Emotional well-being is integral to one's mental health because it directly affects how we manage stress, relate to others, and make choices. When emotional well-being isn't prioritized, it becomes difficult for individuals to cope with the normal stresses of life, often leading to increased anxiety or depression. (Oh no!) The ability to realize one's abilities gets compromised when emotional distress takes the front seat.
An emotionally stable individual can work productively and fruitfully; this is vital in maintaining a fulfilling career and personal life! Without emotional balance, decision-making becomes erratic and relationships suffer greatly. This leads not only to personal dissatisfaction but also impacts community contribution negatively.
Autonomy and self-efficacy are pillars of emotional well-being that enable us to handle life's challenges more effectively. If these aspects are neglected, one’s competence in various life activities diminishes over time. As a result, an imbalance between professional responsibilities and personal life may emerge.
Cultural differences play a significant role in shaping our understanding of what constitutes good mental health. This means that one's subjective assessments influence their perception of emotional stability. For example (and it's crucial), what might be considered healthy coping mechanisms in one culture could be viewed differently in another.
In effect this means neglecting emotional well-being undermines overall mental health by hampering our capacity for resilience, social interactions, decision-making skills, and even day-to-day functioning! It's essential to recognize early signs like sleep irritation or lack of energy before they escalate into more severe issues.
Mental health refers to the level of human psychological well-being. It encompasses emotional, psychological, and social aspects that influence how individuals think, feel, and behave. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a "state of well-being in which an individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and can contribute to their community." It determines how people handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
Mental health includes various components such as subjective well-being, perceived self-efficacy, autonomy, competence, intergenerational dependence, and self-actualization of one's intellectual and emotional potential. From the perspectives of positive psychology or holism, it may also involve an individual's ability to enjoy life and create a balance between life activities while achieving psychological resilience.
Factors affecting mental health include cultural differences, personal philosophy, subjective assessments, and competing professional theories. Early signs indicating mental health difficulties may include sleep disturbances, lack of energy or appetite, thoughts of harming oneself or others, self-isolation (though introversion isn't necessarily unhealthy), and frequent zoning out.
Mental disorders are defined as conditions that affect cognitive functioning, emotional responses, and behavior associated with distress or impaired functioning. These disorders have been increasingly prevalent worldwide. They are influenced by lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise habits; substance use; social connections; among others.
Professionals like psychiatrists provide treatment for mental illnesses through therapy counseling medication other methods ensure better management improving overall quality life affected individuals.
Early Terminology and Concepts
Perceptions and Treatments
Development of Diagnostic Systems
Mental Hygiene Movement
Shift from Institutionalization
Transinstitutionalization Phenomenon
Modern Movements and Challenges
Global Impact
Economic Burden
Social Stigma
Understanding these historical contexts helps illuminate how far we have come—and how much further we need to go—in addressing mental health issues comprehensively across different societies worldwide.
Here are some journal prompts that can help you explore your thoughts, emotions, and overall well-being:
Self-Reflection and Awareness
How am I feeling today? Describe your emotions in detail.
What are three things I am grateful for today?
What are my current stressors? How can I manage them?
What are my biggest accomplishments this week?
What are my strengths and how have I used them recently?
Emotional Exploration
Write about a recent situation that made you feel sad/angry/anxious. What triggered these emotions?
What are some activities that make me feel calm and happy?
How do I usually react to stress? What could I do differently?
Write a letter to someone who has hurt you. You don’t have to send it.
What are the things that I am afraid of? Why do they scare me?
Goal Setting and Future Planning
What are my short-term and long-term goals?
What steps can I take to achieve one of my goals this week?
Where do I see myself in five years? How can I start working towards that vision now?
What habits would I like to develop? How can I start implementing them?
What is one positive change I can make in my life right now?
Self-Compassion and Positivity
Write a positive affirmation about yourself and explain why it is true.
What are three things I love about myself?
Describe a time when you felt proud of yourself.
What does self-care look like for me? How can I incorporate more of it into my daily routine?
What are some kind words I wish others would say to me? Say them to yourself.
Relationships and Social Connections
Who are the people in my life that I am grateful for? Why?
What are the qualities I value most in my relationships?
Describe a meaningful conversation you had recently.
What boundaries do I need to set in my relationships to maintain my mental well-being?
How can I show appreciation to someone I care about?
Mindfulness and Presence
Describe a moment today when you felt fully present. What were you doing?
What are some ways I can practice mindfulness in my daily life?
Write about a time when you felt at peace. What contributed to that feeling?
What does the term “living in the moment” mean to me? How can I practice it?
Describe your surroundings in detail. What do you see, hear, smell, and feel?
Creative Exploration
If I could visualize my emotions, what would they look like? Draw or describe them.
Write a poem or short story about your current emotional state.
Create a list of songs that reflect how you’re feeling right now. Explain why each song fits.
Describe a place where you feel completely safe and at ease.
Write a letter to your future self. What advice or encouragement would you give?
These prompts can help you gain insight into your emotions and thoughts, and they can serve as a starting point for deeper self-exploration and healing. Feel free to adapt them to fit your personal needs and experiences. Happy journaling!
 | The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject . ( July 2021 ) |
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Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing cognition, perception, and behavior. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is a "state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and can contribute to his or her community". [ 1 ] It likewise determines how an individual handles stress, interpersonal relationships, and decision-making. [ 2 ] Mental health includes subjective well-being, perceived self-efficacy, autonomy, competence, intergenerational dependence, and self-actualization of one's intellectual and emotional potential, among others. [ 3 ]
From the perspectives of positive psychology or holism, mental health may include an individual's ability to enjoy life and to create a balance between life activities and efforts to achieve psychological resilience. [ 4 ] Cultural differences, personal philosophy, subjective assessments, and competing professional theories all affect how one defines "mental health". [ 5 ] Some early signs related to mental health difficulties are sleep irritation, lack of energy, lack of appetite, thinking of harming oneself or others, self-isolating (though introversion and isolation aren't necessarily unhealthy), and frequently zoning out. [ 5 ]
Mental health, as defined by the Public Health Agency of Canada, [ 6 ] is an individual's capacity to feel, think, and act in ways to achieve a better quality of life while respecting personal, social, and cultural boundaries. [ 7 ] Impairment of any of these are risk factor for mental disorders, or mental illnesses, [ 8 ] which are a component of mental health. In 2019, about 970 million people worldwide suffered from a mental disorder, with anxiety and depression being the most common. The number of people suffering from mental disorders has risen significantly throughout the years. [ 9 ] Mental disorders are defined as health conditions that affect and alter cognitive functioning, emotional responses, and behavior associated with distress and/or impaired functioning. [ 10 ] [ 11 ] The ICD-11 is the global standard used to diagnose, treat, research, and report various mental disorders. [ 12 ] [ 13 ] In the United States, the DSM-5 is used as the classification system of mental disorders. [ 14 ]
Mental health is associated with a number of lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, stress, drug abuse, social connections and interactions. [ 14 ] [ 15 ] Psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed professional clinical counselors, social workers, nurse practitioners, and family physicians can help manage mental illness with treatments such as therapy, counseling, and medication. [ 16 ]
In the mid-19th century, William Sweetser was the first to coin the term mental hygiene , which can be seen as the precursor to contemporary approaches to work on promoting positive mental health. [ 17 ] [ 18 ] Isaac Ray, the fourth president [ 19 ] of the American Psychiatric Association and one of its founders, further defined mental hygiene as "the art of preserving the mind against all incidents and influences calculated to deteriorate its qualities, impair its energies, or derange its movements". [ 18 ]
In American history, mentally ill patients were thought to be religiously punished. This response persisted through the 1700s, along with the inhumane confinement and stigmatization of such individuals. [ 20 ] Dorothea Dix (1802–1887) was an important figure in the development of the "mental hygiene" movement. Dix was a school teacher who endeavored to help people with mental disorders and to expose the sub-standard conditions into which they were put. [ 21 ] This became known as the "mental hygiene movement". [ 21 ] Before this movement, it was not uncommon that people affected by mental illness would be considerably neglected, often left alone in deplorable conditions without sufficient clothing. [ 21 ] From 1840 to 1880, she won the support of the federal government to set up over 30 state psychiatric hospitals; however, they were understaffed, under-resourced, and were accused of violating human rights. [ 20 ]
Emil Kraepelin in 1896 developed the taxonomy of mental disorders which has dominated the field for nearly 80 years. Later, the proposed disease model of abnormality was subjected to analysis and considered normality to be relative to the physical, geographical and cultural aspects of the defining group. [ 22 ]
At the beginning of the 20th century, Clifford Beers founded "Mental Health America – National Committee for Mental Hygiene", after publication of his accounts as a patient in several lunatic asylums, A Mind That Found Itself , in 1908 [ 23 ] [ 24 ] [ 25 ] and opened the first outpatient mental health clinic in the United States. [ 24 ]
The mental hygiene movement, similar to the social hygiene movement, had at times been associated with advocating eugenics and sterilization of those considered too mentally deficient to be assisted into productive work and contented family life. [ 26 ] [ 27 ] In the post-WWII years, references to mental hygiene were gradually replaced by the term 'mental health' due to its positive aspect that evolves from the treatment of illness to preventive and promotive areas of healthcare. [ 25 ]
When US government-run hospitals were accused of violating human rights, advocates pushed for deinstitutionalization: the replacement of federal mental hospitals for community mental health services. The closure of state-provisioned psychiatric hospitals was enforced by the Community Mental Health Centers Act in 1963 that laid out terms in which only patients who posed an imminent danger to others or themselves could be admitted into state facilities. [ 28 ] This was seen as an improvement from previous conditions. However, there remains a debate on the conditions of these community resources.
It has been proven that this transition was beneficial for many patients: there was an increase in overall satisfaction, a better quality of life, and more friendships between patients all at an affordable cost. This proved to be true only in the circumstance that treatment facilities had enough funding for staff and equipment as well as proper management. [ 29 ] However, this idea is a polarizing issue. Critics of deinstitutionalization argue that poor living conditions prevailed, patients were lonely, and they did not acquire proper medical care in these treatment homes. [ 30 ] Additionally, patients that were moved from state psychiatric care to nursing and residential homes had deficits in crucial aspects of their treatment. Some cases result in the shift of care from health workers to patients' families, where they do not have the proper funding or medical expertise to give proper care. [ 30 ] On the other hand, patients that are treated in community mental health centers lack sufficient cancer testing, vaccinations, or otherwise regular medical check-ups. [ 30 ]
Other critics of state deinstitutionalization argue that this was simply a transition to "transinstitutionalization", or the idea that prisons and state-provisioned hospitals are interdependent. In other words, patients become inmates. This draws on the Penrose Hypothesis of 1939, which theorized that there was an inverse relationship between prisons' population size and the number of psychiatric hospital beds. [ 31 ] This means that populations that require psychiatric mental care will transition between institutions, which in this case, includes state psychiatric hospitals and criminal justice systems. Thus, a decrease in available psychiatric hospital beds occurred at the same time as an increase in inmates. [ 31 ] Although some are skeptical that this is due to other external factors, others will reason this conclusion to a lack of empathy for the mentally ill. There is no argument for the social stigmatization of those with mental illnesses, they have been widely marginalized and discriminated against in society. [ 20 ] In this source, researchers analyze how most compensation prisoners (detainees who are unable or unwilling to pay a fine for petty crimes) are unemployed, homeless, and with an extraordinarily high degree of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. [ 31 ] Compensation prisoners then lose prospective job opportunities, face social marginalization, and lack access to resocialization programs, which ultimately facilitate reoffending. [ 31 ] The research sheds light on how the mentally ill—and in this case, the poor—are further punished for certain circumstances that are beyond their control, and that this is a vicious cycle that repeats itself. Thus, prisons embody another state-provisioned mental hospital.
Families of patients, advocates, and mental health professionals still call for increase in more well-structured community facilities and treatment programs with a higher quality of long-term inpatient resources and care. With this more structured environment, the United States will continue with more access to mental health care and an increase in the overall treatment of the mentally ill.
However, there is still a lack of studies for mental health conditions (MHCs) to raise awareness, knowledge development, and attitudes toward seeking medical treatment for MHCs in Bangladesh. People in rural areas often seek treatment from the traditional healers and MHCs are sometimes considered a spiritual matter. [ 32 ]
Mental illnesses are more common than cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. As of 2021, over 22 percent of all Americans over the age of 18 meet the criteria for having a mental illness. [ 33 ] Evidence suggests that 970 million people worldwide have a mental disorder. [ 34 ] Major depression ranks third among the top 10 leading causes of disease worldwide. By 2030, it is predicted to become the leading cause of disease worldwide. [ 35 ] Over 700 thousand people commit suicide every year and around 14 million attempt it. [ 36 ] A World Health Organization (WHO) report estimates the global cost of mental illness at nearly $2.5 trillion (two-thirds in indirect costs) in 2010, with a projected increase to over $6 trillion by 2030. [ 37 ]
Evidence from the WHO suggests that nearly half of the world's population is affected by mental illness with an impact on their self-esteem, relationships and ability to function in everyday life. [ 38 ] An individual's emotional health can impact their physical health. Poor mental health can lead to problems such as the inability to make adequate decisions and substance use disorders. [ 39 ]
Good mental health can improve life quality whereas poor mental health can worsen it. According to Richards, Campania, & Muse-Burke, "There is growing evidence that is showing emotional abilities are associated with pro-social behaviors such as stress management and physical health." [ 39 ] Their research also concluded that people who lack emotional expression are inclined to anti-social behaviors (e.g., substance use disorder and alcohol use disorder, physical fights, vandalism), which reflects one's mental health and suppressed emotions. [ 39 ] Adults and children who face mental illness may experience social stigma, which can exacerbate the issues. [ 40 ]
Mental health can be seen as a continuum, where an individual's mental health may have many different possible values. [ 41 ] Mental wellness is viewed as a positive attribute; this definition of mental health highlights emotional well-being, the capacity to live a full and creative life, and the flexibility to deal with life's inevitable challenges. Some discussions are formulated in terms of contentment or happiness. [ 42 ] Many therapeutic systems and
Emotional well-being (greatly) depends on the social and environmental context in which one lives. Family dynamics, peer relationships, and workplace environment play a significant role in shaping emotional states. For instance, supportive family structures can foster resilience, while toxic work environments might lead to chronic stress or anxiety! Economic stability also can't be ignored; financial struggles often exacerbate feelings of insecurity and helplessness.
Psychological aspects such as self-efficacy, autonomy, and competence are equally important. Individuals who believe they can manage life's challenges tend to experience higher levels of emotional well-being. On the biological front, genetics influence predispositions to mental health conditions—though it's not a deterministic factor. Hormonal imbalances (like those seen in thyroid disorders) also impact mood regulation. To put it short, both internal and external factors intertwine to shape one's emotional health profoundly.
Recognizing good emotional well-being is pivotal for maintaining mental health. Individuals who exhibit a strong sense of self-worth and optimism (even in challenging situations) are often markers of this state. They don't just cope with stress but manage it effectively, showing resilience through life’s ups and downs. Moreover, they maintain healthy relationships, expressing their emotions openly without fear of judgment!
Another sign is the capacity to enjoy life's simple pleasures and finding meaning in daily activities without constantly seeking external validation. They’re not easily overwhelmed by negative emotions or setbacks and instead view such experiences as growth opportunities. To put it short, identifying these signs can help one understand the foundation of robust mental health.
Emotional well-being can be jeopardized by chronic stress and overwhelming responsibilities. Individuals often struggle to balance work, family, and personal needs—leading to burnout. Oh, the constant pressure to meet expectations (both internal and external) never seems to end! It's no wonder many people feel they're not coping well.
Despite advances in communication technology, many individuals experience (and sometimes even prefer) social isolation. The lack of meaningful interactions can result in feelings of loneliness and depression. You're not alone if you feel isolated; it's a common challenge that isn't easily resolved.
Low self-esteem negatively impacts emotional well-being more than people realize. Constantly doubting one's abilities or worth may lead to anxiety and depressive symptoms. This is exacerbated by societal pressures to conform or excel—adding layers of stress that can't just be shrugged off!
Access to mental health resources remains unequal across different communities. Many face barriers like financial constraints or stigma, making it difficult to seek help when needed. In effect this means some are left navigating complex emotional landscapes without adequate support.
Emotional well-being is greatly influenced by relationships. Close connections with family, friends, and even pets can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of loneliness (which are harmful to mental health). It's not just about having people around; it's about having supportive bonds that allow individuals to express their emotions freely and feel understood. Without these connections, one's ability to cope with stressors diminishes significantly!
On the flip side, toxic relationships can wreak havoc on emotional well-being. Constant criticism, lack of support (or emotional manipulation) can lead to increased anxiety and depression. Healthy relationships encourage personal growth and resilience—unhealthy ones do the opposite. To put it short, nurturing positive relationships while distancing oneself from toxic ones is crucial for maintaining good mental health.
Mindfulness can significantly enhance emotional well-being by encouraging present-moment awareness. Instead of dwelling on past regrets or future anxieties, mindfulness (meditation) helps focus your thoughts in the now. It's not about negating emotions but acknowledging them without judgment! This practice has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall mental health.
Strong (and supportive) relationships are crucial for emotional well-being. Social connections offer a buffer against life's stresses and provide a sense of belonging—it's important not to underestimate this. Interacting with friends and family can be an effective way to share feelings and gain new perspectives.
Physical activity isn't just good for your body; it's great for your mind too! Regular exercise releases endorphins, which elevate mood and energy levels. You don't have to be an athlete; even a daily walk can make a significant difference in how you feel emotionally.
Gratitude exercises like journaling what you're thankful for can shift focus from what's lacking to what's abundant in life. It's amazing how this simple act changes one's perspective over time! Recognizing positive aspects consistently can foster a more optimistic outlook, enhancing emotional resilience.
As a round up, seeking professional help shouldn't be seen as a last resort but rather as an essential part of maintaining mental health. Therapists and counselors offer tools tailored to individual needs that self-help strategies might not cover—don’t hesitate to reach out when necessary.
Physical health and emotional well-being are intricately connected, profoundly affecting each other. When someone's physical health declines (whether due to chronic illness, poor nutrition, or lack of exercise), it often leads to a cascade of negative emotions like anxiety and depression. Conversely, robust physical health can bolster one's mood and mental resilience! For instance, regular exercise releases endorphins—natural mood lifters—which can help combat stress and improve self-esteem. Poor sleep quality not only leaves you feeling tired but also irritable and less capable of handling life's stresses. Not everyone realizes how crucial maintaining good physical health is for nurturing mental well-being; it's not just about avoiding illness but also about actively promoting a happier state of mind.
As a round up, the interplay between physical health and emotional well-being is undeniable. Even small steps towards improving your physical condition can lead to significant benefits in your mental health—don't underestimate it!
Seeking out therapists or counselors can be a critical step in improving emotional well-being. These professionals are trained to help individuals navigate through their emotional struggles, whether it's dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression. Unlike self-help books (or online articles), therapists provide personalized strategies tailored to one's unique circumstances.
Another valuable resource comes in the form of support groups! These groups offer a sense of community and shared understanding that can't be found elsewhere. Engaging with people who have similar experiences helps one feel less isolated and more understood. It's not just about talking; it's also about listening to others' stories and realizing you're not alone.
Don't underestimate the power of technology when it comes to mental health resources! There are numerous apps designed specifically for mindfulness, meditation, and even cognitive-behavioral therapy exercises. In effect this means you're able to access help anytime, anywhere without having to wait for an appointment or commute (which nobody likes). So go ahead give these tools a try—they might just make a difference in your emotional well-being
