Mental health is a state of well-being and emotional well-being that contributes to a person’s ability to enjoy life and function successfully in their everyday lives. Having good mental health means that you can experience ups and downs in your mood or behaviour without it getting too much for you to cope and that you are able to build strong relationships and manage daily stressors.
There are a range of factors that can affect our mental health. Some of these are inherited from our family (like a gene for bipolar disorder), some may be due to a stressful event or lifestyle choice, like smoking during pregnancy, and others could be down to a brain chemistry change such as depression.
Talk therapy (psychotherapy) can help you gain a better understanding of your thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns. It also allows you to learn coping strategies that can help you deal with any future emotional triggers that arise. Many people who undergo psychotherapy find that they are able to live more fulfilling, independent lives thanks to the skills and tools gained through it.
Oftentimes, treatment can be long-term, but you will always be able to benefit from it if you stick with the plan. A combination of treatments is usually recommended, which includes psychotherapy, medicines (like antidepressants, mood stabilisers and antipsychotic medications), exercise, a balanced diet and sleep. You can also seek alternative therapies, like acupuncture and specific yoga practices. These may be helpful in reducing your symptoms or simply to complement your traditional treatment.