Wellness Wednesday – “How Is Your Mental Health?”
The month of May is “Mental Health Awareness Month,” which is intended to raise awareness of the importance of caring for our mental well-being. So often, when we consider mental health, we do so from the point of view of what is wrong with us, from a perspective of illness when a person exhibits symptoms like depression, anxiety, swings in mood, suicidal thoughts, etc. As such, much of the perception of mental health is identifying what is wrong with us, the malady, and then fixing it.
However, how often do we consider what a mentally healthy person looks like? When we consider this question, here are some signs that a well-functioning individual might exhibit:
- They have a variety of interests and a zeal to pursue them.
- They have the ability to accomplish daily responsibilities, including self-care.
- They have a well-grounded insight into their internal and external world.
For mentally healthy individuals, the key is maintaining and strengthening by taking pro-active steps to care for their mental well-being.
Mental illness and mental health are two ends of a continuum that we move back and forth across at different points in our life. Using the following “Illness-Wellness Continuum” model, where would you rate your mental health today? Those who rated themselves on the “High-Level Wellness” describe themselves as generally satisfied and happy, emotionally well-balanced, stable, and goal-oriented. Those in the mid-range or “Neutral Point” exhibit signs of distress and perhaps are struggling to cope; however, they can still function daily. Finally, those who rate themselves toward the disorder side or “Premature Death” cannot cope with stress and experience changes in their thoughts, behavior, and actions.
Click the following link to take the following “Mental Health Continuum” questionnaire to assess how you are doing regarding your mental health. How strongly do you agree or disagree with each of the questions on a scale of 1-7 (1 being “strongly agree,” 2 is “agree somewhat,” 3 is “agree a little,” 4 is “neutral,” 5 is “disagree a little,” 6 is “disagree somewhat,” and 7 “disagree strongly”) – https://booksite.elsevier.com/9780123745170/Chapter%202/Chapter_2_Worksheet_2.5.pdf
So, how did you score yourself? Does it reveal that you are languishing, flourishing, or somewhere in between regarding your mental health? If you are languishing, know you don’t have to struggle alone. Reach out to a friend or family member, talk and pray with a fellow brother or sister in Christ who is in ministry with you, or schedule an appointment with a mental health professional. It is ok not to be ok. God cares for not only the state of your soul but your entire well-being, including your mental state. If you find yourself in a midzone or higher regarding your mental wellness, be proactive in things like building your stress management and resiliency skills by reading a book, takings a class/workshop or engaging a faith & wellness coach. And don’t forget the importance of fun and time off with family & friends for maintaining your overall mental well-being.
I want to leave you all with this final wellness thought regarding our mental health – mental well-being as a continuum that can shift daily and even from moment to moment, depending on internal and external factors. Take time to check in with yourself periodically on how you are doing mentally. Acknowledge the presence of any tension, worries, or overwhelming emotions. Also, take a moment to recognize the positive, the good, and the blessings from God in your life. What we focus on can significantly impact how we perceive ourselves, others, and life. And if you are in need or resources, a referral for help, or just to connect to someone to talk please don’t hesitate to reach out to me and let’s get you connected. With that, God’s richest blessings and happy mental health!
