Psychological health is a state of mental wellness that includes the ability to cope with stressful events and emotions. It also reflects an individual’s capacity to adapt and thrive in their current environment.
A healthy mind leads to a healthy body, as well as a healthier lifestyle and quality of life. People with a healthy mind may experience less depression, have more energy, and be better equipped to deal with the stressors of life.
Many people experience some kind of emotional distress, including anxiety and mood disorders, and these can be debilitating. However, it’s important to remember that most emotional concerns are not caused by a mental illness, and most people can get help if they have an issue with their emotions.
Reducing the stigma and shame associated with mental illnesses is an important part of promoting psychological health. It’s also vital to ensuring those who are struggling with a mental illness find the resources they need to live a full and productive life.
Creating a culture of psychological wellness in the workplace is essential to protecting the health and safety of all employees. It can improve organizational performance, reduce turnover and sick time costs, and improve employee retention.
Mental illness is a complex condition, and treatment can vary depending on the severity of the problem. It is similar to other medical illnesses and can be treated with medicines, therapy or counselling. The right treatment will depend on the severity of a person’s symptoms and the underlying causes.
Prevention is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of developing a mental disorder. It involves preventing problems in early childhood or adolescence and taking steps to protect against potential relapses later on. It also requires that a person seek professional help when signs or symptoms of a mental illness are detected.
Promotion and prevention interventions aim to reshape the factors that influence mental health, such as the social, environmental, and structural conditions that shape individuals’ lives and behaviors. These interventions can be carried out by the health sector as well as by other sectors, such as education, justice, and transport.
The health sector is an essential partner in addressing these issues, as they can play a significant role in embedding promotion and prevention efforts within health services and facilitating multisectoral collaboration and coordination.
Understanding the link between psychological health and physical health is important in reducing the long-term impacts of mental illnesses on patient quality of life and costs of care. Studies have shown that those with serious mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and depression, are at higher risk of suffering from a variety of physical illnesses.
In the case of chronic mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and depression, poor physical health can worsen symptoms and lead to a shorter life expectancy. This is because the conditions can impact a person’s overall quality of life, including their sleep patterns, appetite, and exercise habits.