MENTAL HEALTH 

In the advent of the 21st century, Mental Health has emerged as a very broad and complex topic. As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern life, mental health plays a very pivotal and significant role in the health of an individual. Mental health affects an individual’s emotional, psychological and social well-being. 

Factors That Influence Mental Health 

Biological Factors – Each individual has 23 pairs of chromosomes. This is as a result of one half coming from the mother and the other half from the father. The total number of chromosomes in a human body amounts to 46. The interaction of these chromosomes from the genes of the parents may cause mental illness. Such illnesses include autism, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. 

Psychological Factors – World views, beliefs and perceptions about life evoke emotions on an individual which influence their behaviour. The behaviour results to consequences which may affect mental health. 

Life Experiences – The experiences of life can also jeopardize our mental health. Our experiences in childhood or adulthood such as trauma, abuse, and addictions can have a great influence on our lives. 

Social factors – Our day-to-day interaction with people or something may form bonds of attachment. Despite the fact that change is always inevitable, a loss or transition in the attachment object creates emotional damage and anxiety. This emotional damage and anxiety alters mental health and the well-being of an individual.

Mental Disorders;

Mental health disorders or illnesses refers to conditions that affect the emotional, psychological, behavioural and social well-being of an individual. 

Mental health disorders vary in a continuum since we have common conditions such as depression and anxiety as well as severe conditions such as Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. 


Promoting Mental Health

We can promote mental health in the following ways: 

By providing psychosocial support. Psychosocial support helps to meet the social, emotional and well-being of an Individual. This support includes counselling, group and spiritual support. 

Embracing and advocating for positive attitudes and behaviours. Positivity yields gratitude which in turn yields greatness. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. 

Raising awareness by educating people about mental health. Counselling education through workshops, training, symposiums, inductions and seminars can help to promote mental health awareness.