Mental Health: Key to Physical Health

Mental health is as important as physical health. When it comes to health and well-being, the first thing that appears in most people’s minds is physical health. They talk about exercise, jogging, etc. However the topic of mental health never really comes forth. Mental health includes our psychological, social, and emotional well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and how we act in our daily lives, etc. Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health. We should be able to discuss mental health in the same way that we discuss physical health. For example, When we take a leave from school, and the reason we give is connected to our physical health, such as a fever or a broken leg, it is considered as a suitable reason, whereas if we give a reason related to our mental health, such as I've been under a lot of stress, etc, it's regarded as a less suitable statement and even sometimes seen as an excuse.

Mental health and physical health are interconnected. People who suffer from mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, stress, etc tend to have lower immunity. When people are having mental health issues, to cope up they resort to harmful substances such as alcohol and drugs which are extremely injurious to health. A study found that positive psychological well-being can reduce the risks of heart attacks and strokes. On the other hand, poor mental health can lead to poor physical health and cause chronic diseases.

We can’t live a balanced life if we only focus on our physical health and ignore our psychological state. For physical problems, most people go to the doctor and get a check-up. However, most people don’t go to a mental health professional for a mental health exam. People seek out help from a mental health professional only after a crisis has already occurred. It is extremely important to take care of our overall health and well-being, we should exercise regularly, practice meditation and yoga, avoid harmful substances such as cigarettes and alcohol also take less stress, talk about our situation find happiness in small things, and give ourselves more reasons to smile and stay happy every day.

By: Ksshika
Shikshantar School