Sharon had always been an extremely hardworking businesswoman. But when the pressure of her business started to mount, she found it more difficult to concentrate and an intense feeling of dread crept up in her. She started withdrawing from friends, isolating herself from family and generally stopped caring for her wellbeing. It all became evident one day that she was experiencing a mental health challenge. As she was driving her Toyota Camry aka. Muscle, Sharon noticed a strange heaviness in her chest that made it hard to breathe. Worried and anxious, she stopped going to her place of work as her mind was clouded with thoughts of failure and the fear of becoming bankrupt. It was only after a long conversation with a friend that Sharon realised, she had been struggling with depression and it was her lack of self-care, her lack of help-seeking, that had caused her mental health to deteriorate.
Sharon immediately took up a course in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with the help of her counsellor, which allowed her to become more mindful of her thoughts and feelings. She learnt how to be patient and kind with herself, and eventually developed healthy coping skills and strategies. Throughout her journey, Sharon found comfort in learning about mental health, and through the help of her friends, family, and professionals, she was eventually able to understand her thoughts and feelings better. She was also able to make peace with her mental health journey and accept herself and her struggles for who she was. Today, Sharon is healthier and happier than ever before. She now stands confident in her accomplishments, knowing that with proper help-seeking, self-love and care, anything is possible.
Just like Sharon, everyone is liable to any form of mental health challenge. That is why it is important to take safety precautions. In case you are curious about what Sharon learnt, I have decided to summarize it for you. Knowledge is power. What you know, can't kill you. Mental health is an important part of our overall health and well-being. It’s important to understand the basics of mental health, what mental illness is, and how to stay mentally healthy. Mental health is your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how you think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how you handle stress, relationships, and decisions. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Staying mentally healthy is an ongoing process. It involves learning to recognize and manage stress, cope with difficult life events, and build resilience. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
Mental illness is a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling, or behaviour. It can range from mild to severe and can affect a person’s ability to function socially and professionally. It’s important to understand the signs and symptoms of mental illness, and how to recognize them in yourself and others. Symptoms may include changes in mood, behaviour, or thinking, as well as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or an inability to concentrate. Examples of mental illness include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, don’t hesitate to seek help. Talk to your doctor, a mental health professional, or a trusted friend or family member. With the right support and treatment, you can take control of your mental health and start living a healthier, happier life. Treatment can include psychotherapy, medication, and other services. In addition to professional help, there are things you can do to stay mentally healthy. These include: eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and participating in activities you enjoy. It’s also important to connect with other people and develop meaningful relationships.
Written by: Peace
