Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
Unlocking Sanity: Decoding the Mystery of Mental Health
Mental health is an umbrella term used to describe a person's mental state, psychological well-being, and ability to live with their intellectual, emotional and behavioral functioning; it also suggests the degree of independence a person has in personal actions, decision-making and the way they think, feel and act.
Health is a balance; when one goes down, another must go up.
The mind is like a tree, a garden. The mind is the soil, the psyche, nutrient rich. It's a complex combination of neurons and synapses and chemicals, working in unison to provide a wealth of information, emotions, and experiences. It is all of these things, and you can see, with all five senses, a healthy tree and garden.
The definition of mental health is a word that the majority of people use freely and without thought. Thoughts, feelings, actions, and attitudes all factor into the definition. It's a mental picture that you carry, but never see. A picture that is only shown during a brief moment of clarity and insight.
Mental health is essential at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected.
In conclusion, understanding mental health is crucial for fostering a holistic approach to well-being. It goes beyond the absence of mental illness and encompasses a state of emotional resilience, balance, and the ability to navigate life's challenges.
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner dedicated to mental health and wellness, I believe that by promoting awareness, reducing stigma, and providing compassionate care, we can contribute to a society where mental health is prioritized. Let us continue the dialogue, break down barriers, and work towards creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to achieve and maintain optimal mental well-being.
Together, we can make strides in enhancing the overall mental health landscape.
Here are a few scriptures that I believe can aid in Mental Wellness.
Scripture to combat Fear
2 Timothy 1:7 “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind.”
Deuteronomy 31:8 “He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Isaiah 43:1 “Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.”
Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand”
Scripture to combat Depression
Psalm 34:17 “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”
Psalm 42:11 “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Psalm 40: 1-3 1 “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.”
Scripture to combat Anxiety
Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
John 14:27 “Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.”
Scripture to combat Perfectionism
Galatians 1:10 “Am I trying to win the approval of men, or God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ”
Psalm 18:32 “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect”
1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing our thoughts, emotions, actions, and stress management. It significantly impacts our relationships and decision-making processes. Prioritizing mental health fosters resilience and enhances overall quality of life. By acknowledging its importance, we empower ourselves to seek support, engage in self-care practices, and cultivate healthy coping mechanisms. Effective mental health care involves a holistic approach that addresses individual needs within the context of their environment. Building awareness and understanding around mental health reduces stigma and promotes acceptance, paving the way for improved access to resources and support networks. It's essential to recognize that mental health is integral to our overall well-being, deserving of attention, compassion, and proactive management in every aspect of life.