“Mental health” refers to your overall psychological well-being. It includes the way you feel about yourself, the quality of your relationships, and your ability to manage your feelings and deal with difficulties.

Mental illnesses affect 19% of the adult population, 46% of teenagers and 13% of children each year. People struggling with their mental health may be in your family, live next door, teach your children, work in the next cubicle or sit in the same church pew.

However, only half of those affected receive treatment, often because of the stigma attached to mental health. Untreated, mental illness can contribute to higher medical expenses, poorer performance at school and work, fewer employment opportunities and increased risk of suicide.

Raising mental health awareness can help you to understand your symptoms, find professional treatment, and, perhaps most importantly, break the mental health stigma that leaves so many people suffering in secret.

There is no health without mental health.  World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for a whole of government and whole of society response anchored on a shared vision for the future of mental health in the Region. Mental health promotion involves actions to strengthen the policy environment and the use of strategic communication for network building, stakeholder engagement, enhanced mental health literacy, and behavior.

Proper Nutrition is also very important in boosting mental health. Salmon, Chicken (Chicken, like turkey, is a delicious lean-protein choice containing the amino acid tryptophan), Whole Grains, Avocados, Spinach, Yogurt, Nut and Olive Oil are recommended for consumption if one person wish to improve his/her mental state. Also, the following are some important tips that may help boost your mental health:

• Make social connection
• Stay active 
• Talk to someone
• Appeal to your senses
• Take up a relaxation practice
• Make leisure and contemplation a priority
• Eat a brain-healthy diet to support strong mental health 
• Don’t skimp on sleep
• Find purpose and meaning 
• Get help if you need it

People around the world need also to realize the importance of brain break. As we are facing difficult times most especially during this pandemic, let us all be observant of the stressors that may contribute to our negative aura and energy. Hence, let us learn to appreciate the beauty of each challenges for us to be able to maintain a happy and healthy mental state.

References:

http://www.bcmhsus.ca/health-info

https://www.who.int/westernpacific/activities/promoting-mental-health