Lesson 1
Mental health is an integral part of overall health and affects every aspect of life. It is important to note that mental health is not simply being absent of mental illness.
It is a state of overall well-being in relation to your normal life functions and interaction with yourself and others. While it is tied primarily to your emotional and psychological well-being, there are a number of factors that play into your mental health.
Factors that can contribute to your mental health can include brain chemistry and genetics, overall physical fitness, level of stressors in day-to-day life, and level of social involvement. While some of these such as genetics are out of our control, aspects like physical fitness and managing stress can often be helped with changes of habit. We hope with the assistance of our courses and your own action, your mental health will have the best bet at being healthy and sustainable.
Addressing the Stigma
Unfortunately, the discussion around mental health and finding help has carried a bad reputation for a long time. A lot of the misconceptions around addressing your mental well-being come from a place of not wanting to look weak in front of peers, denying that you might have a problem, and a lack of understanding of how to better your situation.
Fortunately, there has been a larger societal push to discuss mental health openly and find the right resources and help. From celebrities, to professional athletes, to successful people in business the conversation is starting to take shape.
On a local level, being open to discussing mental health with friends and loved ones is becoming more accepted — we believe this continual conversation with those around you will lead to greatest change in the way mental health is viewed as a whole.
There is power in asking for help and wanting to help yourself. If you can be a resource to someone, offer a hand. We’re all in this together.