Understanding Mental Health and the Journey Towards Well-Being
Life often places us in situations we cannot control; a sudden loss, a failed relationship, an unexpected illness, or societal conditions beyond our influence. These moments can leave us feeling powerless, frustrated, and trapped. Yet, Viktor E. Frankl said “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” In the world today, mental health has gradually moved to the forefront of global conversations concerning health and wellness. Once heavily stigmatized and poorly understood, it is now recognized as an essential component of a balanced and fulfilling life. Mental health refers to our cognitive, emotional, and social well-being. It affects how individuals think, feel, and behave, and it also influences how individuals handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. In some African countries, many people still misunderstand mental health, often associating it solely with madness or spiritual afflictions. This misconception makes it harder for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, or other disorders to seek help without fear of stigma. Having a good mental health doesn’t mean constant happiness or the absence of emotional struggles. It means having the capacity to navigate life’s highs and lows with a sense of balance, purpose, and inner strength.
There are many things that can contribute to mental health problems, including biological factors, life experiences such as psychological trauma or abuse and a family history of mental health issues. Individual psychological and biological factors such as emotional skills, substance use and genetics can make people more vulnerable to mental health problems. Additionally, exposure to unfavourable social, economic, geopolitical and environmental circumstances including poverty, violence, inequality and environmental deprivation significantly increases individual’s risk of experiencing good mental health. Promotion and prevention strategies focus on identifying the individual, social, and structural factors that influence mental health, and then working to reduce risks, strengthen resilience, and create supportive environments. Addressing the underlying determinants of mental health often demands action beyond the health sector, making it essential for promotion and prevention initiatives to involve education, labour, justice, economic, welfare and political sectors. The health sector can contribute significantly by integrating promotion and prevention efforts into healthcare services, and by advocating for, initiating, and facilitating collaboration across multiple sectors to ensure a coordinated approach to mental well-being.
In conclusion, mental health challenges emerge from a complex and interconnected web of biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors. There is no single cause behind mental illness; rather, it often results from a unique combination of influences that vary greatly between individuals. Understanding mental health is a continuous journey-one that encourages us to delve into the depths of our minds, acknowledge our vulnerabilities, and cultivate our inner strengths. Ture well-being isn’t about avoiding pain; it is about building the resilience to confront challenges, learn from them, and keep evolving. Every individual’s mental health journey is distinct, yet we share a common path. Through compassion, education, and collective action, we can create a world where mental health is recognized, safeguarded, and celebrated by all. Prioritize it. Protect it. Celebrate it. Because a meaningful life begins with a healthy mind.
By Elizabeth Athanhoegbe
GMN Media Specialist
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