Mental health importance: overview, risk factors & significance of mental health

Mental health envelops your psychological, emotional, and social well-being, which impacts your cognition, emotions, and behaviour. It also plays a crucial role in shaping your ability to cope with stress, establish relationships with others, and make sound decisions. Throughout the different stages of life, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood, importance of mental health is significant.

Significance of Mental Health

Mental health plays a crucial role in our overall well-being, and it can have a profound impact on various aspects of our lives. Here are some pointers explaining the importance of good mental health and how it can positively influence different aspects of life:

• Coping with the stress of life: Good mental health enables you to effectively manage and cope with various challenges, pressures, and uncertainties that may arise in daily life. It equips you with resilience and adaptive strategies to handle stress.
• Physical health: Mental health and physical health are interconnected. When you prioritise your mental well-being, positive effects can also be seen on your physical health. Conversely, untreated mental health conditions can increase the risk of developing physical health issues like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and some other chronic conditions.
• Relationships: Mental health influences the quality of your relationships. When you are mentally healthy, you are highly likely to have fulfilling and meaningful connections with others. Being mentally healthy allows you to communicate effectively, empathise, maintain healthy boundaries, and foster positive relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.
• Community contributions: By nurturing your mental health, you become well equipped to actively participate in your community and make meaningful contributions. Mental well-being provides the motivation, energy, and clarity necessary to engage in volunteer work and other activities that benefit the society.
• Productivity at work: Mental health affects your ability to function effectively in a professional setting. When your mental health is optimal, you can concentrate, solve problems, and make sound decisions, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
• Realising your full potential: A healthy mind allows you to tap into your strengths, talents, and creativity, thereby enabling you to reach your full potential in various aspects of life. It empowers you to set and achieve personal goals, pursue passions, and continuously grow and develop as an individual.

It's essential to prioritise mental well-being, seek support when needed, and adopt self-care practices that promote overall well-being. By doing so, you enhance not only your mental health but also your ability to lead a fulfilling and rewarding life.

Risk factors that causes mental illness

Poor mental health refers to a state of well-being in which an individual faces difficulty in coping with the normal challenges of life, which hinders their ability to engage in productive work and contribute meaningfully to the society. The factors stated below have the potential to affect mental well-being adversely and raise the likelihood of developing psychological disorders.

• Childhood abuse

  When a child experiences sexual violence, physical assault, emotional abuse, or neglect during their upbringing, they can develop significant mental and emotional distress in a later stage of their life. Such abuse heightens the risk of developing mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and personality disorders.

Additionally, individuals who have endured abuse during childhood may be susceptible to alcohol and substance misuse. Apart from experiencing ruined mental health, abused children may also encounter medical complications like stroke, diabetes, and heart diseases.

• Environment

  The environment in which an individual typically resides significantly influences their mental well-being. Adverse environmental conditions can have toxic effects on psychological health.

For example, weather conditions can impact the prevalence of suicide cases. Similarly, first-hand experience of natural disasters can elevate the likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder. In some instances, air pollution may have negative effects on the symptoms of depression. On the contrary, living in a supportive social environment can serve as a protective factor against mental health difficulties.

• Biology

  One's biological composition can play a role in determining their overall well-being. Several mental health disorders have been observed to have a familial pattern and can be inherited by family members.

These conditions include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia.

• Lifestyle

  Lifestyle choices also influence mental health. Smoking, following an unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol consumption, substance abuse, and engaging in risky sexual behaviour can all have detrimental effects on psychological well-being. These behaviours have been associated with an increased risk of depression.

• Genetics and family history

  Certain genetic factors and a family history of mental health disorders can lead to an increase in the risk of developing mental illnesses. Although having a family history doesn't guarantee that an individual will experience mental health problems, it can increase their vulnerability to some conditions.

• Chronic medical conditions

  Chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and chronic pain can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health. Dealing with the physical symptoms, limitations, and the stress of managing a chronic condition can contribute to the development of mental health issues.

• Traumatic life events

  Experiencing traumatic events such as physical or sexual assault, accidents, natural disasters, war, or witnessing violence can lead to various mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.

• Social isolation and loneliness

  A lack of social support, social isolation, or feeling lonely can have detrimental effects on mental well-being. Humans are social beings, and the absence of meaningful connections and support networks can contribute to the development of mental health issues.

• Discrimination and stigma

  Experiencing discrimination, prejudice, or social stigma based on factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or mental health condition can negatively impact mental well-being and contribute to the development of mental health disorders.