Jun 14, 2020 14:00:00

How to develop strong mental health?

It is said that

one-third of Americans became depressed and anxiety disorders due to the influence of the new coronavirus, and the new coronavirus is great not only for people's physical health but also for their mental health. Inspired Furthermore, it has been pointed out that the second wave of mental health is coming due to the economic downturn caused by the new coronavirus. So Simon Rosenbaum, a psychiatrist at the University of New South Wales in Australia, and clinical psychologist Jill Newby discussed 'what is the strength of mental health?'

What are the characteristics of strong mental health?
https://theconversation.com/what-are-the-characteristics-of-strong-mental-health-139032

◆: Mental health and mental illness are different
To know how to increase mental health, you first need to know about mental health. According to Rosenbaum and colleagues, mental health disorders and mental illness are often confused, but they are actually different concepts. Therefore, it seems that there are cases where you have the best mental health even if you have a mental illness, and there are cases where you get depressed even without a mental illness.

Below is a diagram showing the relationship between mental health and mental illness, which Rosenbaum et al. The vertical axis is the mental health axis and the horizontal axis is the mental illness axis. For example, the area in the upper left of this figure means “good mental health but serious mental illness”, while the lower right area means “no mental illness but bad mental health”. .. Thus, having a mental illness does not mean that your mental health is sick, and conversely not having a mental illness does not mean that your mental health is good.

On the other hand, it is not totally unrelated. Rosenbaum et al. “Mental health problems and symptoms of mental illness are not always clearly distinguishable. If mental health sickness persists in work, meaningful relationships, and ability to perform daily work, If so, it could be an indication of a mental illness that requires treatment.'

Regarding the question 'What is good for mental health?', Rosenbaum and colleagues argue that the following factors are important.

'Experience of positive emotions' such as happiness, joy, pride, satisfaction, and love
・'Positive relationship' with people who care for themselves and those who care for themselves
・Reality of 'living life'
・'Awareness of the meaning and purpose of life' that makes you feel that your life is worthwhile
・Be able to realize 'sense of achievement and one's ability'
・Stable emotions make you calm and control your emotions.
・'Resilience' that can cope with the stress of daily life
・'Optimism' to be positive about one's life and future
・'Self-esteem' with a positive feeling about oneself
・'Vitality' to feel energetic

◆: How to cultivate mental health
In light of the above, Rosenbaum said, “Our mental health is formed by social, economic, genetic, and environmental conditions. We need to tackle income, unemployment, low education levels, homelessness, etc.”

In addition, the following 10 points were listed as measures to improve mental health at an individual level in daily life.

・Help others
・Find exercises that you can enjoy
·sleep well
・Keep a healthy diet
・Build and maintain relationships and positive relationships with others
・Get along well with stress
・Make realistic expectations that 'everyone is not always happy and positive.'
・Be careful not to be too negative or too critical
・Find ways to relax, such as meditation
・Do what you enjoy and get a sense of accomplishment

Some of these 10 points of improvement might not be so difficult, while others might think that 'I'll do my best if I can do it.' If you are not sure where to start Mr. Rosenbaum is from the 'anything about such a case, is also the hand of assistance. In particular, if you or your family is in need of help, the primary care of the nearest responsible for An important step is to contact your general practitioner, who can refer you to a psychologist, exercise physiologist, dietitian, or other health and medical support services, if needed. '.