Simply put, mental health refers to our state of mind. It is the driving force behind our thoughts, feelings and behaviours- and by extension, the determinant of our ability handle stress, actualise potential, make decisions and build relationships. Mental health is not black and white- none of us experience it in the same way. Rather, it exists on spectrum influenced by internal and external factors, with each of us having a different base level of wellbeing.
Factors affecting mental health can be broadly divided into three categories, namely: biological factors e.g. genetics and physical health, social factors e.g. family circumstances and peer relationships, and psychological factors e.g. self-esteem and social skills. When an individual’s mental health is impacted, they may begin to display signs of distress and impaired functioning. If this change is clinically significant, they may be diagnosed with a psychological disorder- however, it is important to note that diagnosis is not a pre-requisite to receiving treatment and that many people who struggle with their mental health do not reach the threshold for diagnosis.
Whilst risk factors for poor mental wellbeing can present at any stage of life, those experienced during early childhood tend to be particularly detrimental, owing to its developmentally sensitive nature. Young children learn rapidly from the world around them, whilst simultaneously building their sense of self. Exposure to traumatic life events at this stage poses high risk for developing impacted views of the self and others, impaired social functioning, disorganised attachment styles and antisocial behaviours. Protective factors such as supportive familial relationships, peer engagement, physical and psychological safety, intellectual development opportunities and positive reinforcement combat the aforementioned risk factors and strengthen resilience, making them of paramount importance in early childhood.
Mental health matters and should be addressed because it affects every aspect of our lives. Unaddressed mental health concerns affect our cognition, making it difficult to think clearly, remember important information, reason logically and problem-solve. Mental health is also heavily interconnected with physical health, meaning poor mental health may often present as sleepless nights, stomach aches, fatigue, appetite changes and heart palpitations. If unaddressed, this may expose us to a weakened immune system and higher risk of developing heart disease. Furthermore, psychological disorders are often passed down through generations- especially if left untreated. Addressing mental health difficulties in an open, accommodating and proactive manner lays the foundation for breaking cycles of trauma and neglect for generations to come.
Understanding your own mental wellbeing and building an arsenal of coping skills is vital in enduring challenging and/or transitional periods of life whilst maintaining a sense of balance. Adopting a grounded, mindful outlook on life will not only improve your self-esteem and sense of self-worth, but it will also aid you in improving your physical wellbeing, building meaningful relationships, setting healthy boundaries and contributing positively to your environment. All in all, championing good mental health is not only fundamental to living a stable, fulfilling life, but also to making the world a more accepting and compassionate place for all of us.
