Importance of mental health

By Nupur

To understand the importance of mental health, we must first grasp its basic meaning. When someone is in good mental health, they can function effectively in the workplace, recognise their abilities, handle everyday challenges, and contribute to their community. Mental health is crucial at every stage of life, from early childhood to adulthood. In the modern era, stress levels have surged due to health concerns, workplace stress, and personal issues, altering the landscape of our lives.

A healthy mental state is essential for making decisions, handling pressure, and interacting with others, significantly impacting our overall well-being. To prevent mental health issues and raise awareness, it is imperative to delve deeper into the subject.

Importance of mental health:

An individual’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being is interconnected with their mental health, affecting every aspect of their lives. Both physical and mental health are integral to overall wellness, with mental health issues increasing the risk of physical illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Globally, over 450 million people face mental health problems, and depression is projected to become the second most common disease by 2022, according to WHO estimates.

Reasons highlighting the importance of mental health:

a) Life quality: Good mental health significantly influences an individual’s life quality, enabling them to manage stress, build healthy relationships, work efficiently, and contribute meaningfully to communities.

b) Physical health: The state of a person’s body is directly related to their mental state. Poor mental health can contribute to the development of physical illnesses, and continuous stress can impact immunity, increasing the risk of various health issues.

c) Productivity: Mental health directly impacts an individual’s ability to concentrate, focus, and function effectively in various settings, such as the workplace and educational environments. Ignoring mental health can lead to decreased productivity and performance.

d) Social functioning: Good mental health is essential for functioning in social situations, shaping interactions and contributions to communities, fostering a sense of social connection and belonging.

e) Cognitive function: Mental well-being is a crucial aspect of cognitive function, including problem-solving, memory, and decision-making. A healthy mind supports the cognitive functions required for day-to-day functioning.

In summary, the mind is a vital organ that controls the functioning of every other organ in the body. When our minds are unstable, it affects our overall ability to function. People must be aware of the negative effects of mental illness and prioritise mental health as they do physical health. True health and well-being can only be achieved when both are in balance. It’s crucial for individuals to strive for a balance between mental and physical health and seek appropriate help when needed.