The term “psychological health” refers to a person’s behavioral and emotional well-being. It all comes down to how people think, feel, and behave. The word ” psychological health” is also used to refer to the absence of a mental disorder.
Psychological health can have an impact on everyday life, relationships, and physical health.
This connection, however, also works in the opposite direction. People’s lives, interpersonal relationships, and physical factors may all contribute to mental health disruptions.
In this article, we explain the terms of psychological health and mental illness. We also discuss the importance of its maintenance in modern society.
What is Psychological Health?
Psychological health is a state of well-being in which a person:
- Is aware of his or her skills
- Can cope with daily life pressures
- Function productively
- Can contribute to his or her society
According to the WHO, psychological health is “more than the absence of mental disorders.” Peak psychological health not only means avoiding active situations. It also means ensuring long-term happiness and wellness.
They also emphasize the importance of maintaining and improving psychological health personally and in various communities and societies worldwide.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, almost one in every five adults in the US experiences mental health issues each year.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 11.2 million adults in the US, or about 4.5 percent of adults, had a serious psychiatric condition in 2017.
The Importance Of Its Maintenance In Modern Society
In terms of lost workdays and healthcare, mental illness has huge societal and NHS costs. Studying the health effects of social networks and interactions may help inform cost-effective mental health programs and policies.
Depression, anxiety, and other psychological conditions are estimated to cost the UK 77 billion per year. According to experts, depression will be the second most serious international health issue by 2020.
Social isolation is a critical trigger for mental illness. On the other hand, supportive interactions with friends, relatives, and neighbours benefit both people and the population’s mental health. Also, volunteering and other forms of social interaction improve health.
People who have supportive friends and relatives have greater emotional and physical health. We can say the same for those who participate in churches, clubs, and volunteer organizations.
Only by studying people’s lives over time in a structural, socioeconomic, and cultural sense can we determine whether social relationships lead to better health and wellness – or whether better health and more energy enable individuals to engage in relationships with family and friends in the first place.
The ESRC-funded International Centre for Lifecourse Studies in Society and Health investigated how social networks had a positive psychological effect.
According to attachment theory, people who had secure childhoods may be better at any relationship. These include making friends at school and work or getting along with neighbours.
Why Is Psychological Health Important?
More than 450 million people suffer from mental illnesses. According to WHO, depression will be the world’s second most common illness burden by 2020. The global burden of mental health will be well beyond the treatment capabilities of developed and developing nations. The social and economic costs associated with the rising burden of mental disease drew attention to the importance of promoting psychological health and preventing and treating mental illness. As a result, mental health is related to behavior and seen as important to physical health and quality of life.
- Physical and psychological health are closely connected. And it has been shown beyond doubt that depression causes heart and vascular disease.
- Mental disorders affect people’s health behaviours such as eating sensibly, getting enough exercise, getting enough sleep, engaging in healthy sexual activities, using alcohol and nicotine, and adhering to medical therapies, all of which increase physical illness risk.
- Mental illness contributes to social issues such as unemployment, broken families, poverty, drug abuse, and related crime.
- Impaired immune function is exacerbated by poor psychological health.
- Medically ill patients who are depressed have a worse outcome than those who are not.
- Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease raise the risk of depression.
7 Top Tips for Maintaining Good Psychological Health
Taking care of your psychological health is an essential aspect of staying active and healthy. There are numerous things you can do to keep your psychological health in check.
1. Get Plenty Of Sleep
Sleep is important for our physical and psychological health. Sleep helps in the regulation of the chemicals in the brain that transmits information. These chemicals play a significant role in mood and emotional problems. We may get stressed or anxious if we do not get enough sleep.
The Sleep Foundation offers advice on how to sleep well and overcome sleeping difficulties.
2. Eat Well
Eating well is beneficial not only to our bodies but also to our minds. Certain mineral deficiencies, such as iron and vitamin B12 deficiency, can contribute to depression. Eat a well-balanced diet. Caffeine can make you feel jittery and anxious. So if you’re a particularly stressed or anxious person, try limiting or eliminating it.
3. Avoid Alcohol, Smoking and Drugs
Drinking and smoking aren’t usually associated with withdrawal symptoms. But they can have an impact on your mental health. After a few drinks, you may feel more depressed and anxious the next day. And it may be more difficult to concentrate.
Other drugs frequently cause memory loss as well as extremely low moods and anxiety.
4. Get Plenty Of Sunlight
Some people become depressed during the winter because they don’t get enough sunlight. This is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). When possible, try to spend time in the sun. But make sure to protect your skin and eyes. It is best to get 30 minutes to two hours of sunlight per day.
5. Manage Stress
Stress is often unavoidable. But understanding what causes your stress and coping is important for maintaining good mental health. Make a list or schedule when you can resolve each issue to manage your responsibilities and worries. Often, if you write down your worries and stress, you will realize they are manageable.
6. Physical Activity and Exercise
According to one study, several findings show that low- to moderate-intensity exercise will improve mental health. Maintaining good mental health requires physical activity and exercise. Being active gives you a sense of achievement and increases your brain’s chemicals that help you feel good.
7. Do Something You Enjoy
Try to schedule time for the enjoyable activities that you love. Whether you like going for a walk, drawing, or watching a specific TV show, try to make time for it. We will become irritable and depressed if we do not spend time doing things we love.
Your Psychological Health Matters!
It is a public health issue to provide for and promote healthy psychological health. The risks of failing to pay attention to and treat mental disorders spread well beyond the person suffering from the disease.
Communities prosper when individual members’ mental health needs are fulfilled. One of the most effective ways to maintain your mental health is to understand when you’re not doing well and to know when to seek assistance.
If you’re feeling down or stressed, there’s no shame in seeking help. All have times when they don’t feel as well as they do. You should try talking to your friends or relatives. At last, if your mental health is getting on top of you, you should see a doctor.
