How often have you heard a friend or family member:
- complain about needing to go to the gym more
- tell you to eat healthier and exercise more to stay fit
- consistently make the new year’s resolution to “get in shape”?
Alternatively, how often have you heard a friend or family member:
- talk about their struggles with mental health disorders
- remind you to keep your mental health “in shape”
- resolve to work on improving their mental health?
In a society where sedentary lifestyles and poor eating habits are becoming increasingly common, it’s fantastic that most people are very open to discussing these issues, keep informed on how to manage their physical health, and provide each other encouragement in this area. Talking about exercise and eating well is comfortable and easy for most of us as the topic of physical health was emphasized throughout our childhoods, in elementary and high school, and in the media.
But what about our mental health? Why is it that mental health is not talked about nearly as much (or easily) as physical health. I’m skeptical that most people, if asked directly, will say mental health is not as important.
Perhaps it’s from lack of exposure. I believe there is a lack of information on mental health, both given to students in schools and to the general public. CPAC (Community Partners Action Committee) of Sherwood Park speculates that oftentimes people associate mental health solely with mental illness, which may scare them away from the topic.
Mental health, however, is of a much wider scope, and keeping informed, aware and active about one’s mental health is vital for the entire population, not just those struggling with mental illness. A good definition of mental health is provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada:
- “[T]he capacity of each and all of us to feel, think, and act in ways that enhance our ability to enjoy life and deal with the challenges we face.”
- “[A] positive sense of emotional and spiritual well-being that respects the importance of culture, equity, social justice, interconnections, and personal dignity.”
- “Mental health issues can address many areas, from enhancing our emotional well-being, treating and preventing severe mental illness, to the prevention of suicide.”
Dealing with stress and pressures from academics, family life, relationships, work, or other sources is one example of a mental health issue. Exam anxiety is another. Mental health issues affect almost all of us at one point or another. The more we are open to talking about it and being honest with ourselves about our mental health, the easier it will be for those going through a time of struggle to seek help and resources, and maintain a healthy, rewarding lifestyle.
Mental health affects our everyday lives in ways we may not be aware of. Here are some simple ways to keep your mental health in shape (feel free to comment below if you have other suggestions!):
- Connecting with others: say hi to your neighbours every morning, addressing them by name—or if you’re in rez, your dorm mates. Bake some cookies and share, or invite them for dinner!
- Spend time in nature. Have a picnic or go for a hike along the Pacific Spirit Park trails. Visit the art gallery, a museum, or express your creativity through art.
- Connect to your community: go through your belongings and donate that pile of clothes that’s been sitting in the back of your closet for months.
- Discuss difficult problems or challenges with friends or family.
- Discover your strengths by seeking new experiences.
- Try a session of meditation, held by the UBC Meditation Community, in the SUB: http://blogs.ubc.ca/meditation/
- Pay it forward by writing an encouraging note to someone – a friend, or a complete stranger!
Last but not least, an inspiring video of people “paying it forward” to strangers in a sneaky way: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cer8YF_QoDo
