Mental health is important. Taking care of our mental health enables us to be resilient and recover from anything. Anyone can have a bad day, but that does not mean one’s life is bad. What matters is how we respond to it and maintain our mental health.
According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), one in every five adults in America – 43.8 million people – suffer from mental illness, accounting for 18.5 percent of the total population. This means that mental health issues are prevalent in our population and affect everything we do. “Neuropsychiatric disorders are the leading cause of disability in the United States,” according to HealthyPeople.gov,
Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being all fall under mental health. It influences how we think and feel, our ability to solve problems and overcome difficulties, our social connections, and our understanding of the world around us. Left untreated mental illness causes widespread disability.
Mental health is important because it affects everything. It impacts our ability to cope, adapt, and solve problems. It also impacts our ability to be happy, productive, and well-adjusted.
In our society, mental health is frequently stigmatized. Because of the stigma and shame associated with mental health issues, people are less likely to seek treatment. But there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Your brain’s wiring is not your fault. Yet we act as if it is our fault and downplay its significance.
3 Reasons Why Mental Health Is Important
Mental Health Affects Physical Health. The mind and the body are connected. Many mental ailments cause stress, which lowers the immune system. This means more frequent sickness and an inability to cope. Stress and anxiety can take a toll on our physical health. According to WebMD, “worry causes the body to release stress hormones that speed up your heart rate and breathing, raise your blood sugar, and send more blood to your arms and legs. Over time, this can affect your heart, blood vessels, muscles, and other systems.” When stress infiltrates our body, we start to shut down. How we cope with stress is everything. Untreated mental health issues can lead to further falling apart.
Mental Health is related to Emotional Health. Every day, how you feel on the inside is just as important as how physically healthy you are. According to mental health advisors, a negative mind can make you feel down, irritated, or disturbed. Taking care of our emotional health can help us be more productive and effective at work and daily. Seeking mental health advice from friends, family, and a psychologist will help us keep track of our emotional and overall well-being.
Mental Health Awareness Can Help Decrease Suicide Rates. According to a National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) study, 46% of those who commit suicide have a recognized mental health condition. Another study conducted by the US Department of Health and Human Services discovered that roughly 60% of those who committed suicide had conditions such as major depression, bipolar disorder, or dysthymia. This shows the connection between mental health and suicide and how early medical intervention and self-care can help reduce the number of suicide deaths. It is critical to follow advice to keep our mental health in check and be constantly aware of the mental health of those around us.