Early diagnosis of mental illness can promote healthy lifestyle changes, as well as the administering of correct medication.
Mental health is the level of psychological well-being. A positive attitude will assist in the creation of a good mental health status.
People who are emotionally healthy are in control of their emotions and their behaviour. They are able to handle life’s inevitable challenges, build strong relationships and lead productive, fulfilling lives.
Good mental health isn’t just the absence of mental health problems. Being mentally or emotionally healthy is much more than being free of depression, anxiety, or other psychological issues.
Physical exercise plays an important role in mental health. Taking care of your body is a powerful first step towards mental and emotional health.
When you improve your physical health, you’ll automatically experience greater mental and emotional well-being. Exercise not only strengthens our heart and lungs, but also releases endorphins, which are powerful chemicals that energise us and lift our mood.
The activities you engage in and the daily choices you make affect the way you feel physically and emotionally. To maintain a healthy mental status, it is important to rest well, eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, limit alcohol and smoking, and get a large dose of daily sunlight. If you’ve made consistent efforts to improve your mental and emotional health and you still don’t feel good, then it’s time to seek professional help.
When to seek professional help:
– Inability to sleep.
– Feeling down, hopeless, or helpless most of the time.
– Concentration problems that interfere with your work or home life.
– Using smoking, overeating, drugs, or alcohol to cope with difficult emotions.
– Negative or self-destructive thoughts.
– Thoughts of death or suicide.
The City of Johannesburg’s health department will host an awareness campaign on mental health on 17 October at Sankopano Hall and all are welcome to attend.
