Psychological health combines emotional well-being with the ability to manage life’s complexities and hardships. It’s about your ability to maintain positive emotions, have stable relationships and enjoy a good quality of life. While there are many causes of psychological distress, it can be managed with professional support through treatment such as therapy and medication. In some cases, a combination of both can be the most effective approach. It’s important to stick with your treatment plan, even if you feel better, and always consult with your doctor before making any changes.
Despite the hedonic and eudaimonic models of mental health that often emphasize positive feelings, it’s also important to consider how people’s basic cognitive and social skills allow them to function in their environment. The basic cognitive and social abilities include the ability to pay attention, remember and organize information, communicate and interact with others, and make decisions.
Psychologists who practice psychotherapy treat a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and eating disorders. These professionals help individuals manage these conditions and deal with the stresses of daily life. They also assist individuals in navigating life transitions such as divorce, job loss and relocation.
Research shows that psychological factors influence physical health, both directly and indirectly. For example, negative emotions can impact a person’s heart health, leading to stress-related disorders such as high blood pressure and heart attack. Physical activity, on the other hand, has a positive effect on mental health, reducing anxiety and depression levels.
A large percentage of new mental disorders are triggered by the stressors in a person’s environment and can be prevented by changing environmental variables, such as lowering stress levels or providing better education on coping with stressful situations. Nevertheless, most current mental health practice focuses on treating individual cases of psychiatric disorders and neglects preventing them from developing in the first place.
Workplaces can contribute to workplace psychological health by promoting safe and healthy working environments and creating a culture of respect and inclusion. The Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations requires employers to identify and mitigate any chemical, physical, biological, ergonomic or psychosocial hazards that may exist in their workplace.
Having a positive workplace psychology can boost productivity and morale, reduce absenteeism and health care costs, and increase employee satisfaction. Employers can take steps to improve their employees’ psychological health by promoting and supporting wellness initiatives in the workplace, such as offering healthy snacks, hosting mindfulness activities or encouraging employees to participate in team-building exercises. Moreover, managers can set the tone by actively listening to employees’ concerns and helping them resolve conflicts, and establishing a workplace atmosphere that is both respectful and supportive of mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of taking care of one’s psychological health. The good news is that by seeking treatment early, it’s possible to overcome psychological distress and lead a full, meaningful and productive life. The key is to seek and continue with appropriate treatment, which often involves a combination of therapy and medication.