Often times when the topic of health comes about, we tend to focus on the physical. We are reminded to exercise regularly and eat healthy so that our bodies can be well-maintained. Mental health has frequently been left out of the conversation of individual's overall heath. Defined as a person's condition with regards to their psychological and emotional well-being, mental health has an endless impact on our day to day lives. Generally speaking, mental health becomes the focus when there is an 'illness' involved. When an individual is unable to maintain their emotional wellness is when we become more aware of the importance of mental health, but this does not have to be the case.
Your mental well-being can be exercised, similarly to when you would go on a run to maintain your cardiovascular health. The more time you spend proactively insuring your mental well-being, the more prepared you will be when life deals you a difficult situation. Stress tolerance, coping skills, and self-care are areas that you can become more well versed in, so as to maintain your emotional well-being.
Take some time to find ways to be proactive about your mental health, avoiding having to be reactive in situations to come.
Nancie Ferdinand, LAPC
