What is mental health and why is it important in our daily lives?

Mental health is defined as a combination of an individual's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It forms the foundation of how we think, feel, and act while navigating the challenges of daily life [1]. This health is not merely the absence of disorders; rather, it extends to our ability to manage stress, build balanced relationships with others, make healthy life choices, and fulfill our individual potential throughout all stages of life [1].

Why is mental health essential for your quality of life?

Mental health has a direct and reciprocal relationship with physical health. Untreated mental disorders can significantly increase the risk of chronic physical illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and strokes [1]. Additionally, mental health plays a fundamental role in improving workplace productivity and the ability to contribute positively to society. For more in-depth understanding of these links and how to strengthen them, you can read our article on Mental Health: Building Resilience and Coping with Daily Life Stresses in Jordan (Arabic).

Influencing factors and how it changes over time

Mental health is influenced by a complex set of factors, including biological factors such as brain chemistry and genetics, personal life experiences like trauma or cumulative stress, and overall lifestyle, including nutrition and physical activity [1]. It is normal for this state to fluctuate; experiencing harsh circumstances, such as caring for a sick relative or facing financial crises, may deplete your coping capacity, leaving mental health vulnerable to decline [1].

Signs that warrant professional attention

It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between normal reactions and mental health problems, but there are warning signs that warrant seeking consultation, including:

• Noticeable changes in sleep patterns or appetite [1].
• Sudden social withdrawal from beloved activities or distancing oneself from others [1].
• Persistent feelings of emotional numbness, lack of energy, or hopelessness and helplessness [1].
• Suffering from severe mood swings that impact the quality of personal relationships [1].
• Persistent thoughts about harming oneself or others, or hearing voices that do not exist [1].

In children, similar signs may appear, such as regression to behaviors of a younger age (e.g., bedwetting) or aggressive actions, where early intervention is crucial to increase the effectiveness of treatment [2].

Practical steps and seeking help

You can start by adopting healthy habits such as practicing gratitude, relaxation techniques, and meditation to enhance your psychological resilience [1]. If you feel you cannot overcome these challenges alone, a primary care physician is the ideal starting point, as they can refer you to a psychologist or specialized physician to begin talk therapy or medication [3]. If you are facing a life-threatening emergency or having suicidal thoughts, please be aware that in the United States, immediate support services are available via the 988 hotline; elsewhere, you should immediately head to the nearest emergency department or contact local emergency services [3].

Medical references

• Mental Health
• Child Mental Health
• Men and Mental Health