Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in. Mental health is a basic human right – World Health Organisation (2022).
Mental Health covers our psychological, social and emotional wellbeing. It is more than just the absence of mental disorders which affect everyone at different levels. How we look after ourselves mentally and what equips us to function optimally is unique to each and everyone of you. Building resilience and protecting our mental health can include:
- Positive social interactions
- Quality education
- Decent work
- Safe environments
- Community cohesion
- Active lives among others.
The most important factor here is that we can ALL talk about it. Speaking up about mental health is the best thing you can do, not only for yourself, but for others that may be struggling. Make it part of your daily check in.