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A Step Forward Towards Better Mental Health

Mental health is defined as a state of psychological and emotional well-being in which an individual is able to use their cognitive and emotional capabilities to meet the normal demands and functions of society. Maintaining a healthy mental well-being is undeniably important at all stages of life, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood.

Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic increase in the prevalence of mental health issues all around the world. As much as we believe that humans are resilient in all circumstances and that it is only right to portray the strongest version of themselves at all times, this is not always the case. When you are at your lowest, it is perfectly normal to experience stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotions.

Factors that causes mental health issues

A person’s mental health problems can be caused by a variety of factors. Among these factors are social isolation and loneliness. This is never a choice made by anyone; rather, circumstances such as depression or bereavement may place a person in a state of isolation. 

Another well-known factor is stress, which has varying degrees or levels that vary for different people. This is in line with Arthur Forman’s quote, “Not everyone thinks the way you think, knows the things you know, believes the things you believe, nor acts the way you would act.” Likewise, always remember that you will only be able to handle stress and anxiety at your own level, not at the level of another person. 

Any significant traumatic event in the past can also contribute to the factors that lead to a person’s mental health problems later in life. Domestic violence in the family, any past experience of child abuse, or even growing up in a family that has gone through an estrangement are all examples of traumatic events. These daunting events can cause a person to always be in fear or depressed, leading to the development of a mental health problem within them, including any silent symptoms that are not visible to those around them. 

Steps to overcome mental health issues

There is no doubt that different people react differently in different situations, but there are some steps we can take whenever we feel that something is bothering us in the back of our minds. First of all, whenever you are negatively affected about something, remember to take a step back and relax. Never try to push yourself past your limits as it is always a good idea to take a breather and rebalance yourself. You can always try to find relaxing hobbies such as nature-walking, drawing, meditating, dancing or learning new skills.

In addition, another critical step in dealing with mental health issues is to seek help when it is required. Remember that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather of strength. The ability to pull yourself together and speak to someone is a sign of strength. It is also important to remember that seeking help and treatment is always beneficial. Help does not have to come only from professionals; it could come from family members or close friends as well. Share your thoughts with them to know that you are not alone in this journey.

The Forward NUMed webinar series, hosted by Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed), was conceived as part of the university’s nation-building initiatives in confronting the crises brought about by the pandemic. The series forges a first-of-its-kind platform to garner multifaceted perspectives on current pressing issues in our country, with insights on how all layers of society can do our part in navigating towards the next normal with greater resilience.

For the latest updates on upcoming webinars or masterclasses, email admissions@newcastle.edu.my, call 07-555 3800, WhatsApp 011-1231 5411 / 012-7849456, or visit the Forward NUMed: Charting New Paths To The Next Normal Facebook page.