Have you ever had that brain fog feeling? Felt a never-ending pit in your stomach? Maybe you feel like you’re the only one struggling mentally? Ever open up to someone about your feelings and they respond with, “There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel!” I’m here to relate, to explain, and to provide easily accessible resources.

Mental Health vs Mental Illness

Mental health is something that can control your life. There is a network of chemicals that regulate your emotions called neurotransmitters. These chemicals can fall into an imbalance, which are connected to mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. These mental disorders can affect how you perform your daily activities. 

However, mental health and mental illness are two different things. Mental health is the well-being of your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. While mental illness is the disturbance in your thoughts, emotions, and/or behaviors. 

What Affects My Mental Health?

Think about how you feel when receiving a compliment. Now think about the way you feel when someone says something insulting. Everything that happens or that’s said to you has an impact on your mental state. There can be many factors that can impact your mental health including, situations that we’re in, things we’re doing, or something that’s out of our control. Depending on one’s disorder and symptoms, the impact can vary. 

Difference in Better/Poor Mental Health

Individuals with poor mental health tend to feel hopeless, exhausted, anxious, and/or sad. While those with better mental health tend to feel calm, hopeful, valued, and/or peaceful. Having good mental health does not mean feeling good all the time. Everyone has bad days and there will always be ups and downs.

How Can I Take Care of My Mental Health?

Your mental health supports your overall quality of life. One of the most important ways to support your mental health include self-care. Self-care means to take time doing things that’ll help you prosper in life. Some examples of self-care include, trying a relaxing exercise, regular exercise, a balanced diet, or prioritizing sleep. Little acts of self care in your day-to-day life can make a big difference.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, mental health is something that should be prioritized in everyone’s life. Everyone deserves to live an enjoyable life.

Need Help?

988 suicide and crisis lifeline/ 988lifeline.org

Substance abuse and mental health services administration: 1-800-662-HELP

Information from: 

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/about-mental-health 

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health