Mental health and mental illness are increasingly being used as if they mean the same thing. They do not. Everyone has mental health just as everyone has health. As the World Health Organization famously states: there is no health without mental health. Guarding our mental health is part of the process of remaining healthy.

In the course of a life-time not all people will experience a mental illness, but everyone will struggle or have a challenge with their mental wellbeing, their mental health; just like we all have challenges with our physical wellbeing from time to time.

A mental illness is an illness that affects the way people think, feel, behave or interact with others. There are many different mental illnesses, and they have different symptoms that impact people’s lives in different ways. For that there are psychiatrists, who are medical doctors specialized in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders.

When we talk about our mental health we are talking about our mental wellbeing: our emotions, our thoughts and feelings, our ability to solve problems, and overcome difficulties, our social connections, and our understanding of the world around us. It is how you cope with the ups and downs of everyday life.

Mental wellbeing is the awareness that change can happen; change is happening; and we can change for the better. Mental wellbeing is a process of becoming. A process of increasing our awareness of thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

Some steps to mental wellbeing:

• Connect with other people. Not only in your mind (‘I was just thinking about you’); either face to face or on the phone regularly. Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing.
• Be physically active. Being active is not only good for your physical health and fitness; it enhances your self-confidence.
• Learn new skills and develop your ever-expanding brain. Practice something new: knitting, Sudoku, crossword, juggling, riding a bike, art, cooking. Wellbeing, too, is a skill, practice it.
• Give to others. Start gardening and give away lettuce and cucumber.
• Pay attention to the present moment. Be mindful of the small moments of the day, increasing awareness of your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and surrounding environment through a gentle nurturing lens.

Need a friendly chat or support? Elder Associates Limited is here for you!

Website: www.eldertt.com   |  Email: info@eldertt.com

24/7 Hotline: 226-4325 | Tel: 868-226-4EAL (4325) |

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