In the era of an aging population, many people suffer from Mental Health illnesses. It may include trauma, stress, depression, sufferings, and sadness. Have you ever imagined what is causing such an effect? Yet it can be hard for people who have a mental illness to find the resources they need. But to remember, “Mental health begins with me”.

According to WHO, a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities can cope with the normal stresses of life can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community, is a mentally healthy person. Mental health refers to the presence of positive characteristics.

Mental health has a huge impact on individual well-being. Affecting daily life routines, relationships with others and even physical health. Mental health also includes a person’s ability to enjoy life. To attain a balance between life activities and efforts to achieve psychological resilience.

What is Risk Factors?

Experts say we all have the potential to develop mental health problems. No matter how old we are, whether we are male or female, rich or poor, or which ethnic group we belong to.

The National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) estimated that about 150 million Indians need care for mental disorders, and about 10% suffer from common mental disorders (CMD). Such as depression, anxiety, emotional stress, and suicide risk, as well as alcohol and drug use. The report indicates that the prevalence of mental disorders was 2–3 times higher in urban areas, compared with rural areas. This is a huge amount thus, planning an appropriate health system response is challenging.

Mental Health Vs Young Adults

Is social media the reason for mental health problems? Many studies say mental health problems are on the rise among adolescents and young adults. And thus, social media may be a driver behind the increase. According to a new study, published by the American Psychological Association, rates of mood disorders and suicide-related outcomes have increased significantly over the last decade among these age groups. Thereby, impacting females and those who are wealthier, in particular.

With increases in mental health problems concentrated among adolescents and young adults, “the results suggest that cultural trends in the last 10 years may have had a larger effect on mood disorders and suicide-related outcomes among younger people compared with older people,” according to the researchers.

The researchers looked at different cultural trends that might have played a role. Say about unemployment fell and drug and alcohol use remained stable, indicating that economic and substance abuse issues were not to blame. And while younger generations may be more likely to seek help for mental health issues, this wouldn’t account for all of the above findings, the researchers noted.

A likely explanation could be the concurrent rise in social media, they said. With the frequent rise in the use of social media, people are less likely to interact face-to-face, thereby more likely to involved with cyber-bullying, which has been linked to depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. The causes may include increased ownership of smartphones and a concomitant increase in digital media time in this age group,” explained the researchers. Another plausible explanation could be declining sleep duration among adolescents and adults, they said.

How to Boost one’s Mental Health

A person suffering from an unusual behavior may not be in a stable condition, but a good listener may help him/her to get out of that situation. Anyone can suffer from mental or emotional health problems—and over a lifetime most of us will. Yet, despite how common mental health problems are, many of us make no effort to improve our situation.

In addition, we often ignore the emotional messages that tell us something is wrong and try toughing it out by distracting ourselves or self-medicating with the other options like alcohol, drugs, or self-destructive behaviors. As a result, we bottle up our problems in the hope that others won’t notice. We hope that our situation will eventually improve on its own. Or we simply give up—telling ourselves this is “just the way we are.”

Certainly, the good news is: you don’t have to feel bad. There are practices you can adopt to elevate your mood, become more resilient, and enjoy life more. Hence, forget all your hardships.

But just as it requires effort to build and maintain physical health, so it is with mental health. We have to work harder these days to ensure strong mental health, simply because there are so many ways that life takes a toll on our emotional well-being.

Ways to Boost Mental Health

TALK TO A FRIENDLY FACE – When you are bottled up, you really need a good listener who can listen to all your problems. The one with whom you can be expressive to share all your thoughts and sentiments. The one who will not criticize you nor judge you anyway. It’s an effective way to calm your nervous system and relieve stress. Moreover, it releases stress-busting hormones, so you’ll feel better even if you’re unable to alter the stressful situation itself.

MAKE LEISURE TIME A PRIORITY – Participate in your favorite activities for no reason other than that they make you feel good. Go to a funny movie, take a walk on the beach, listen to music, read a good book, or talk to a friend. Doing things just because they are fun is no indulgence. Play is an emotional and mental health necessity.

TAKE OUT TIME AND APPRECIATE THINGS – Think about the things you’re grateful for. Meditate, pray, enjoy the sunset, play music, paint, draw or simply take a moment to pay attention to what is good, positive, and beautiful as you go throughout your day.

LEARN NEW SKILL – Learn new skills as a stress buster. Do some relaxation practice like yoga or some meditation classes. Learn to sing, paint or some new things which you love to intake.

PROPER SLEEP – Don’t skim your sleep at all. If you’re having a busy schedule try to sleep early. When it comes to your mental health, getting enough sleep is a necessity, not a luxury. Skipping even a few hours here and there can take a toll on your mood, energy, mental sharpness, and ability to handle stress. And over the long-term, chronic sleep loss can wreak havoc on your health and outlook.

FOOD INTAKE – Try taking good and healthy food intake along with the one you love the most. A favorite food of your choice must be there in your intake. It will uplift your mood and energy.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, We all have some meaningful purpose in our life. And our life revolves around our loved ones and ourselves. Search for the purpose which drives you crazy to get out of bed in the morning. Something that makes you feel happy, by showing generous love to others. Maybe, by helping a poor or doing your own stuff. Your happiness can make your brain healthier, as it can help generate new cells and create new neural pathways in the brain. It can also strengthen your immune system, alleviate pain, relieve stress, and keep you motivated to pursue the other steps to improve mental and emotional health. As a result, you derive meaning and purpose in life, it’s important to do it every day. Because your happiness lies in your own hands.

Harshi Choudhary

Hello! I’m Harshi Choudhary, currently pursuing Digital Marketing. A free-spirit who is passionate about watching a sunset, long drives, crazy food lover, doing art-painting work and helping others. I feel happy to be a reason for someone’s smile. I always desired to write my own blog, something different. These blogs are to spread awareness among the general mass on the ongoing social issues engulfing our country. I hope you’ll be delighted to read my blog. Please feel free to comment and share your valuable opinions in the comment section.