When it comes to health, most people think only in terms of physical, not mental, well being. The WHO defines mental health as a state of well being in which “every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and be able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
However, today, mental health seems to have become one of the biggest casualties of modern times. According to Dr. McAllister, Consultant Psychiatrist and Healthcare Director, St. Andrew’s Healthcare, Northampton, the U.K., there are a number of reasons why mental health issues appear more common today. “The first may well be an impact of our lifestyles or ways of working, which make us feel increasingly pressured. People are working longer hours, enduring longer commutes and extending their work day into their home life through access to work, e-mails through smart phones etc. The other factor is the cultural shift, which is gradually removing the stigma surrounding mental health conditions. Society is becoming more aware of both mental health issues and the help that is available. Mental health is more than simply the absence of mental illness. It encompasses an emotional and spiritual resilience that enables us to survive pain, disappointment and sadness together with a fundamental belief in our own and others’ dignity and value.”
Mental health is to a large extent determined by protective factors and risk factors, says Dr. U. Gauthamadas, Senior Consultant in Neuro Behavioural Medicine, Chennai. “Mental protective factors refer to conditions that improve people’s resistance to risk factors and disorders and modify, ameliorate or alter a person’s response to hazards that predisposes them to a disorder.Dr. McAllister points out that there are a range of factors which can prove protective in terms of mental health. “At the individual level these include an easy temperament, adequate nutrition, attachment to family, above average intelligence, achievements at school/work, problem-solving skills, a sense of being in control, social skills, a good coping style, a sense of optimism and purpose, religious affiliation and a history of competence and success.” As regards family factors, he lists supportive, caring parents, a secure and stable family, supportive relationships, and economic security. At the community level, a sense of connectedness, attachment to and networks within the community are helpful.
Apart from all this, there are other biological risk factors, which can exacerbate poor mental health. Dr. Gauthamadas notes that chronic sleep disturbance, chronic pain, early pregnancy, birth complications, low birth weight, medical illnesses, imbalance in brain chemistry, mental health disorders in family members and substance abuse play a part. Other psychosocial factors include social isolation, failure, abuse and neglect in childhood, exposure to aggression, violence and trauma, family conflict, family disorganisation, parental substance abuse, personal loss, bereavement and stressful life events.
Asked if there is a way to strengthen the protective factors, Dr. McAllister responds, “Looking after yourself, ensuring adequate rest, sleep, food, physical exercise, investigating some relaxation techniques or mindfulness training, and investing in both intimate and family relationships all help.”
Dr. Gauthamadas points out: “Positive mental health serves as a powerful factor against mental illness by increasing psychological wellbeing, competence and resilience and by creating supporting living conditions and environments. However, mental disorders and positive mental health cannot be described as the different ends of a linear scale but rather as two overlapping and inter related components of a single concept of mental health. Imbalances in mental health can only be corrected by timely identification and treatment with medicines which today are safe and target specific neuro chemicals that give rise to certain thinking, behavioural and emotional patterns.”
Tips to stay mentally healthy
Exercise helps reduce anxiety and depression, improves performance of children in school, reduces age related memory loss in the elderly and promotes new neuron formation in the brain
Consume a diet rich in vegetables, fruit and fish
Spend time communing with nature, pursue recreational activities, bust stress, practice meditation
Acquire adequate social and emotional support, a network of friends and establish strong and supportive ties with the spouse and family to enhance psychological well being
Partaking in service activities (which gives one a helper’s high) and religious and spiritual involvement are of value
