Understanding Mental Health and Why is it so important?

In an age where physical health often takes center stage, mental health is a crucial yet frequently overlooked aspect of our overall well-being. Understanding why mental health is essential involves recognizing how it impacts various facets of our lives and why it deserves more attention. This blog post delves into the importance of mental health, exploring its impact on individual and societal levels, and why prioritizing mental well-being is vital for a healthier, more balanced life.
Whether you have been in counseling for years or have never sought out therapy because you felt like that is what friends are for, mental health is an important aspect for us all. We as humans develop in different milestones throughout our lifetime. Mental health employs the development, repair and improvement of psychological, emotional, and social well-being.

So, what is mental health?   Mental health is defined as the psychological, emotional and social well-being.  In short, it is how we think, feel, and act within the world we live. It’s how we think about ourselves and others. The ways in which emotions show up as a response to events good, bad and in between. It impacts how we interact with our children, parents, colleagues, peers, friends and bosses.
Contrary to some misconceptions, mental health isn’t merely the absence of mental illness; it’s about flourishing in all areas of life, regardless of the presence or absence of mental health conditions.  Mental health is not something that is siloed into its own little echo chamber. It works in conjunction with the body. If you are not feeling well, you might note your mood is off, cranky or irritable. If your nutrition is off or sleep is disrupted it can impact how to feel or function with others. Vice versa, your mental well-being can interrupt how to process events, complete tasks or relate socially with others.

Emotional Well-being- So emotions, we all have them.  Emotions are also known as feelings, are like a thermometer. They give us a gauge of how you are doing. Emotions are neutral and are meant to be a guide, a signal of sorts to determine how someone feels about circumstances. Did you know emotions also can be an indicator of physical maladies too? It’s true. If you don’t have enough vitamin d you can feel low energy and generally malaise and depressed.  But keep in mind emotions can be a response to life disruptions or achievements- from trauma, stress, death of a loved one, graduating school, passing a licensing exam, buying your first house, finding the love of your life, running a race or more.

​Psychological well-being- for some people they manage mental illness in addition to everyday stressors. Psychological well-being does not have to mean you have a mental illness however it is building the mental fortitude and resiliency to handle the blows from life.  Finding ways to cope, problem solve and manage stress can lead to improved mental clarity and emotional stability.
 
The benefits of mental health through mental wellness includes:

1. Emotional Stability and Resilience
Mental health is foundational to emotional wellness. Life will come with hardship and challenges. People with good mental health are better equipped to handle stress, adapt to change, and overcome challenges. They experience fewer mood swings and are generally more resilient in the face of adversity. This resilience isn’t just about surviving tough times but thriving despite them, making mental health crucial for long-term emotional well-being.
 
2. Relationships and Social Interaction
Healthy mental functioning is key to maintaining healthy relationships. Emotional intelligence, which is closely linked to mental health, helps individuals navigate complex social interactions, empathize with others, and build strong, supportive relationships. Conversely, poor mental health can lead to strained relationships, misunderstandings, and social isolation, impacting overall life satisfaction.

3. Productivity and Achievement
Mental health significantly influences productivity and performance in both personal and professional spheres. A stable mental state enhances concentration, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities, leading to greater achievements and job satisfaction. On the other hand, mental health issues can impair cognitive functions, leading to decreased productivity and potentially affecting career advancement and personal goals.

4. Physical Health Connections
Mental and physical health are intricately connected. Chronic stress and mental health issues can contribute to physical ailments such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and a weakened immune system. Conversely, good mental health supports healthier lifestyle choices, including proper nutrition, exercise, and sleep, which are critical for maintaining physical health.
 
The Societal Importance of Mental Health
Mental wellness doesn’t just begin and end with the individual. Our mental health has a far reaching grasp into our society through our economy, community, family of origin, friendships and workplaces. There are 3 major areas to consider when you consider the importance of mental health.  Keep these in mind as you consider how we support those around us, including your own mental health.

1. Economic Impact
Mental health issues have significant economic repercussions. According to the World Health Organization, depression and anxiety alone cost the global economy nearly $1 trillion annually due to lost productivity. Investing in mental health services and support can reduce these economic burdens by improving workplace productivity and decreasing absenteeism. Investing in your own mental well-being can also improve your own work engagement and productivity. Ignoring the signs can put you at risk for being put on performance plans, loss of income, time away from work or ultimate losing a career you love because you neglected your own mental well-being.
 
2. Social Well-being
Mental health also plays a crucial role in social cohesion. Communities with a high prevalence of mental health issues often experience greater social challenges, including higher crime rates, poverty, and reduced quality of life. Promoting mental health can lead to stronger, more resilient communities with better social outcomes. Mental health in communities is absolutely vital as it teaches others how to manage their own emotions, process the challenges of life and finding new ways to overcome life’s struggles.  Think about how many incidences of road rage or community violence events can be prevented just by people managing their mental health. This also means mental health needs to be more accessible. At Transform & Renew Counseling we try to do just that by offering counseling through your insurance, sliding scale and low cost options.
 
3. Reducing Stigma
Addressing mental health helps combat the stigma associated with mental illness. Stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help, exacerbating their conditions and contributing to a cycle of suffering. By fostering open conversations and education about mental health, society can reduce stigma and encourage those in need to seek support without fear of judgment. Often, we see a significant amount of stigma in BIPOC communities as it is seen as a weakness or a betrayal to the family first mentality. If more families talked about their own anxiety, depression or other mental health struggles they actually would grow stronger together and reduce the negative impact it has on their own culture.
 
The Benefits of Prioritizing Mental Health
 
1. Enhanced Quality of Life
Prioritizing mental health can lead to a more fulfilling and enjoyable life. Individuals who actively work on their mental well-being often experience greater life satisfaction, a more positive outlook, and improved emotional stability. This enhanced quality of life can lead to greater happiness and overall life fulfillment. Being able to challenge, refocus and reframe our thinking can drastically change how we see the world. It helps correct the negative thinking and core beliefs that were maladaptively created in our life.
 
2. Prevention of Mental Illness
Focusing on mental health proactively can prevent the onset or worsening of mental illnesses. Engaging in regular self-care, seeking therapy, and building supportive networks can help manage stress and address potential issues before they escalate into more severe conditions. Prevention can and should include eating healthy nutritious food, regularly eating, good sleep, healthy movement (walking, dancing, playing sports, gym time and more), having time for self, doing personal enjoyment activities or hobbies. Connecting with your spiritual needs, physical needs and mental needs provide balance.
 
3. Improved Relationships
When mental health is prioritized, relationships often improve. Healthy individuals are better able to communicate, empathize, and maintain balanced connections, leading to more meaningful and supportive relationships. Through mental health and counseling you can establish healthy boundaries and learn and build healthy communication skills. Learning how to fight fairly and not stonewall our loved ones can go a long way. We are designed for connection.
 
4. Increased Resilience
Investing in mental health builds resilience, enabling individuals to cope with life’s challenges more effectively. This resilience is crucial for navigating life’s ups and downs and bouncing back from setbacks with a positive attitude. Resiliency can be learned from our past experiences and learning how to cope when life throws those curveballs.
 
Strategies for Enhancing Mental Health
If you are wanting to enhance your mental health, it’s time to start a plan now. Here are some helpful pieces to get started with to increase your mental health.
 
1. Self-Care
Engaging in regular self-care activities—such as exercise, meditation, and hobbies—can significantly boost mental health. Self-care practices help reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. Self-care isn’t all bath bombs, candles and mood music either. Sometimes it looks like scheduling doctor’s appointments, changing our eating habits, engaging in positive movement, engaging in spiritual and faith practices, and more.
 
2. Seeking Professional Help
Professional support, such as therapy or counseling, is vital for managing mental health issues. Therapists can provide strategies and tools for coping with various mental health challenges and offer a safe space for individuals to discuss their concerns. One way to start counseling is to look for a provider who is within your insurance network. Other ways are to find low cost options by seeing students in training or associate level counselors who are gaining their license experience.
If you are ready to get started, you can call Transform & Renew Counseling at (210) 201-4578.
 
3. Building Supportive Relationships
Cultivating a network of supportive friends and family can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation. Healthy relationships are essential for mental well-being and can offer comfort during difficult times. Supportive relationships really do make a difference. If you are stuck in bad friendships, new to an area or do not know anyone yet. It’s never too late to find friends or relationships that are supportive. One way to do this is through meeting people in groups doing things you love. So whether it is a photography group taking nature pictures, hiking on local trails, a running group, a board game group or a language club, you can find friends and connections. A great resource to use is meetup.com. Other ways people find community is joining a local church or other faith group.  You can also look for community events like yoga in the park or a nature walk with dogs and find awesome people to connect with.
 
4. Educating Yourself
Understanding mental health and its various aspects can empower individuals to recognize signs of mental health issues, seek appropriate help, and support others who may be struggling. Education is key to reducing stigma and fostering a more supportive environment for mental well-being. Understanding what you are facing is helpful and good to know when you might be struggling or doing really well. However, there is no miracle drug or quick fix, mental health requires regular work and maintenance. It is all about a well-rounded and grounded life.

Conclusion
Mental health is a cornerstone of overall well-being, influencing every aspect of our lives—from our emotional stability and relationships to our productivity and physical health. Recognizing the importance of mental health and actively working to maintain and improve it can lead to a more balanced, fulfilling, and resilient life. By prioritizing mental health, we not only enhance our own lives but also contribute to the betterment of our communities and society as a whole. As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern life, let us remember that mental health is not a luxury but a fundamental aspect of living well. Are you ready to live well? Truly transform and renewed?
Then let’s get you started! Let’s get you scheduled for your first appointment today!
 
 
 
 
 
 

---

Author: Dr. Aimee Rhodes, LPC-S

Doctorate in Education, Global Training and Development and LPC-S is a cofounder of Transform & Renew, PLLC. She specializes in mood disorders, relationship trauma, and grief issues.