Those of us listening to the radio first thing will have heard the announcement that the Prime Minster has appointed a suicide prevention minister as the government hosts the first ever global mental health summit.
There is much talk about mental health in many walks of life, schools, university, the workplace etc. We use the expression use every day, so it might surprise you that the term ‘mental health’ is frequently misunderstood. ‘Mental health’ is often used as a substitute for mental health conditions – such as depression, anxiety conditions, schizophrenia, and others.
According to the World Health Organization, however, mental health is “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes 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.”
So rather than being about ‘what’s the problem?’ it’s really about ‘what’s going well?’ Mental health is better described as wellness rather than illness. As we reflect on World Mental Health Day how do we ensure to our own wellness, and that of our family and colleagues?
It is good to foster social connections, good personal relationships, being part of a community, which are important and helpful to maintain good mental health and contribute to our recovery, should we become unwell. Many of us work out at the gym and work hard at keeping our bodies physically well, so we need to work at keep or minds healthy too.
Top 10 tips for looking after your mental health
It is better to chat sooner with someone over a coffee rather than become more anxious in silence, why not chat with one of the chaplains. #safeplacetochat.
