The ManicaPost
Dr Mazvita Machinga
Health
APART from breast cancer month, October is a month we also commemorate Mental Health Day.
Mental health is a very important component of everyone.
It is more than how we think, feel, and act. It is wellness that is essential to overall health.
The World Health Organisation defines health as “. . . a state of wellbeing meaning complete physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being.”
Our mental, physical, spiritual, and social health are interdependent.
Mental health matters since it impacts our functioning and even our physical health.
Failure to take care of your mental health properly may lead to serious mental health disorders.
These mental disorders can cause significant distress or impairment in life and the lives of those around them.
It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood and into old age.
The society needs to view mental disorders like other chronic medical conditions and seek help as soon as possible.
Taking care of your mental health is extremely important because it can affect every facet of our lives, from relationships with friends and family members to our productivity at work, community, or school.
As families, individuals, and communities we have an obligation to intentionally act in ways that promote sound mental health.
So, what are you doing at your workplace, at home and in life to do that?
The following are some hints to promote positive mental health .
At home and as an individual
Value yourself: Treat yourself with kindness and respect. Accept yourself as you are.
Remember that you are running your own race
Talk about your feelings. Communicate with each other
Have a routine, find something to gainfully occupy your time.
Do not just wander all around pointlessly
Minimise news-feeds and screen time, avoid people with toxic mindset in your life
Do simple daily physical exercises, eat health, and exercise self-care.
Stay in touch, keep in regular contact with loved ones via technology or to face to face where applicable.
Set realistic goals and take control of situations
Keep active and do something you’re good at, but also have time for you.
Use your spiritual resources to ground you and give you hope
At school
Surround yourself with good people.
Provide professional outlets and space where students and staff can relieve anxiety and stress.
Promote school policies that support mental health such as bullying prevention.
Early identification of mental health issues among young people and help them have early access to specialist mental health services.
At Work
Focus on things that you can control.
Surround yourself with good people and set some boundaries.
Set realistic goals and plan your work .
Take a break from work. Care for others and do some kind acts for each other.
Delegate wherever possible
Lastly, most people struggle with anger and frustration, and this impacts their day-to-day functioning.
Remember, anger and frustration are both common emotional responses that everyone faces and so it is important to learn how to regulate and manage your emotions.
Taking a mental health screen is one way to make sure you are fine.
For more assistance feel free to consult your mental health professional.
Above all, it is important to ask for help and it is okay to do so before things gotten worse.
Remember that you are not alone. Don’t feel ashamed to ask for help.
Dr Mazvita Machinga is a qualified psychotherapist and mental health specialist based in Mutare.
For more information, Psychotherapy and Counseling services call 0771 754 519 or 0778 83 84 10 /Toll Free Help Line No. 08080482
