Mental Health

Until the last few years, the term Mental Health was unfamiliar to most of us. That doesn’t mean that Mental Health was not an issue for some, but the idea that we would openly speak about our feelings and emotions in an acceptable way by society was not yet ‘cool’.

Fast forward to May 2020 and how things have changed!

So what has triggered this change? When did it become safe to share thoughts, feelings and emotions more openly? Who has made the term ‘Mental Health’ more permissible and relatable? Who gets to decide what is mentally healthy and what isn’t?

In this Mental Health week in the UK, we see articles, educational TV programmes and advice on  Mental Health; all high lighting the importance of seeking help when necessary and above all, not being afraid to do so. It has become a regular occurrence that celebrities, sports personalities and public figures raise awareness on Mental Health by opening up and sharing their own struggles and challenges about how life got tough for them. Life can get tough for all of us at any given time; sometimes short lived, sometimes less easy to fix quickly.

Perhaps that is a simplistic explanation of Mental Health; the ability to keep the mind as healthy as possible when life gets tough; or we cannot fix a problem that faces us. To live with the unresolved issue is to stress the health of the mind. It has become currant and relevant to deal with the issue sooner rather than later to avoid stressing the mental well being. What used to be seen as an unspoken challenge, (especially for men) has fortunately become as conversationally main stream as diet and exercise, particularly since the Coronovirus lockdown.

This is progress, for individuals and society. A car that isn’t maintained regularly becomes neglected and ceases to perform reliably. A human body that isn’t fed well and exercised depletes its energy and seizes up. A mind that isn’t kept relaxed and positive can lead to stress and depression. Thankfully the importance of looking after the mind, our Mental Health, is now elevated in importance just like keeping the car reliable and the human body performing healthily.

Well known personalities from royalty, sports personalities and celebrities are now actively promoting Mental Health. Why? Well, because like you and me they have discovered that unless they address anxieties and worry, however small, can multiply into full scale, mental shut down and inability to function. Just like the neglected car breaking down or the physical body becoming sick.

So it seems appropriate to me, that in this Mental Health week I add to the importance of raising awareness. If only to help my fellow citizens see Mental Health as relevant as maintaining the car or keeping healthy and fit. Who needs breakdowns and unreliability?

That is why we all need to become even more comfortable with and accept the relevance of Mental Health amidst the Coronovirus challenges, for ourselves as well as others. For the good of the community and society. For our country and for our world. Do your bit today. Begin with yourself. Address any concerns you may have to keep your mind healthy and positive. By doing so you will boost your immune system and that alone is one of the best ways to beat Coronovirus for yourself and others.

Stay well, stay happy, stay free!

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