World Mental Health Day is on Thursday October 10. What exactly is World Mental Health Day and why is it important? World Mental Health Day is for raising awareness about mental health and helping support those with mental health issues. Many students might be distressed about homework and upcoming tests, which is not good for their mental health. But why should I care about the holiday, why does it have to matter to me? Mental health should be important because it affects everyone no matter their age, gender, background, or beliefs. We should all practice activities that support our mental health and better ourselves.
Why is it important to have good mental health? Our mental health affects how we think, feel, and act either positively or negatively. Having good mental health helps us react to stressful events and calm down easier, it also helps with building and keeping positive relationships and anything else in life. On the other hand, bad mental health hurts us and can also hurt the people we love. It is hard to recover from bad mental health but there’s always ways to help.
What are some things I can to raise or keep a good mental state? First, physical health helps your mental health. Physical health does not always mean going to a gym and exercising daily, it can be as simple as taking a walk, going on a bike ride, or taking a few minutes of your day to do yoga. Exercising can also help you collect your thoughts and relax if done right or to use as a healthy outlet for anger without having to hurt anyone or yourself. Another thing you could do is practice mindfulness and stress management. Mindfulness and managing stress are important so that you are not judgmental, and able to focus on what is happening in the moment instead of worries about the future. Meditation and journaling gratitude help you focus on the positives in life and help you calm down and just be in the moment.
Improving mental health takes time and some people may need help and that’s completely fine. It’s not an immediate change that happens overnight. Remember if you need help, consider contacting an adult you trust or reaching out to a therapist or clinician, and be kind to yourself and not just others.