Why is Promoting Good Mental Health Important?
Mental health is a potentially dangerous health condition that everybody should take seriously. We have made leaps in progress in recent years in helping people to understand mental health and the effect it can have on individuals and the people around them. But still, not everybody realises how important good mental health is, so it's important to promote it when appropriate.
Promoting good mental health can benefit other people in so many ways, potentially even helping to save lives in some cases. Some of the ways good mental health improves lives include the following:
Improved Self-Confidence
Among the most common symptoms of poor mental health is that the person has a low opinion of themselves. This lack of self-confidence can hold people back from achieving what they're truly capable of while also making them feel down about themselves and in general. With help, self-confidence can be restored, and the person can begin daring to achieve again.
Higher Productivity
Somebody with poor mental health can become less productive than otherwise, which can negatively impact their lives in numerous ways. For example, low productivity at work can impact the person's standing with their employers. In extreme cases, this can to the loss of a job, potentially leading to financial difficulties which can make their situation worse.
Work aside, improving productivity can also help enhance people’s lives in other ways, such as getting housework done. A clean and comfortable house will be a better environment to live in, helping to ensure they live in a place that is conducive to good mental and physical health.
Handle Stress Better
Stressful situations can occur for people of all backgrounds and their impact can be devastating. We can often do nothing to predict or avoid such situations, making it important that we're able to handle them when they arise. However people with poor mental health are likely to find it difficult to handle stressful situations, making it harder for them to solve problems.
Not only can people with poor mental health struggle to deal with stress, but they can also get stressed at fairly small things that aren't really a problem at all. This can make it harder for the person to handle tasks most of us deal with regularly.
Stronger Relationships
Poor mental health can adversely affect people's relationships with others. For example, someone with poor mental health might choose to avoid interacting with others for reasons such as low confidence. Poor mental health can also cause people to become irritable, affecting their relationships with people close to them.
People in good mental health will likely be more confident and have a better mood that improves and bonds their relationships with others. Such a change can improve somebody's life significantly as relationships with other people bring fun, love, and happiness.
Improved Quality of Life
Good mental health will improve a person's quality of life overall. Not only are they more likely to form positive relationships with other people, but improved mental health will also help ensure that person feels content on a day-to-day basis, rather than constantly fighting their demons.
This is not only good for them but also for other people around them. Friends and family will have a better experience, helping the person have a more positive impact on other peoples' lives.
How to Promote Good Mental Health
It's easy to see the benefits of promoting good mental health, but it is probably less clear how to do so. One way you can promote good mental health is to make yourself available to anybody who might be in need of a chat. You can also become proactive in some cases, encouraging people to talk if you feel they might be suffering.
Other ways of promoting good mental health include encouraging a good life/work balance, whether you're an employer or a colleague. For example, if you notice that somebody is not themselves and working long hours, it might be best if you suggest they restore some balance in their lives.
It can also be a good idea to encourage people to live healthily, such as eating a balanced diet and getting a reasonable amount of exercise. This can also include healthy activities like enjoying massage therapy that can help relax the mind as well as the body. Regular exercise helps to relieve stress and whilst it may not fix deep routed issues, it will help promote a more positive outlook.
One of the most important things when dealing with mental health is to encourage the person to open up and speak with somebody. Speaking with anybody is great, but it's best if they speak with a professional who can help them.
Summary
Overall, promoting good mental health can help transform countless people's lives for the better. And it's not only people with poor mental health that can improve but also the lives of other people around them. Society overall can benefit from people becoming happier and more productive, companies can also benefit directly financially and indirectly by providing a more positive work environment.
Remember to keep an eye out for people who appear to be struggling or whose behaviour is changing. Make it clear that you are available for a chat if needed, and encourage people to speak with a professional where possible. You can also help ensure the workplace is conducive to good mental health and ensure workers have a good work/life balance, regardless of whether you're an employer or an employee.
