Mental health is one such topic that needs more attention. Several taboos associated with mental health also need addressing. With Mental Health Awareness Month around the corner, we should take it as an opportunity to discuss it in detail. 

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What is mental health? Why is mental health important? What are the tips for managing mental health, and why is awareness about this topic critical? We will discuss each of these aspects in detail in this blog. Let’s proceed and understand each of these points.

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What Is Mental Health? 

According to the World Health Organization, “Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.” 

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In the simplest of terms, mental health refers to how well we perform socially, emotionally, and psychologically. Our emotional, social, and psychological well-being are related to mental health. So, the way we cope with different aspects of life is directly related to our mental health.  

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Why Is Mental Health Important?

Now, let us discuss the importance of mental health. We have made many decisions throughout our life journey, covering childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Do you know that all these decisions are affected by our mental health? 

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Mental health is important as it is directly responsible for how well we handle stress in life, coordinate with others, and make decisions. Its importance is also highlighted by the fact that it enables us to deal with the fears and uncertainties of life. 

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Hence, good mental health leads to a healthy life emotionally, physically, and socially. Even in work, mental health is crucial for efficiency. 

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Thus, mental health is important in having good relationships, being physically healthy, dealing with stress, and making valuable community contributions. 

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Essential Tips To Manage Mental Health

Is good mental health manageable? Definitely! It is possible to maintain mental health by following specific tips and practices. The following simple tips will help you manage your mental health well: 

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Regular exercise, even 30 minutes of walking/jogging, can significantly positively impact mental health. 

Do you know that proper hydration and the quality of food that you consume also play a major role in uplifting your mental health? 

In addition to carrying out your everyday routine, you should also take some time for recreational activities and following your passions/hobbies. 

Have you heard the saying, ” Looking at the glass half full?” Thus, you can aim for a positive mindset that focuses on gratitude. 

Other than this, staying connected with your friends and family, following your goal and purpose in life, and many other such things can help us manage our mental health. 

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Why Should We Be Aware About Mental Health? 

Why is May considered the month of Mental Health Awareness? Its purpose is to spread awareness among people regarding mental health, eradicate taboos, make it easier to seek therapy, and make people feel less alone.

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There are a number of things that could impact a person’s mental health. This became especially apparent during the episode of Frank About Health, titled “Searching For One’s Identity After Adoption.” In this powerful episode, Janet Sherlund talked about the difficult process of going through adoption as a child and how she looked for a better sense of belonging in her own life. For those who have not experienced something like adoption, it can be challenging to understand the impact that it has on one’s own mental health. From rejection to denial and shame, someone going through the adoption process may have more complex feelings that come as a result. This is just one of the scenarios that could negatively impact one’s mental health, making it even more important to increase awareness of mental health as part of the month of May and year-round. 

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Final Words

Being mentally alone is difficult. However, we can change society by spreading awareness and treating people with love and acknowledgment. This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s positively impact society.

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Frank R. Harrison

Host of Frank About Health