what does mental health means and how can we achieve it?

Being mentally healthy means having a positive sense of well-being, the ability to manage and cope with stress and challenges, and the capacity to engage in fulfilling relationships and activities. It involves having a balanced emotional and psychological state, and being able to think clearly and make rational decisions.

Mental health is not just the absence of mental illness or psychological distress, but rather a state of overall well-being that allows individuals to live a meaningful and productive life. It includes positive feelings such as happiness, contentment, and satisfaction with life, as well as the ability to manage negative emotions such as sadness, anxiety, and anger.

Good mental health also involves having a sense of purpose and meaning in life, feeling connected to others, and being able to adapt to changes and overcome challenges. It is a key component of overall health and well-being, and is essential for leading a fulfilling and satisfying life.

There are many things that we can do to promote and maintain good mental health. Here are a few examples:

  1. Practice good self-care: This includes eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and avoiding unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol or drug use.
  2. Build positive relationships: Make an effort to connect with friends, family, and other supportive people in your life. Seek out new social connections and join groups or clubs that align with your interests.
  3. Manage stress: Learn and practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Take breaks and prioritize rest when needed.
  4. Seek professional help when needed: Don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional if you are struggling with mental health issues. They can help provide support and guidance to help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
  5. Engage in activities that bring you joy: Whether it’s a hobby or a creative pursuit, taking time to engage in activities that you enjoy can help reduce stress, boost mood, and promote overall well-being.
  6. Practice gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on what you are thankful for, which can help shift your mindset to focus on the positive aspects of life.

Remember that mental health is an ongoing journey and it’s important to prioritize self-care and seek support when needed.

Published by Trikalsun

Born and brought up in New Delhi - the capital of India , completed my medical school and psychiatric education  at the prestigious Maulana Azad Medical college. After immigrating to the States I trained at Brookdale Hospital affiliated with SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn New York. I was the chief resident and a fellow at New York Psychoanalytic Clinic in my final year of training.  Thereafter , I had a brief training in child psychiatry. I came to the upstate in 2000 and since then I have worked in both clinical and teaching positions at Mental Health Clinics , State Hospital, Mary Black Hospital, Spartanburg Regional Hospital and PRISMA  Health System. My approach in Psychiatry is Client Centered. I strongly believe that psychiatric problems can engulf our whole being and underlying causes are multi factorial - genetic, medical, psychological, social , spiritual and so on. The treatment modalities  should be based  on  our knowledge in neurosciences, behavioral sciences, literature, philosophy and religion. My mantra is to promote “ physical, mental , social and spiritual well being”. Above all, my message to my future patients is that “ we are all struggling with the problems of life and helping them is a privilege and opportunity for learning more about life”

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