World Mental Health Day is an annual day held on the 10th October as part of Mental Health Week to raise public awareness of mental health across the globe.
Throughout the month of October, Mental Health Australia is encouraging everyone to look after their mental health and to make a personal promise to do so. With the world continuing to experience a global pandemic, it is now more important than ever, that we look after our mental health and encourage others to do the same.
What is mental health?
The World Health Organization defines mental health, as “a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.”
Galderisi and her colleagues (2015) provide a newer and more holistic definition of mental health. They not only highlight the significance of one’s social background, culture and values which help to frame our view of mental health, but also the importance of coping with adversity and regulating our emotions; showing empathy for others which enhances our connection, as well as acknowledging an individual’s cognitive and social skills that impacts our everyday living.
The authors furthermore acknowledge the importance of the mind-body connection and how this too influences our mental health and overall wellbeing. They define mental health as follows:
“Mental health is a dynamic state of internal equilibrium which enables individuals to use their abilities in harmony with universal values of society. Basic cognitive and social skills; ability to recognize, express and modulate one’s own emotions, as well as empathize with others; flexibility and ability to cope with adverse life events and function in social roles; and harmonious relationship between body and mind represent important components of mental health which contribute, to varying degrees, to the state of internal equilibrium.” (Galderisi et al, 2015)
Improving our mental health has many benefits
It can not only help to improve our day-to-day functioning, learning and productivity, but it also helps us build resiliency and manage our stress in more productive and effective ways.
Our relationships with our loved ones and peers also improve, and so too does our overall physical health, with an increase in life expectancy too (BeyondBlue, 2021).
So what can we do?
We all have a role to play in our own mental health and wellbeing, and by taking action ourselves, we can inspire the people around us to do the same.
So start by making a Mental Health Promise to yourself today!
Think about what one step that you could take today and every day, that you could implement and put into practice.
I’ve just made my promise, and it’s simple. In the spirit of sharing, my mental health promise is to…
“To be kind to myself and others, to be my best coach, as this too shall pass…”
For me, this promise is a gentle reminder that we are all doing the best we can and to always be kind; to appreciate that a small kind gesture can go a long way, and to always know that whatever we’re experiencing in life, kindness can make a difference, and that this too shall pass…
Want to make a mental health promise?
You don’t need to have a mental illness – you just need to have an interest in your own good health.
So just like we take good care of our physical health by eating well and exercising on a regular basis, it’s also important that we look after our mental health. This not only benefits us and our loved ones, but also the world at large.
So make your own mental health promise today and be part of a world-wide movement to improve mental wellbeing in our community. If you’re stuck on ideas, check out the promises people are making on the Promise Wall – you may just be inspired.
By also having the conversation, it helps to reduce the stigma around mental illness and helps to raise awareness on this important issue, and in particular that it’s okay to reach out for help.
If you would like some additional tips to help you manage your stress, please take a look at our previous posts on stress management.
If you’re struggling with your personal mental health at the moment, please visit or speak to your doctor today, or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Lifeline’s counsellors are trained professionals who can help and support you.
Until next time, wishing you all great health and wellbeing, including good mental health.
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REFERENCES:
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2020. Mental health services in Australia. Canberra: AIHW. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health-services/mental-health-services-in-australia
BeyondBlue (2022). https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/what-is-mental-health
Galderisi et al. (2015). Toward a new definition of mental health. World Psychiatry. 2015 Jun; 14(2): 231–233. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4471980/
Mental Health Australia. https://mhaustralia.org/
World Health Organization (2022). https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use.
World Mental Health Day (2022). https://lookafteryourmentalhealthaustralia.org.au/.
