Maintain good mental health
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Description
The foundation of good mental health: balance
Factors that influence mental health
Steps to take to maintain good mental health
Help and resources
Description
Being mentally healthy is not simply about not having a mental disorder. A person can live with a mental disorder and still experience emotional well-being resulting in a balanced and satisfying life. The opposite is also true: the absence of mental disorder is not a guarantee of emotional well-being.
Like being in good physical health, being in good mental health allows you to feel good about yourself. It also allows you to fully enjoy the joys of life, to flourish and to try new things.
Maintaining good mental health is also one of the best ways to prepare for difficult times in life, whether personally or professionally.
Foundation of good mental health: balance
To maintain good mental health, it is recommended to establish a certain balance between the various aspects of your life, that is to say the aspects:
social;
physical;
mental;
economic;
spiritual;
emotional.
Periods of life (school career, professional development, family life, etc.), difficulties and challenges encountered sometimes tip the scales to one side or the other. It may then be relevant to ask yourself what changes need to be made to help maintain your mental health.
Factors that influence mental health
Several factors influence a person's mental health:
biological and genetic characteristics, for example heredity;
other personal characteristics, for example lifestyle habits and behaviors, level of self-esteem or childhood experiences;
the social environment, such as relationships with family, friends and the community;
the living environment, for example the place of residence or accommodation, the family environment;
the working environment, for example working conditions, psychosocial factors (possibility of making decisions related to one's tasks, links with colleagues, recognition of expertise and skills, etc.), safety of the premises;
the economic context, for example the cost of consumer goods to meet primary needs, the unemployment rate and the distribution of wealth in society.
It is impossible to act on certain factors, such as heredity or certain events that occurred in the past. However, you can change your habits and behaviors and take certain steps to maintain good mental health.
Steps to take to maintain good mental health
Adopt good lifestyle habits
Take the time to eat well.
Make sure you get enough sleep.
Move or exercise every day.
Do activities that promote relaxation and well-being (yoga, meditation and breathing exercises, creative or artistic activities).
Reduce your consumption of stimulants (coffee, tea, carbonated or energy drinks, chocolate).
Reduce or completely stop your use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco.
Maintain your social network
Maintain positive relationships with those around you: family, friends, neighbors, work colleagues, etc.
Participate regularly in leisure activities that you enjoy and find time to indulge in them.
Avoid being alone or isolating yourself if you are going through a difficult situation, such as bereavement or job loss. Contact a loved one, a trusted person or a resource who can provide you with listening, support or help.