We are all very much aware that we have physical health and we are generally well educated on this idea. We know we should exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet and practice good personal hygiene in order to be fit, healthy and avoid diseases. There is a huge amount of readily accessible information out there recommending ways of looking after our physical health and we are under no illusion as to the negative impact that ignoring this advice could lead to.
So we all know that we have physical health, but what about mental health?
In my experience, the truth is that most people do not view their mental health as something that they should manage in a similar way to their physical health. Of course, everyone should be free to live their life as they see fit and there are an awful lot of people who could do more to look after their physical health, as well as their mental health - myself very much included!
The issue here, at least to my mind, is that there is less in the way of obvious information out there relating to mental health as a manageable state that we all possess. We all have good days and bad days and this is something that everyone experiences, but how many people feel they have control over whether they have a good or bad day? How many people recognise the control that their behaviour has over the way they feel and how many of those people carry out daily exercises to improve their chances of having a good day?
To answer my own questions, I would say “not enough”. So with this in mind, I thought I would suggest some practical things that we can all do to manage our mental health in another article that will be coming soon. That article will focus on simple principles of safeguarding mental health with the intention that it be accessible for all.
I firmly believe that learning simple and accessible ways of looking after our minds is as essential as learning how to look after our bodies. Indeed it makes total sense - having healthy minds and bodies helps us be healthy and happy people.
How important is looking after your mental health to you? Do you think society is aware of the importance of mental safeguarding? Do you think people are aware of how to manage their mental health?
I encourage you all to post questions or comments on this topic. I am really happy to discuss with anyone who has an interest - I believe it’s the best way for us all to learn!
MP
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