Mental wellness is a term that describes the state of well-being in which a person can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully, and contribute to their community1. It is not the same as happiness or the absence of mental illness, but rather the balance between one’s emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental self2.
Mental wellness is important for overall health and quality of life, as it affects how we think, feel, act, and relate to others. It also influences how we handle stress, overcome challenges, and achieve our goals3. Poor mental wellness can lead to various problems, such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and chronic diseases4.
There are many ways to improve and maintain mental wellness, such as seeking professional help if needed, staying connected with friends and family, having a positive outlook, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, practicing relaxation techniques, volunteering or helping others, developing coping skills, and setting realistic expectations for oneself24.
Mental wellness is not a fixed state, but a dynamic process that changes over time and across different situations. It is possible to experience mental wellness even when facing difficulties or hardships. It is also possible to lose mental wellness when things seem to be going well. Therefore, it is important to be aware of one’s own mental wellness and take steps to enhance it whenever possible5.
