Imagine a roller coaster. It’s big, it’s scary, and it’s full of twists and turns. But it’s also exhilarating. That’s what mental health can be like. Sometimes, you’re on top of the world, feeling happy and carefree. But other times, you’re plummeting down, feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Mental health is complex, with its ups and downs. It’s affected by various factors, including our genetics, environment, and life experiences.

Everyone experiences mental health challenges from time to time. It’s perfectly normal to feel stressed, anxious, or sad occasionally. But when these feelings become persistent or interfere with our daily lives, it may indicate a mental health condition.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, reaching out for help is important. Talk to a mental health professional. They can help you develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Remember, you’re not alone.

Mental health challenges are common. Millions of people around the world struggle with them every day. But there is help available. If you’re struggling, please reach out. You don’t have to go through this alone.

Mental health challenges may feel overwhelming. Here are six tips to take care of your mental health (WHO, 2021) :

• Talk to someone you trust
• Taking care of your physical health
• Do activities that you enjoy
• Don’t use harmful substances to cope with what you’re feeling
• Take two minutes to focus on the world around you
• Seek professional help

Imagine your mind is a garden. Your thoughts and feelings are the plants. If you take care of your garden, the plants will thrive. But if you neglect your garden, the plants will wilt and die. Mental health challenges are like weeds in the garden. They can grow quickly and choke out healthy plants. But if you weed your garden regularly, you can keep the weeds at bay. Just like you need to water and fertilize your plants, you also need to nurture your mental health. This means taking care of your physical and emotional health and seeking professional help.
Remember, your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Take care of yourself, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.

–Anjana Ajith

References

WHO. (2021). 6 ways to take care of your mental health and well-being this World Mental Health Day. WHO. https://www.who.int/westernpacific/about/how-we-work/pacific-support/news/detail/07-10-2021-6-ways-to-take-care-of-your-mental-health-and-well-being-this-world-mental-health-day