Mental Health and its Awareness

Hey there, lovely readers! Today, we're diving deep into a topic that touches each & every one of us, whether we realize it or not: Mental Health. One of those topics that sorta sits outside in darkness and yet it’s so important to us? Therefore let us dive into what mental health actually entails and the importance of raising awareness and caring for our mental wellness.

What is Mental Health?

Mental health is kind of like the star of this entire show or the unsung hero when it comes to overall health. It’s the basis of our mental health. Imagine it as something you carry with you throughout the day that helps you navigate all the highs and lows you experience in life — whether it’s forming those bonds, decision-making, or even just finding pleasure in the mundane stuff.

That’s cool — except mental health, isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. And it’s as distinct as we are! Sometimes you’ll be high as kite and at others, you couldn’t bring yourself to leave your bed. That’s what makes mental health so beautiful and complex. It’s a continuum and we each move in and out of it from time to time.

Mental Health Awareness: Why It's Essential

Say you know someone going through tough times, but too embarrassed/scared to get support. It happens more times than any of us want to acknowledge, and therein lies the importance of mental health awareness.

Stigma-Busting: There is an enormous amount of stigma around mental health problems. There is also the fear of being judged when you speak out about your struggles; many people don’t do it. Campaigns for mental health awareness seek to open these doors and initiate discussions that could foster comprehension and empathy.

Early Intervention: The same is true when talking about — getting mental health problems and catching them early is very important. We can educate and spread awareness to ensure people get the care they need before things deteriorate.

Promoting Self-Care: It’s not only about raising awareness for others—it’s self-care too. The moment we have the knowledge about mental health, we will also start taking care of ourselves, managing our stress, and seeking help when required.

When is World Mental Health Day?

Mark your calendars, folks! World Mental Health Day is an annual event held every 10th of October. It is a day of awareness of mental health causes, support, and encouragement towards accessible and non-judgmental discussions regarding mental health.

Mental Health Tests: Know Yourself Better

This is much just as a physical exam — take care of yourself. Emotional intelligence exams can be had so as to discover out about your mental well-being. These tests — accessible on the web or by way of emotional wellness experts — will offer an appearance the presents you to how you’re feeling now and if there will be any extra help.

Keep in mind, that these tests are not diagnostic and should not be relied upon solely for any determinations about your health. Remember you may have concerns over your results and your well-being so it’s always best to seek advice from a Mental Health Professional, who will be able to give you a more detailed evaluation of where you are.

So, as we’ve come to a close, mental health stands at the heart and soul of our total health. This is about recognizing our feelings, loving ourselves, and helping others. Mental health awareness is on all of us and begins with an honest discussion, empathy and taking hold when help is needed.

So let’s make the promise of taking care of our mental health not only today for World Mental Health Day but daily. Because after all healthier mind, a healthier world right?

Here are five highly recommended books on mental health, each offering valuable insights and perspectives:

1. "The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression" by Andrew Solomon

   • This Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Andrew Solomon delves deep into the intricacies of depression. Drawing from his own experiences and extensive research, Solomon offers a comprehensive exploration of this mental health condition, combining personal narratives with scientific insights.

   • Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3th2NMs

2. "The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are" by Brené Brown

   • Brené Brown's work is a cornerstone of understanding vulnerability and embracing imperfection. In this book, she explores how self-compassion and authenticity are essential for our mental well-being.

   • Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/46jZQJs

3. "Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression - and the Unexpected Solutions" by Johann Hari

   • Johann Hari challenges conventional thinking about depression and anxiety in this thought-provoking book. He explores the broader societal and environmental factors that contribute to mental health issues while also discussing unconventional approaches to treatment.

   • Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/469Nsfd

4. "The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma" by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.

   • Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a renowned expert in trauma, explores the complex relationship between trauma, the brain, and mental health in this book. He discusses innovative treatments and the importance of addressing the physical aspects of trauma.

   • Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3LBQosU

5. "An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness" by Kay Redfield Jamison

   • Kay Redfield Jamison, a clinical psychologist, shares her personal journey with bipolar disorder in this memoir. Her candid account provides deep insights into the experience of living with a mood disorder and the importance of seeking treatment.

   • Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/46tG2Dr

These books offer a wide range of perspectives on mental health, from personal narratives to scientific research, making them valuable resources for anyone interested in understanding and improving mental well-being.

Please note that the availability and popularity of books may change over time, so it's a good idea to check the latest reviews and recommendations when looking for mental health resources.