We all know a great deal about physical health, what about mental health?
As children, we were introduced to the idea of a healthy body, what about a healthy mind?
To be free of illnesses is not enough to be called healthy. Being healthy in a true sense means to be able to think logically, be aware of and express emotions appropriately, engage in meaningful social relationships, deal effectively with adversity and to have a positive and purposeful approach in life. Therefore, health encompasses both physical and mental health.
This holistic view of health further implies that disturbances in our social, emotional, cognitive, economical, physiological and psychological spheres would have an impact on our mental health. In other words, in order to be healthy, we need to look after not just physical aspects but also our psychosocial, emotional, cognitive, financial and spiritual aspects of self.
Situation 1- A grade 9 child has suddenly become quiet in the class, refrains from interacting with old friends and has started losing focus in academics.
What possibly happened here?
Only after trying to understand the child’s socio-emotional and familial aspects of life in the counseling sessions, it was found out that the child was recently told by his parents that he is an adopted child. The child was in utter disbelief and didn’t know how to make peace with the fact. He was not sure his friends would understand if he shares his situation with them. Consequently, he started isolating himself and losing interest in activities he previously enjoyed. His academic performance began deteriorating.
Situation 2- A 16yrs old boy from a highly affluent family refuses to visit any public place, wear shades even indoors and finds it extremely difficult to be around people.
What could be the possible reasons for this scenario?
On the face of it, one might think that someone who is so wealthy would have a life studded with diamonds with all the luxuries to relish and nothing to complain about. Unfortunately, money can’t buy mental health.
It was found that the child spent very little quality time with parents as they had an extremely busy schedule. Child’s inherent anxiety deepened as he couldn’t establish a secure attachment with most crucial figures in one’s life – parents. The child had all the luxuries yet very little taste of love and warmth. His self-esteem and confidence suffered resulting in him developing social anxiety.
These two life situations demonstrate how our mental health can be significantly affected by various factors like life events, economic conditions, socio-emotional-psychological factors. They way in which we interpret these events and factors plays a significant role in determining how and to what extent these factors affect us.
Therefore, a healthy and balanced diet embodying positive thoughts, quality relationships, resilience and perseverance is fundamental in nurturing a healthy mind and body.
