Back to Basics: What is Mental Health?

Nov 3

Written by Irene Eastland, LCMHC

Mental health has become a hot topic, with everyone from celebrities to TikTok users sharing their experiences. While these conversations are important, they sometimes stray from the basics: what mental health truly means and how it impacts our lives. In this post, we’ll explore the foundational question: What is mental health? We’ll also discuss factors that affect it daily and offer tips to help you nurture your mental well-being.

Defining Mental Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as “a state of well-being… enabling one to cope with stressors, realize their abilities, learn and work well, and contribute to their community.” Similarly, SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) describes it as our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, shaping how we think, feel, and act.

From these definitions, mental health is essentially our state of mind, profoundly influencing every aspect of our lives—from our mornings to our nights.

Factors That Affect Mental Health Daily

1. Social Media’s Impact

Social media is part of modern life, but it can heavily impact our mental well-being. Whether it’s comparing ourselves to others, engaging in heated comment threads, or being bombarded with information, social media can overload our minds. While scrolling might seem relaxing, the constant influx of dopamine keeps our brains in “on” mode, making genuine relaxation difficult. Over time, this can leave us feeling disconnected, stressed, and less confident in ourselves.

2. Social Connections

Our social lives play a crucial role in mental health. Isolation or a lack of meaningful connections can contribute to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Conversely, a supportive social network helps us feel understood and uplifted. Real-life interactions are vital to our mental and emotional health—something that was highlighted when COVID-19 reduced face-to-face connections. Just as animals rely on groups for survival, humans need socialization for mental health. Finding clubs, community activities, or local groups can help alleviate loneliness and build lasting connections.

3. Lifestyle Choices

How we spend our time—what we consume, who we talk to, and even how much water we drink—affects our mental health. Studies suggest that regular exercise, for instance, can improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms. Yet starting a fitness routine can feel overwhelming, especially when we’re feeling down, creating a cycle of avoidance. A small step, like a five-minute walk, can be enough to break this cycle and improve your mental outlook.

Other lifestyle factors, such as nutrition and hydration, play significant roles in mental well-being. Excessive caffeine intake can exacerbate anxiety and interfere with hydration, which is essential for mood and cognitive function. By making small, intentional changes in lifestyle, we can see a big difference in our mental health.

How to Take Care of Your Mental Health

Since our mindset affects every area of life, taking care of mental health is essential. Here are three key ways to do that:

1. Try Counseling

Therapy isn’t only for trauma or major life struggles; it’s a valuable tool for everyone. Counseling helps you understand your thoughts and habits, develop new coping strategies, and manage time effectively. Finding a counselor who aligns with your needs can make a huge difference in your well-being. Therapy is as crucial as a doctor’s visit for physical symptoms—it’s a way to care for your mind.

2. Make Lifestyle Changes

Changing habits can have a big impact on mental health. For example, starting a gratitude journal can help shift from “oh, it’s Monday” to seeing the positives in life. Similarly, replacing excessive caffeine with more water can improve memory, focus, and mood. Remember that real, lasting change takes time. Set small, realistic goals and be patient with yourself—lasting improvements are achieved one step at a time.

3. Strengthen Your Social Life

Our social lives deeply influence mental health, so improving them can lead to lasting benefits. Look for social opportunities in your community: libraries, cafés, art centers, and recreational programs often host activities that foster connection. Even trying a new activity can boost your mental health by expanding your social network and introducing you to new experiences. Aim to find social activities that encourage healthy, positive connections rather than transient interactions.

Conclusion

Mental health is our state of mind, shaping our thoughts, relationships, and actions. Factors like social media, relationships, and lifestyle choices all play significant roles in our mental well-being. By understanding the basics of mental health, we can take small but impactful steps to nurture it.

Remember, caring for mental health is as important as physical health. With a few adjustments, you can maximize your well-being.

And always remember, your life is in bloom—you can choose what kind of growth you want to nurture.