Mental health is an important part of overall wellbeing, and it's important to take steps to reduce your risk of developing a mental health disorder. Here are some ways that people have found to stay mentally well:Talking about your feelings can be a great way to process them and get support from those around you. Practicing mindfulness is another way to stay present and engaged in the moment. Keeping in touch with friends and family can also help you stay connected and supported.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of mental, neurological, and substance use disorders. These guidelines recommend that health interventions at the population level focus on general promotion. This means that it's not just the responsibility of mental health professionals to promote mental health and prevent mental illness, but that everyone has a role to play. Serious Mental Illness (SMI) can interfere with a person's ability to work, keep up with school, stick to a regular schedule, have healthy relationships, socialize, maintain hygiene, and more.
To reduce the risk of developing an SMI, it's important to understand the risk and protective factors associated with mental illness. Risk factors are things that increase the likelihood of developing a mental health disorder, while protective factors are things that reduce the risk. Risk factors can include things like poverty, trauma, or substance abuse. Protective factors can include things like having supportive relationships, access to healthcare, or engaging in physical activity.
By understanding these factors and taking steps to reduce risk and increase protective factors, you can help reduce your risk of developing a mental health disorder. The WHO also recommends implementing prevention and intervention programs to reduce the number of families affected by mental illness. These programs should focus on promoting physiological reactivity, cognitive control, and self-regulation in children through parent-based and classroom-based interventions. By providing access to intervention as soon as possible, we can limit the continuity of mental health problems from childhood to adolescence and adulthood. In conclusion, there are many ways that you can reduce your risk of developing a mental health disorder. Talking about your feelings, practicing mindfulness, keeping in touch with friends and family, understanding risk and protective factors associated with mental illness, and taking steps to reduce risk and increase protective factors are all great ways to stay mentally well.
