According to the definition of the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a state of well-being in which every person can realize their own potential and cope with the stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully, and make a contribution to their community.
A psychologically healthy person is a person who feels harmonious and has a certain reserve of strength to overcome difficulties and a sufficient level of productivity in everyday life. He has the strength to develop and help others. Despite the difficulties of life, he has the strength to adapt and be flexible in perception.
Harmony and balance are some of the most important criteria for a psychologically healthy person. But we must remember that harmony with the outside world and life begins with harmony with ourselves. When we are able to hear our own needs and desires, as well as seek and find ways to solve them.
The WHO identifies 7 components of mental health.
Awareness of the permanence and identity of one's physical and mental "I". If a person loses a sense of self-identity, perceives himself as not holistic, has no awareness of life as a single process, but only fragmentary events - this is a reason to pay attention to one's mental health.
Consistency and uniformity of experiences in similar situations. If a person finds themselves in the same situations that take them out of their comfort zone, there should be a clear plan of action where they would feel as protected as possible.
Critical attitude towards oneself and one's activities. The ability to analyze one's life, one's actions, and the efforts made to achieve a certain goal or objective. The ability to build algorithms of actions and behavior for oneself.
Adequacy of mental reactions to environmental influences. When a person's reaction corresponds to the strength and depth of an external factor.
The ability to control one's behavior in accordance with established norms. If a person tries to behave in a way that protests generally accepted norms, this indicates a violation of mental health (for example, putting one's feet on the table in public places).
Planning your own life and its implementation. Planning your daily routine, work, and having the strength and resources to stick to this schedule.
The ability to change one's behavior depending on changing life circumstances. The flexibility of a person's psyche speaks of their resourcefulness and adaptive capabilities.
One of the most significant factors that destroys mental health is stress.
Stress is a protective reaction of the body to external stimuli, changes in the social environment, or traumatic events. Why is it protective? Thanks to the feeling of stress, our body is able to adapt to changes and overcome certain difficulties, and in conditions of stress, a person is able to draw on the reserves of his potential.
But in this case, we are talking about the so-called «good stress», which helps us. The duration of such stress can be up to 4 weeks. If during this time we fail to balance our psychological state, then we are talking about the transition to a chronic stage, which can be triggered by the duration or depth of the emotional impact. Our everyday worries, about work or relationships, where there is a certain situation that causes anxious feelings, lead to eustress (good stress), but if we are in a destructive relationship with a partner or in an unhealthy psychological atmosphere at work, then we are already talking about chronic stress.
Symptoms of chronic stress include:
- headaches;
- insomnia;
- depression;
- excessive hunger or overeating (eating disorders);
- rapid heartbeat (tachycardia);
- high blood pressure (hypertension);
- pain in the body (due to constant excessive tension in the muscles);
- increased blood glucose levels.
A person can learn to manage stress and improve their condition both with the help of a specialist (family doctor, psychologist, psychotherapist), and by taking additional independent steps.
It is worth realizing that everyone is responsible for their own lives, and therefore we must take steps to overcome stress ourselves.
What can help you get your peaceful life back?
Physical activity helps to shift attention and focus from worry to life, which passes us by while we are worried. This is especially important when we start doing it systematically, because it also helps to regain control over our lives, and therefore feel our own influence on our mental state.
Clear planning of our daily routine will help us avoid additional anxiety about having time for everything and feel comfortable.
A healthy, balanced diet plays an important role. Consuming 5 servings of vegetables and fruits daily. After all, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract leads to anxiety disorders.
It is extremely important to overcome stress to give up smoking and drinking alcohol. After all, the idea that this allows you to relax is false. In addition, it worsens the psychological state, because the consequences of intoxication are increased anxiety and stress. The same goes for smoking, which causes the illusory impression of overcoming the problem. At the same time, the anxiety state, on the contrary, intensifies and emotions accumulate.
When we are in a difficult emotional state, the support of friends and family is important. If you feel that you need help, you should definitely talk about it. After all, every person has been in a state of stress at least once in their life, and therefore everyone is familiar with these feelings. So do not be afraid to ask for help. Healthy sleep (at least 7 hours) is the key to a healthy and productive day! And as we know, a mentally healthy person is also a productive person, so it is important to restore your strength and take care of your regime.