Top Ten Reasons Why Mental Health Is So Important

Mental health is essential for leading a happy life. It affects how we feel, think, and live our lives by encompassing our emotional, psychological, and sociological well-being. Prioritizing mental health is, of course, critical.

According to the University of Oxford “For 2017, this study estimates that 792 million people lived with a mental health disorder. This is slightly more than one in ten people globally (10.7%)”. Similarly, a study by the National Alliance of Mental Health showed that

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
• 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
• 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
• 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34.

Related Post: Mental health statistics 2022

 

Let us understand in detail why is mental health important and what we can do to keep it intact:

1. Mental Health plays a crucial role in relationships:

The link between mental health and relationships is one of the most compelling reasons for its importance. Mental Illness might have an impact on how we interact with our friends and family. Mental illnesses frequently result in passive-aggressiveness, hostility, and the incapacity to participate in social activities. This may result in conflicts with our friends and family. Mental illness has the potential to compel us to overthrow our loved ones for no apparent reason. Self-care for mental health and, if necessary, medication can help us live a mentally stable existence while also maintaining our relationships.

2. Mental Health Affects Physical Health:

There’s a link between our mental health and our physical health. Mental illness can induce stress and have an effect on our immune systems. As a result, our bodies ability to cope with illness may be jeopardized. A sick mind can lead to anxiety and sadness, both of which can make it difficult to move about and stay active. The mind-body connection is well-established, which is why mental health awareness is so crucial.

3. Mental Health is related to Emotional Well-Being

Every day, how you feel on the inside is just as important as how physically healthy you are. Mental health advice demonstrates how a negative mind can make you feel down, irritated, or disturbed. Taking care of our emotional well-being can help us be more productive and effective at work and in our daily activities. To maintain track of our emotional and overall well-being, we can seek mental health advice from friends, family, and a psychologist.

4. Mental Health Awareness Can Help in Curbing Suicide Rates

According to a study by the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), 46 percent of those who commit suicide have a recognized mental health condition. Another study conducted by the United States Department of Health and Human Services found that approximately 60% of those who committed suicide had a good condition such as major depression, bipolar disorder, or dysthymia. This demonstrates the link between mental health and suicide, as well as how early medical intervention and self-care can help minimize the number of suicide deaths. It is critical to follow suggestions to maintain our mental health and to be aware of the mental health of those around us at all times.

5. Mental Health is linked with Crime and Victimization

As per some studies, poor mental health puts one at an increased risk of committing violent crimes. It also leads to self-victimization and abuse. This risk is further substantiated if the individual consumes drugs and alcohol and is averse to taking medication. In most cases, crimes by mentally unfit persons are committed against family members or those within their close circles. Seeking tips for mental health from a medical professional and understanding why mental health is important can help in avoiding such scenarios.

6. Mental Health is connected to Productivity and Financial Stability

One of the many reasons why it’s crucial to look after your mental health is that it boosts your overall productivity and financial security. According to research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, those with serious mental diseases earn 40% less than those in good mental health. According to the World Health Organization, almost 200 million workdays are lost each year owing to depression alone. It is widely known that poor mental health causes a drop in productivity, which has an impact on financial stability. It is critical that we do the appropriate things for mental health in order to secure strong work performance and financial security.

7. Mental Health is linked to Societal Factors

As previously stated, poor mental health can lead to an increase in crime and violence. Children of adults with mental problems, on the other hand, are more likely to experience abuse, neglect, and behavioral issues. They are likely to grow up to be complex human beings who struggle to find societal acceptance and support. It has also been noted that people who are having mental difficulties become socially isolated and find it difficult to maintain a healthy social life. In conclusion, mental health problems can have a significant societal impact. As a result, it’s critical to learn how to maintain excellent mental health and seek medical advice on the subject.

8. Mental Health affects the Quality of Life

From the above discussion, it is clear why it is important to take care of your mental health. An unhealthy mind can cause us to lose interest in the things we once enjoyed. It can lead to ups and downs and overwhelm us to a point where we cannot carry on with even the most basic tasks. Untreated mental health is often identified with a sense of hopelessness, sadness, worthlessness, feelings of guilt, anxiety, fear, and a perceived loss of control. It is important to recognize these symptoms and seek tips for mental health from a certified professional before it is too late.

9. Mental Health Awareness Can Help in Ending Stigma

While many people suffer from mental illness, only a small percentage seek treatment because of the stigma associated with it. This is why it is critical to raise mental health awareness. The stigma associated with mental health has an impact not only on the number of persons seeking therapy but also on the resources available for effective treatment. For those suffering from underlying mental illnesses, these may be insurmountable difficulties. Individuals can be encouraged to identify their symptoms, practice self-care, and seek therapy or medical support if necessary by spreading the word about mental health tips.

10. Mental Health Awareness enables Community Building

We can establish better support facilities for those suffering from mental illnesses if we actively campaign for why mental health awareness is crucial. It would have the potential to generate a more tolerant and kind global society, and hence increase the chances of recovery in situations of mental illness. Learning about mental health and teaching others about it will help us bring about a much-needed change and heal the planet — one person at a time!

And so, when we start paying attention to our mental health needs, we can create improvements for ourselves and for those around us, including:

• Improving our mood
• Reducing our anxiety
• Creating an enhanced sense of inner peace
• Thinking more clearly
• Improving our relationships
• Increasing our self-esteem

The most common mental health conditions include depression, anxiety, PTSD, psychotic disorders, and personality disorders.

Other common mental health conditions include:

• Depression
• Panic disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Eating disorders

How should we care for our mental health?

• Getting professional help if we need it
• Connecting with others
• Staying positive
• Getting physically active
• Helping others
• Getting enough sleep
• Developing coping skills

While a confirmed mental illness diagnosis might only be possible once a person experiences the full range of symptoms, early warning signs often indicate the need to seek help. Doing so may prevent a person from suffering a full-blown mental health crisis. Early warning signs include:

• A switch in eating habits
• A noticeable reduction in energy levels
• Being more isolated and shying away from others
• Feeling persistent despair
• Indulging in alcohol, tobacco, or other substances more than usual
• Experiencing unexplained confusion, anger, guilt, or worry
• Severe mood swings
• Picking fights with family and friends
• Hearing voices with no identifiable source
• Thinking of self-harm or causing harm to others
• Being unable to perform daily tasks with ease

Ideally, one should pay attention to such signs and seek help immediately. Maintaining positive mental health helps establish continued independence and well-being.