Mental Health and the Holistic Well-being (Module 6)

 

How are you really?

    Being healthy is more than just being physically fit and away from illnesses. It also encompasses an individual's mental and social well-being that results in the absence of diseases. Therefore, mental health and well-being is a vital aspect in understanding a person holistically. Having healthy mental health entails that a person can successfully function mentally, resulting in fulfilled responsibilities, relationships, and productive activities. 

    Overall, some factors influence having healthy mental health. These include biological, social or environmental, and psychological factors. 

Biological Factors

    Genetics can have a hold on the mental health of an individual. The risk of having a mental health issue is higher for individuals with family members who have also experienced or been diagnosed with mental health problems. To have a better environment to ensure a positive influence on the development of the brain, especially to those who are genetically predisposed to mental illness, is an excellent precautionary measure.

Social/Environmental Factors

    The environment we are in and the people surrounding us affect our mental health and well-being. The usual cases that lead to mental health issues include toxic relationships, lack of support from our families, friends, and love ones, and the tragic o traumatic experiences we had.

Psychological Factors

    Our ability to deal with and carry our emotions and thoughts can also influence our mental health. As we experience different challenges and face different stressors, we also cope up differently. However, continuous exposure to various stressors or the inability to adapt or cope with the situation can negatively affect our mental health. 

What I realized:

    Resiliency and adaptability are vital in maintaining good mental health. There are no perfect people, and there is no perfect environment to be in that can positively influence our mental health. In one way or another, just like our physical health, we will also experience challenged mental health. Thus, we must establish the ability to maintain our balance and well-being and adjust and adapt in critical situations for our survival amidst adversity. 

    Additionally, we need to have a positive view of ourselves. Having a positive regard for oneself in terms of self-concept and body image is like seeing yourself as someone worthy of love and care regardless of physical flaws and regardless of what people say. 

Reflection:

Our mental health matters. It must be our priority to take care of our mental health. If things become more challenging, and if we think we cannot make it, it's okay to take a step back for a while and have some break or some breather. If we think we need to get support, then we must. It's okay to connect and ask for help.