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Vibrant Mental Health

Mental Health

"When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself, art cannot manifest, strength cannot fight, wealth becomes useless, and intelligence cannot be applied." - Herophilus

When we speak of good mental health we are referring to a state of mind that allows for clear, rational thoughts, responsible, appropriate actions and behavior, and a sense of self that enables a positive attitude toward oneself and others. Simply put, it's the way your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors affect your life. Good mental well-being leads to positive self-image and in turn, satisfying relationships with friends and others. Having good mental health helps you make good decisions and deal with life's challenges at home, work, or school.

What does it mean to have good mental health? It means having a balanced social, emotional, and psychological state of being. It also means the following:

  • Having the ability to enjoy life
  • Having the ability to be flexible and adapt to change
  • Having the ability to cope with the challenges of life
  • Having the ability to establish and sustain fulfilled relationships with people
  • Having the ability to appropriately express emotions, positive or negative
  • Having the ability to make sound judgment
  • Having the ability to be resilient
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are 450 million people worldwide who are affected by mental, neurological or behavioral problems. Moreover, approximately 873,000 commit suicide every year. These numbers are staggering. Many of these people affected by these disorders are unable to cope with life’s normal routines and challenges and need help.

You may have been faced with many emotional struggles and can’t understand why you feel and act the way you do. You may be hiding in the shadows with shame, not knowing why you cannot live the fulfilled life you dream of or see your friends accomplish. How do you know if your mental health is compromised?

  • Withdrawal from social events
  • Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
  • Changes in sleeping and/or eating patterns
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Moodiness
  • Unexplainable crying and/or sadness
  • Feeling lethargic and lack of energy
  • Feeling anxious or fearful
  • Feelings of shame and worthlessness
  • Easily irritated, lashing out, agitated or angry
  • Paranoia
  • Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself
  • Uncontrollable, racing thoughts
  • Feeling overwhelmed and unable to handle your daily activities

Our mental health condition can vary due to circumstances in our lives. Sometimes we can work through the issues at hand and move past them or they can become more serious and long-term. Whatever the cause or circumstances for your unsatisfactory mental health, there are now effective ways to treat and manage the symptoms so you can learn to overcome them or adapt. Mental conditions are generally caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain brought on by many of the following:

  • Unbalanced emotions
  • Illness
  • Traumatic event from the past or present
  • Family problems
  • Work/school overload
  • Chronic stress
  • Hereditary factors, genetic predisposition
  • Environmental conditions
  • Culture, beliefs
  • Drug and/or alcohol abuse
Poor mental health can also affect your physical health. Studies show that people who are depressed are significantly more likely to develop heart disease. Additionally, people who suffer from heart disease and never received treatment for depression are significantly more likely to experience adverse physical health.

In my life coaching practice, my experience working with individuals troubled with various mental disorders, allows me the ability to identify abnormal behavior and make a decision about referring my client to a professional who can assist with mental disorders. Sometimes medication is necessary to stabilize the chemicals in the brain. A professional such as a psychiatrist can make that decision.

Having a mental disorder doesn’t mean you cannot live a healthy, productive life. Finding the proper help can be the determining factor in achieving good mental health. Generally, people who are treated for their mental health conditions are more likely to take care of themselves by following the advice of their health care provider. In addition, it’s important to seek the support of trusted friends and/or family to help you cope during this period of your life.

Many people avoid getting treat due to society and the stigmas associated with mental disorders. Hiding it doesn’t make it disappear. Living in denial doesn’t make it evaporate. There is nothing to feel ashamed of. Fortunately, there is more open dialogue about mental health conditions and we as a society are becoming more aware and accepting of such ailments. Accepting that you have a condition that requires help and facing it can help you to get back on track in living a productive life. If you are not mentally healthy, it can limit your ability, depriving you of the wisdom you need to reach your full potential. Here are some tips for maintaining good mental health:

  • Taking care of your body. I know when you are in this state your focus is not your health. Hiring a nutritionist is a great place to start in learning to eat the proper foods. Just like a car needs a certain octane gas to perform, so does your body. It needs proper nutrition for ideal mental function.
  • Cardiovascular activities – although your energy level may be low, pull yourself up and begin with a walk around the block. Get in the habit of becoming active and build up to more vigorous activities.
  • Meditation – This can help to clear you racing thoughts and bring more peace into your life
  • Laughter – rent some funny movies or visit your local comedy club.
  • Confide in your friends/family. They will help to pull you out of your shell and add some fun back into your life
  • Do something nice for yourself. Maybe get some of your favorite, feel good music and allow some positive vibrations to fill your mind.
  • Do something nice for someone. No matter how small, the act of kindness will without a doubt replace many negative thoughts with joy and satisfaction.
  • Strengthen your spiritual health. This gives you more courage and strength to cope when all else feels hopeless.

    How is your mental health?

    Many people have the misconception that good mental balance not having a mental illness. Not having a mental illness is only a fraction of maintaining good mental health. I have created the following links to offer you more insight into cultivating more vibrant health for the mind. For life coaching purposes, I have prepared the following for self-assessment and more insight.

    Click on each link below.

  • Is there a history of mental illness in your family?

  • Are you receiving the mental stimulation you need to maintain your mind control?

  • Do you experience mind illusions due to your mental inflexibility? How is your mentality? Do you have an open mind?

  • Are you an independent thinker, or do just follow along with what others and society dictates for you?

    Once you have learned ways to improve your mental state of health, act on it. Awareness is the first step to becoming whole again. Then you will be amazed how your social, emotional, an psychological health will soar. This will open up new possibilities for your future.

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