Having good mental health involves not only being free from various psychological disorders but also possessing emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Remember that your mind determines how you reason and feel, and therefore, how you act when facing life’s challenges.
That’s why we’ve prepared this article for you, outlining the importance of mental health.
Any action you take starts in your mind, and what starts off wrong is unlikely to end well. Hence, it is crucial for you to have proper mental health that allows you to have a healthy relationship with your surroundings.
Mental health is a state of well-being of which you are aware, making you feel comfortable with your own mental and physical capabilities. You can work productively and make positive contributions to society. Moreover, you can face the challenges and difficulties that daily life imposes.
What is the importance of mental health?
The significance of mental health lies in its absence, rendering a person incapable of functioning effectively in society, including the workplace. Its absence often compromises the individual’s physical health, leading to pathologies and diseases that may become chronic.
The main advantages of having proper mental health include:
- Increased productivity
- Improved social relationships
- Enhanced physical health
- Maintaining positive attitudes
Let’s discuss each of these benefits further.
Increased productivity
In a highly competitive work society, only good mental health allows you to maintain the required level of productivity in your job. A relaxed and stress-free mind can make more timely and precise decisions, even in moments of high work pressure. Similarly, you are prone to developing synergistic work relationships and fostering teamwork.
It is estimated that stress, a condition indicating mental health problems, is one of the leading causes globally for the loss of productivity.
Improved social relationships
People prefer to connect with others who not only share common interests but also exhibit socially acceptable behavior. Therefore, it is challenging to relate to individuals whose behavior differs from those we consider akin to ours.
It is well-known that mental health disorders cause those who suffer from them to display distinctive behavior, often used by psychologists as an indicator for diagnosis. For example, individuals with depression tend to be pessimistic and exhibit constant sadness, even in naturally joyful moments.
As a result, individuals with mental health disorders struggle to navigate social, work, and family groups, often ending up isolated. Conversely, those with good mental health can easily integrate into any community or group of people.
Improved physical health
It is essential to remember that the ancient proverb “a sound mind in a sound body” holds true in either direction. In other words, a healthy body is only possible with a healthy mind. Therefore, good mental health promotes the physical health of an individual by preventing the mind from sending inappropriate signals that can have harmful physical effects.
For instance, some mental disorders manifest with changes in appetite, which can decrease or increase significantly. This leads to a decrease or increase in body weight, impacting the person’s metabolism and generating complications in physical health. Studies conducted by psychologists indicate that many cases of involuntary weight loss or obesity are associated with depression or low self-esteem.
Maintaining a positive attitude
Positive thinking is a cornerstone of success in life, allowing you to find something good in every situation, no matter how adverse it may be. Optimism enables you to expect the best for yourself in any situation and fully enjoy each day of life.
Your mental health is indispensable for maintaining a positive and optimistic attitude, as well as for developing empathy with the people around you. In fact, a negative attitude and constant pessimism are considered by psychologists as indicators of various mental health disorders.
In conclusion, the importance of mental health lies in the fact that only with it can you fully develop all the potential you possess, both socially and professionally. Therefore, it is crucial that if you suspect your mental health is not adequate, you seek consultation with a psychologist.
