According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is “the state of wellbeing in which every individual:
- Realizes their own potential
- Can cope with normal stressors of life
- Can work productively and fruitfully
- Is able to contribute to their community
It is important to consider that what it is not is the complete absence of mental illness or disruptive symptoms. This means that mental health isn’t one-dimensional, and that it isn’t defined by whether or not we have an illness, but rather by the quality of life we lead as there are many people with diagnosed mental illnesses living full and satisfying lives.
It is important to consider that our mental state is constantly changing, much like the weather– we can have bad stormy days─ we might have an outburst, or see something upsetting, all of which can negatively impact our mental state. However, our ability to adapt, stabilize our moods and thoughts, and bounce back to a sunny day and daily functioning is what determines one’s mental health.
WHY IS MENTAL HEALTH IMPORTANT?
Mental health is a complex but essential aspect of overall health. According to the WHO, mental health:
- 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental health problem or illness.
Educating the population about positive mental health and devising methods to help think, act, and feel in ways that ensure we enjoy life and cope with any challenges that may lead to a mental illness.
- Mental disorders are important risk factors for other diseases as well as unintentional and intentional injury.
When we struggle with a mental illness, it can cause our physical health to be put on the back burner or worsen previous conditions, increasing vulnerability to other illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, or HIV.
- Stigma and discrimination are still a major barrier to treatment.
Many people struggling to maintain positive mental health and well-being often experience reluctance to seek treatment due to fear of “seeming crazy”, or their workplace, friends, and family finding out and rejecting them. Social connection and meaningful contributions to society through work have been shown to be crucial aspects to mental health and wellbeing.
HOW DO WE TAKE CARE OF OUR MENTAL HEALTH?
Mental health and wellbeing directly impact our quality of life as it helps improve:
- Coping skills: how we handle stressors and difficult experiences
- Self-Esteem: our confidence in our worth and abilities
- Resiliency: our ability to adapt and bounce back from difficult events, regain and maintain control.
When we take care of our mental health whether it be by reconnecting with loved ones, beginning a new exercise routine or hobby, or starting a new course of medication, we are taking steps to improve our quality of life.
One of the most effective means of maintaining the best mental health is by regularly seeing a qualified therapist or counsellor. Research has shown that psychotherapy is the most effective way to ensure that all progress made towards bettering one’s mental health uses our inherent strengths to create positive coping methods, and techniques to strengthen self-esteem and self-image.
At C.S. Counselling and Consulting Services, we specialize in private individual, couples and family counselling addressing coping skills and mental wellbeing, depression, anxiety, alcohol and substance abuse, and navigation of legal proceedings with a healthy sense of self. We see both call-in and referral clients, and offer services in Hindi and English from RSW-registered professionals. At C.S. Counselling Services it is our goal to work with you and/or your loved one to provide clarity while developing skills to cope during an otherwise stressful and challenging time.