What is Mental Health?

“Don’t let your past dictate who you are, but let it be part of who you will become.” — Yasmin Mogahed

Mental health is not just about the absence of illness.  Mental health is about thriving, resilience, and harnessing the full spectrum of human emotions.

As a high-performance coach at Microsoft for over two decades, I’ve witnessed the battles many face with stress, limiting beliefs, and overpowering negative emotions.  In the limitless landscape of human potential, mental health stands as a cornerstone, often dictating the quality of your daily experiences.

As you navigate the complexities of your life, understanding the principles that provide a foundation for your mental well-being can be your North Star.

In this exploration, let’s learn what mental health really is, the lurking threats that challenge your mental health, a simple model to grasp the nuances of your mental health, foundational principles that underpin your mental health, and actionable habits and practices to fortify and nurture your mental health.

Ready? Let’s go!

What is Mental Health?

Mental health refers to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being. It’s about how people think, feel, and behave. Good mental health means an individual is able to handle stress, relate to others, make informed decisions, and lead a fulfilling life.

Conversely, poor mental health can lead to various issues, including mental illnesses like depression and anxiety.

Mental health is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, environment, life experiences, and biological factors. It’s essential to note that mental health is a dynamic state and can change over time, influenced by various life events and circumstances.

How the World Health Organization (WHO) Defines Mental Health

WHO’s definition of mental health is widely recognized.

They define mental health as:

“Mental health is a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”

I think the key word here is “cope”.  I find that coping skills are the key to sustainable mental health and wellbeing.

How the CDC Defines Mental Health

Mental health is the foundational fabric of our existence, influencing our thoughts, emotions, and interactions.

It’s the compass that guides our responses to challenges and our connections with others, vital from our earliest days to our mature years.

The CDC defines mental health like this:

“Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.

Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.”

It’s a pretty straightforward definition, but it also shows us how pervasive and how influential our mental health is in terms of our quality of life.

CDC Mental Health Practices

The CDC underscores the importance of mental well-being through key practices: nurturing connections for emotional support, prioritizing physical activity and sleep for holistic health, and developing resilience through coping skills and setting boundaries.

Additionally, they advocate for seeking professional guidance when needed and being mindful of substance use and media consumption.

These practices serve as a compass, guiding individuals towards a balanced mental landscape:

1. Connecting with Others: Building and maintaining strong relationships with family, friends, and community can provide emotional support and increase feelings of belonging.  Imagine life as a puzzle, and relationships are the pieces that fit together. Building and nurturing strong connections with family, friends, and community forms a support network that’s like a safety net for your emotions. It’s the comforting feeling of belonging, the assurance that you’re not alone in this journey.
2. Staying Physically Active: Regular physical activity can help reduce depression and anxiety. It also improves mood and boosts overall well-being.  Picture your body as a happy engine. Regular physical activity is like fuel that powers up your mood. It’s like a natural antidepressant that reduces feelings of anxiety and lifts your spirits. A simple walk or a joyful dance can boost your overall well-being.
3. Getting Enough Sleep: Prioritizing sleep and maintaining a regular sleep schedule can significantly impact mental health.  Think of sleep as your mind’s recharging station. Prioritizing a good night’s rest isn’t just about banishing yawns; it significantly impacts your mental health. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule isn’t just a routine; it’s a powerful mental health practice.
4. Developing Coping Skills: Learning to handle stress in healthy ways, such as through relaxation exercises, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises, can improve resilience.  Imagine stress as a storm; coping skills are your umbrella. Learning healthy ways to handle stress, like meditation, deep breathing, or relaxation exercises, is like fortifying your mental fortress. These tools empower you to weather life’s challenges with resilience.
5. Limiting Alcohol and Avoiding Drugs: Substance abuse can exacerbate mental health issues and interfere with prescribed medication.  Visualize your mind as a clear pond, reflecting your thoughts and emotions. Substance abuse muddles these waters, making it hard to see clearly. Limiting alcohol and avoiding drugs ensures your mental waters remain calm and clear, free from added turbulence.
6. Getting Professional Help When Needed: Seeking therapy or counseling when facing challenges can provide tools and strategies to improve mental health.  Imagine life’s twists and turns as a maze; therapists are the guides who help you navigate it. Seeking therapy or counseling isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s like acquiring a map to navigate challenges. These experts equip you with tools to improve your mental health journey.
7. Limiting Screen Time: Reducing time spent on electronic devices and promoting in-person interactions can benefit mental well-being.  Picture life as a canvas, and screen time is one color on that canvas. While staying informed and connected is essential, too much screen time can oversaturate your mental landscape. By reducing electronic device use and focusing on real-world interactions, you maintain a healthier balance.
8. Avoiding Tobacco: Smoking and other forms of tobacco consumption can exacerbate mental health issues.  Imagine mental clarity as a refreshing breeze, and tobacco as a smokescreen that clouds your thoughts. Avoiding smoking and tobacco consumption helps keep your mental air clear and your emotions unburdened.
9. Staying Informed but Limiting Exposure to News: While it’s essential to stay informed, constant exposure to negative news can increase feelings of anxiety and stress.  Imagine your mind as a ship sailing through a sea of information. While it’s vital to stay informed, being constantly bombarded by negative news waves can stir up anxiety and stress storms. Finding the right balance allows you to sail smoothly through the sea of information.
10. Setting Boundaries: This includes setting time aside for oneself, ensuring work-life balance, and learning to say no.  Imagine life as a pie, and setting boundaries is how you carve out your slice. Prioritizing “me-time,” maintaining work-life balance, and learning to say no are like setting your own terms for living. These boundaries create a space where your mental well-being flourishes.

While these practices can support mental health, individual needs may vary, and what works for one person might not work for another.  Always consult with a healthcare professional or counselor when considering changes to your mental health routine or when facing challenges.

Threats to Mental Health

Threats to mental health can be multifaceted and complex, often interwoven with various aspects of an individual’s life.

Some primary patterns or threats to mental health include:

1. Biological Factors: Genetic predispositions, chemical imbalances in the brain, or damage due to injury or illness can influence mental health.  Just like a symphony, our brain plays its own tune, and sometimes, the notes can be a bit off. Genetic predispositions, chemical imbalances, or even injuries can throw the harmony out of balance. These factors set the stage for our mental health performance.
2. Traumatic Experiences: Events such as physical or emotional abuse, accidents, or the loss of a loved one can have profound effects on mental well-being.  Life can sometimes be like a rollercoaster, with moments that shake us to our core. These moments, like emotional abuse or losing someone dear, can leave echoes of heartache that reverberate in our minds. They shape our mental landscape, coloring it with profound emotions.
3. Chronic Stress: Prolonged exposure to stressful situations, whether related to work, relationships, or other life circumstances, can erode mental health over time.  Imagine a dripping faucet. Over time, the constant drip can wear away even the strongest material. Similarly, chronic stress, whether from demanding jobs or rocky relationships, can gradually chip away at our mental well-being, leaving us emotionally weathered.
4. Substance Abuse: The misuse of alcohol, drugs, or other substances can exacerbate mental health issues or lead to new ones.  Substances like alcohol or drugs can be like two-sided swords. They might offer temporary relief, but they can also plunge us deeper into the shadows. Misusing these substances can worsen existing mental issues or even conjure new ones.
5. Social Isolation: Lack of social connection or prolonged feelings of loneliness can negatively impact mental health.  Imagine a room with no sound, no voices, just silence. That’s what social isolation can feel like. The absence of meaningful connections can echo loudly in our minds, causing loneliness that chips away at our mental health.
6. Economic Factors: Financial stress, unemployment, or living in poverty can contribute to mental health challenges.  Our wallets hold more than just money; they hold stress, too. Financial troubles, unemployment, or living on the edge of poverty can tug at our mental well-being, creating a heavy load we carry in our minds.
7. Chronic Medical Conditions: Living with chronic diseases or conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, can increase the risk of mental health problems.  Imagine walking on a tightrope while juggling. Living with chronic diseases is a bit like that. The constant balancing act between physical health and mental well-being can sometimes feel like a never-ending performance.
8. Early Adverse Life Experiences: Childhood adversities, such as neglect, maltreatment, or witnessing domestic violence, can have long-term effects on mental health.  Childhood memories are like seeds in the soil of our minds. Adverse experiences like neglect or witnessing violence can plant seeds that grow into mental health challenges later in life. These roots run deep.
9. Cultural and Societal Influences: Discrimination, stigmatization, or living in conflict zones can pose threats to mental well-being.  Just as landscapes vary across the world, so do the cultural and societal influences on our minds. Discrimination, stigmatization, or even living in conflict zones can sculpt the contours of our mental well-being, sometimes in ways beyond our control.
10. Lack of Access to Care: Inability to access appropriate mental health care, whether due to economic, geographic, or societal barriers, can exacerbate mental health issues.  Imagine needing a lifeline but not being able to reach it. Lack of access to mental health care can create barriers that prevent us from getting the help we need. Economic, geographic, or societal obstacles can stand in the way of our journey to better mental health.

Remember, just as we care for our physical health, understanding these patterns and threats helps us navigate the complex terrain of mental well-being.

By recognizing these factors, we’re better equipped to compose our mental symphony and paint a brighter picture for ourselves and those around us.

Model of Mental Health

Mental health is a multifaceted tapestry, woven with threads of emotions, thoughts, and social connections.

To truly grasp its depth and breadth, we must understand its core components.

Let’s step into the model of mental health, exploring the pillars that define and shape our well-being.

1. Emotional Well-being: This involves the ability to effectively manage and express emotions. It encompasses feelings of contentment, happiness, and the capacity to recover from negative emotions.  It’s our inner compass, guiding our feelings and reactions. It’s about savoring joy, managing emotions, and bouncing back from life’s lows.
2. Psychological Well-being: This pertains to how people evaluate their own lives. It includes aspects like having a purpose, setting and achieving goals, autonomy, and having positive relations with others. This is our life’s narrative. It’s the purpose that drives us, the goals we chase, and the relationships that enrich our journey.
3. Social Well-being: This relates to how individuals function within society and how they perceive their contributions to their communities. It involves creating and maintaining healthy relationships, feeling a sense of belonging, and having social integration.  Our dance with the world around us. It’s the bonds we forge, the communities we uplift, and the sense of belonging we cultivate.

Principles for Understanding and Improving Mental Health

Mental health is a journey, not a destination. To truly thrive, we need a compass—principles that guide our understanding and actions.

Let’s explore these foundational insights to elevate our mental well-being:

1. Holistic Approach: Mental health is multifaceted, encompassing emotional, psychological, and social aspects. It’s essential to consider all these facets when evaluating or improving mental health.  Our mental health isn’t a singular entity but a rich tapestry of emotional, psychological, and social threads. To truly nurture it, we must embrace its entirety, understanding each facet and its interplay with the others.
2. Resilience and Adaptability: Building resilience, or the ability to bounce back from adversity, is crucial. This involves developing coping mechanisms, adaptability, and flexibility in the face of challenges.  Life is replete with challenges. Our ability to bounce back, to bend but not break, defines our mental strength. Cultivating resilience and adaptability is akin to building mental muscles, preparing us for the unforeseen challenges ahead.
3. Self-awareness: Recognizing one’s emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and triggers is foundational. This self-awareness can lead to better emotional regulation and healthier responses to stressors.  The journey inward is the most profound. Recognizing our emotions, strengths, and triggers is the first step in mastering them. It’s through this introspection that we can chart our path to emotional equilibrium.
4. Connection: Humans are inherently social beings. Building and maintaining positive relationships contribute significantly to mental well-being.  We are, by nature, social creatures. The bonds we forge, the connections we nurture, play a pivotal role in our mental well-being. In unity, in togetherness, we find strength.
5. Purpose and Meaning: Finding purpose, whether through work, hobbies, or relationships, can provide a sense of direction and fulfillment.  In the grand tapestry of life, finding our unique thread, our purpose, gives direction to our endeavors. It’s this purpose that fuels our passions, drives our actions, and fills our days with meaning.
6. Continuous Learning and Growth: Embracing opportunities for learning and personal growth can enhance self-esteem and provide a sense of achievement.  The mind, ever curious, thrives on challenges. By embracing continuous learning, we not only feed our intellect but also bolster our self-worth, celebrating each milestone in our journey of growth.
7. Self-care: Regularly taking time to engage in activities that promote relaxation and well-being, like exercise, meditation, or hobbies, is essential for maintaining good mental health.  In the hustle of life, pausing to care for oneself is not a luxury but a necessity. Whether it’s through meditation, a walk in the park, or simply indulging in a hobby, these moments of self-care rejuvenate our mental landscape.
8. Seeking Support: Recognizing when to seek support, whether from friends, family, or professionals, is crucial. There’s strength in understanding one’s limits and seeking help when needed.  There’s immense strength in vulnerability, in recognizing when we need help. Whether it’s a confidante, a friend, or a professional, seeking support is a testament to our self-awareness and our commitment to our well-being.
9. Avoiding Harmful Behaviors: Substance abuse, self-harm, or other detrimental behaviors can severely impact mental health. Recognizing and addressing these behaviors is essential for overall well-being.  Our actions, conscious or unconscious, have repercussions. Recognizing behaviors that harm our mental state and taking proactive steps to address them is paramount to our overall well-being.
10. Environment and External Factors: Socioeconomic factors, work-life balance, and physical health can influence mental health. It’s essential to consider these external factors when evaluating one’s mental state.  We don’t exist in isolation. Our environment, our socio-economic realities, and even our physical health play roles in shaping our mental state. Being attuned to these external factors allows us to navigate them with finesse.

By understanding these principles and incorporating them into daily life, individuals can work towards maintaining and improving their mental health.

It’s also important to note that mental health is dynamic, and individuals might experience fluctuations based on various life events and circumstances.

What are Key Coping Skills for Mental Health

Coping skills are essential tools that help individuals navigate stress, challenges, and emotional upheavals.

Here’s a list of incredibly effective coping skills to bolster mental health and resilience:

1. Deep Breathing: Taking slow, deep breaths can activate the body’s relaxation response, reducing stress and anxiety.  It’s the art of harnessing calm. By taking deliberate, slow breaths, we tap into our body’s innate ability to counteract stress, ushering in tranquility.
2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tensing and then relaxing each muscle group in the body can help release physical tension.  This is a journey through your body’s landscape. By intentionally tensing and then releasing muscles, we shed layers of physical tension, creating a ripple of relaxation.
3. Mindfulness Meditation: Staying present and fully engaging in the current moment can reduce rumination and anxiety.  In the chaos of life, this is our anchor to the present. It’s about fully immersing in the now, silencing the noise of past regrets and future anxieties.
4. Guided Imagery: Visualizing calming and positive images can provide an escape from stressful situations.  A mental escape hatch. By conjuring serene and uplifting visuals in our mind’s eye, we create a sanctuary from external stressors.
5. Physical Activity: Engaging in regular exercise, even just a walk, can release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.  More than just movement, it’s a natural elixir. Even a simple stroll can unleash endorphins, our body’s feel-good warriors.
6. Journaling: Writing down thoughts and feelings can provide clarity and an outlet for expression.  It’s a dialogue with yourself. Penning down your thoughts offers clarity, turning the intangible into tangible insights.
7. Healthy Sleep Habits: Prioritizing sleep and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can improve mood and cognitive function.  Sleep is our reset button. By cherishing it, we rejuvenate our mind and body, setting the stage for a brighter tomorrow.
8. Social Connection: Talking to someone you trust, whether it’s a friend, family member, or therapist, can provide support and perspective.  In the symphony of life, human connections are the harmonious notes. Conversations, whether with a confidante or a counselor, weave a safety net of understanding and perspective.
9. Time Management: Breaking tasks into manageable steps and setting priorities can reduce feelings of overwhelm.  It’s the art of crafting time. By dissecting tasks and prioritizing, we transform overwhelming mountains into climbable hills.
10. Setting Boundaries: Learning to say no and ensuring work-life balance can prevent burnout.  A testament to self-respect. By drawing lines, we ensure a harmonious balance between giving and preserving our energy.
11. Engaging in Hobbies: Doing activities you love can act as a distraction and boost mood.  These are our soul’s playgrounds. Immersing in passions not only diverts our mind but also infuses joy into our being.
12. Limiting Media Consumption: Taking breaks from news and social media can reduce feelings of anxiety and negativity.  In the age of information, selective consumption is power. Pausing from the relentless media stream shields us from unnecessary anxieties.
13. Positive Affirmations: Replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations can shift mindset and self-perception.  Words that sculpt our mindset. By consciously choosing uplifting narratives, we redefine our self-view and potential.
14. Gratitude Journaling: Focusing on positive aspects and things you’re grateful for can shift perspective and improve mood.  Amidst life’s whirlwind, it’s our grounding force. By spotlighting our blessings, we shift from a lens of lack to one of abundance.
15. Grounding Techniques: Techniques like the “5-4-3-2-1” method, where you identify five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste, can help bring you back to the present moment.  Our compass during emotional storms. Techniques like “5-4-3-2-1” tether us to the present, anchoring us amidst overwhelming emotions.

Habits & Practices for Mental Health

Here’s a high-impact, actionable list of habits and practices for each component of mental health:

1. Emotional Well-being:

• Daily Reflection: Spend 5-10 minutes each day reflecting on your emotions. Journaling can be a helpful tool.
• Emotion Labeling: When feeling a strong emotion, pause and label it. Simply naming the emotion can reduce its intensity.
• Deep Breathing: When overwhelmed, practice deep breathing exercises to calm the nervous system.

2. Psychological Well-being:

• Set Small Goals: Break down larger tasks into achievable steps and celebrate small victories.
• Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. When faced with failure, ask, “What can I learn from this?”
• Limit Negative Self-talk: Be aware of your internal dialogue. Challenge and reframe overly critical or negative thoughts.

3. Social Well-being:

• Regular Check-ins: Make it a habit to check in with friends or family members at least once a week.
• Join Groups or Clubs: Engage in community groups or clubs that align with your interests.
• Active Listening: When conversing, practice active listening. This means fully concentrating, understanding, and responding to what the other person is saying.

General Practices for Overall Mental Health:

• Routine: Establish a daily routine that includes time for work, relaxation, social connections, and self-care.
• Physical Activity: Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily, whether it’s walking, yoga, or more intense exercise.
• Mindfulness and Meditation: Dedicate a few minutes each day to mindfulness practices or meditation to enhance self-awareness and reduce stress.
• Healthy Diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in whole foods, and be mindful of caffeine and sugar intake.
• Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Establish a bedtime routine to improve sleep quality.
• Limit Screen Time: Reduce time spent on electronic devices, especially before bedtime.
• Continuous Learning: Dedicate time each week to learn something new, whether it’s reading a book, taking an online course, or picking up a new hobby.
• Seek Feedback: Regularly seek feedback in personal and professional settings to foster growth and self-awareness.
• Limit Stimulants and Alcohol: Be mindful of the consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and other stimulants.
• Professional Help: If feeling overwhelmed, consider seeking professional help. This could be in the form of therapy, counseling, or psychiatric services.

Remember, while these habits and practices can significantly enhance mental well-being, it’s essential to approach them with flexibility. Everyone is different, and it’s crucial to find what works best for you and adjust as needed.

Why Practice Mindfulness for Mental Health

If you had to choose a single skill to practice daily for mental health, mindfulness would be a top recommendation.

Mindfulness, which involves staying present and fully engaging with the current moment without judgment, has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

It can improve your overall well-being, enhance self-awareness, and foster a deeper connection to oneself and the world around.

By practicing mindfulness daily, individuals can cultivate a more balanced emotional state, better manage reactions to stressors, and enhance their overall quality of life.

How To Practice Mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness can be broken down into step-by-step processes.

Here’s a basic guide to help you get started:

1. Find a Quiet Space: Choose a location where you won’t be disturbed. This could be a quiet room, a park, or any place where you feel at ease.
2. Choose a Comfortable Position: Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the ground, lie down, or sit cross-legged on the floor. Ensure your back is straight to allow for deep breathing.
3. Close Your Eyes: This can help reduce external distractions and make it easier to focus inward.
4. Focus on Your Breath: Pay attention to the sensation of breathing in and out. Feel the air entering your nostrils, filling your lungs, and then exiting again.
5. Observe Without Judgment: As you focus on your breath, you’ll notice thoughts, feelings, and sensations arising. Instead of engaging with them or judging them, simply observe and let them pass, returning your focus to your breath.
6. Anchor Yourself: Whenever you find your mind wandering, gently bring your attention back to your breath or another chosen focal point, like the sensation of your body against the chair or the sounds around you.
7. Expand Your Awareness: After focusing on your breath for a while, expand your awareness to other sensations in your body, sounds in the environment, or even emotions you’re feeling.
8. Practice Regularly: Aim for short sessions initially, maybe 5-10 minutes, and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable with the practice.
9. Be Kind to Yourself: It’s natural for the mind to wander. Instead of getting frustrated, recognize this as a part of the process and gently redirect your attention.
10. Integrate Mindfulness into Daily Activities: Beyond formal meditation, try to incorporate mindfulness into everyday tasks. This could be while eating, walking, or even during conversations. The key is to be fully present in whatever you’re doing.

Remember, like any skill, mindfulness takes practice. The more you do it, the easier it becomes to remain present and centered, regardless of external circumstances.

Mental Health is Your Bedrock for Reaching Your Potential

In our grand journey through life, where we strive to reach our fullest potential, mental health forms the bedrock of all our endeavors.

It doesn’t just influence our state of mind.  It shapes how we see the world, drives our actions, and grounds our relationships.

We intertwine every challenge and joy with our mental well-being.

By prioritizing it, we don’t just avoid pitfalls; we amplify our ability to learn, connect, and thrive.

As we chart our course through life’s intricate maze, a strong mental foundation turns every twist into a lesson, every setback into an opportunity, and every triumph into a testament to the human spirit’s boundless capability.

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