Mental health basically refers to the complete well-being: psychologically, emotionally, and socially. As one can easily see, mental health affects how one thinks, feels, and behaves on a daily basis. Mental health therefore influences how one handles stressful situations, relates with others people, and how he/she navigates through life choices.
Just like general health, (good) mental health refers to more than just the absence of mental disorders or psychological disturbances. Its pillars traverse the wide spectrum of managing life’s ever dynamic challenges, building strong relationships, and maintaining a sense of purpose, contentment/fulfillment.
Therefore, it goes without saying that good mental health is fundamental to the overall (general) health and hence the clarion call to take care of one’s mind as one does for the (physical) body. Truly, there’s no health without mental health!
Mental health is influenced by a variety of interrelated factors:
- Biological Factors:
- Genetics: a number of mental disorders have been known to run in families hence the problem likely traceable to genetic glitches.
- Brain chemistry: Neurotransmitters are (brain) chemicals that control how the brain functions and their disruption/imbalances are linked to many mental disorders.
- Physical health: Suffering from a chronic physical condition can easily lead to social isolation, low self-esteem, stigma, discrimination, or depression. Conversely, mental ill-health is a known risk factor for chronic physical conditions.
- Neuro-developmental: some of the mental conditions emanate from injuries to the developing brain in-utero, during delivery or in early life post birth.
- Psychological Factors: Resilience, maturity, confidence, right coping skills, and self-esteem can all determine how one manages stress and other emotional challenges.
- Life Experiences: Psycho-traumatic events like sexual abuse, or loss of loved ones, can easily lead to mental ill-health.
- Social and Economic Factors: Abject poverty, enduring social isolation, social discrimination, and lack of easy access to basics like shelter, education and healthcare can all negatively affect mental health.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to severe violence and poor living conditions, increases the risk of mental disorders.
- Lifestyle Choices: Diet, physical activity, substance use, and sleep patterns play a great role in mental wellness.