Mental Health

Mental well-being is associated with a high level of life satisfaction. It is influenced by:

• Self-acceptance (do I respect and accept myself?);
• Personal development (am I improving my skills, acquiring new competencies?);
• Life purpose (do I know what matters to me? Do I find meaning in my pursuits?);
• Control over the environment (do I have an impact on the environment I live in? Do I engage in shaping it?);
• Autonomy (do I follow my own beliefs? Do I make decisions independently?);
• Positive relationships with others (do I have the ability to build deep and meaningful connections with people?).

Why is mental health important?

Mental health is one of the three aspects of health – alongside physical and social health. It forms the foundation of good well-being and harmonious functioning in society. It influences the quality of life and the level of fulfillment and life satisfaction. Neglecting this aspect can lead to serious consequences for the individual and their surroundings.

Mental Disorders

Mental illnesses are becoming an increasingly prevalent health issue worldwide. They are one of the main causes of disability.

The most common mental health disorders include depression, anxiety disorders (such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder), insomnia, and substance use disorders. Statistics show an increase in suicides and suicide attempts. In light of these alarming trends, experts emphasize the urgent need to increase access to specialized help for individuals with mental health problems, particularly focusing on children and adolescents.

Psychological Assistance

Persistent feelings of sadness, low self-esteem, heightened anxiety, and sleep problems are just a few symptoms worth consulting a specialist about.

Often, dealing with mental health issues on one's own is very difficult, if not impossible.

Treatment methods for mental disorders include psychotherapy conducted in various approaches (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy) and pharmacotherapy. Commonly used are antidepressant medications from the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) group.

Professionals dealing with mental health include primarily:

• Psychologist – provides psychological assistance and support in overcoming current difficulties. They do not conduct psychotherapy or have the authority to prescribe medication. After an interview and diagnosing the problem, they can recommend seeing the appropriate specialist.
• Psychotherapist – a specialist authorized to conduct psychotherapy. It is best to consult a psychotherapist after a prior psychological consultation or a visit to a psychiatrist. Psychotherapy is conducted using a specific method, with clearly defined goals, and is part of an established treatment plan.
• Psychiatrist – a medical doctor authorized to prescribe medication, issue medical certificates, and referrals. Consult a psychiatrist if there are symptoms of significant intensity and daily functioning is significantly impaired. You don't need to suffer from a severe mental illness to seek help from a psychologist. If you feel that this form of support could be beneficial for you, it is reason enough to seek it.

How to Maintain Mental Health?

Taking care of your mental well-being is just as important as taking care of your physical health. The fundamental rule is: nurture what serves you and try to reduce the impact of factors that worsen your well-being.

What aspects should you pay attention to?

• Regular physical activity – choose a form of exercise that brings you joy. It could be cycling, rollerblading, walking, dancing, strength training, or swimming. Dedicate at least 30 minutes to physical activity every day.
• Proper diet – maintain a balanced diet to provide essential vitamins and minerals to your body. This way, you can avoid nutritional deficiencies, which can lead to a lack of energy, concentration problems, and other bothersome symptoms. Vitamins from the B group are especially important for maintaining good well-being.
• Avoiding substances – substances such as alcohol and cigarettes may provide temporary relief from stress but lead to addiction and worsen mental suffering in the long run. Instead of turning to substances, use healthy methods to regulate your emotions (such as the aforementioned physical activity).
• Adequate quantity and quality of sleep – aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and adhere to sleep hygiene rules. Remember that lack of sleep leads to mood disturbances and impairs the ability to cope with difficulties.
• Rest – regularly allocate time for activities that relax you and bring you joy. Overworking can lead to exhaustion and result in burnout.
• Relationships with others – nurture relationships that are important to you. Having close ones around allows you to share both joys and concerns, as well as provide support and contribute something valuable in return.
• Stress reduction – find effective ways to cope with excessive tension. Practices like breathing exercises, gentle physical activity, soothing music, or spending time in nature can help.
• Positive thoughts – rational thinking and avoiding limiting thought patterns and cognitive distortions are important for maintaining good well-being. Remember that your thoughts are interpretations of reality, not reality itself. Appreciate the small things in your life and focus on the present moment, without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.