MENTAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE

Health is commonly referred to a state of physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being of an individual. Thus, mental health is one of the components of the broad concept of health. Moreover, the states of health and illness are defined according to the values of a society and culture one lives in.

The components that are very essential in understanding mental health are-

• Ability to accept self: A mentally healthy individual feels comfortable about himself. He feels reasonably secure and adequately accepts his surroundings. Knowing the strengths and limitations of self is important for self-acceptance.

• Capacity to feel right towards others: An individual who enjoys good mental health is able to be sincerely interested in other’s welfare. Understanding others’ perspective comes when one is able to feel satisfied of own self

• Ability to fulfil life’s tasks: Mental health bestows on the individual for the ability to meet the demands of life. A mentally healthy person is able to think for himself, set reasonable goals and take his own decisions. The capacity to think about own potentiality helps to achieve goals in life in a systematic manner.

According to American Psychiatric Association mental hygiene is “a science which suggests measures for prevention of mental illness and restoration of mental health by the cure of mental illness” To understand the techniques to maintain mental hygiene one need to look upon the root causes of mental health issues or enhance well-being in several facets of mental health.

The three important domains which can be broadly categorised for easy assessment of causes of mental illnesses or facets of mental health are- Biology factors, Psychological, Factors, Social factors. Some of the factors could be- factors are- Heredity, Physical health, Physical defers, Personality pattern, Psychological traits, Role of the family, Role of the society, Role of the school, etc. Knowing about some common signs and symptoms like- Haphazard and disorganized daily life routine, Short-tempered and irritating behaviour, Anger and aggressive behaviour, Restlessness, Increased or poor appetite and indigestion, Irregular sleeping pattern, Poor interpersonal relationships, Anxiety and worry, Negative attitude toward self and others, Irregular and abnormal physiological conditions, Excessive use of drugs, etc. Thus, noting these would show the path of how to maintain mental well-being.

Four important aspects of lifestyle which can ensure good physical and mental health in us include- right food (Ahara), right recreation (Vihara), right routine (Achara), and right thinking (Vichara). There are other various ways that one can follow to remain mentally sound.

In this era of hectic daily routine and presently in this pandemic it is very vital to take care of our mental health. So, more awareness needs to be generated within self to know the essence of our and others’ mind’s well-being.

                                                                                                                  - Anoma Modak (Psychologist)

Posted By : Anoma Modak