Although mental illnesses affect many community members, the community is mostly unaware of their rights, responsibilities and self- advocacy.
Early diagnosis of mental illnesses ensure that lifestyles can be changed and correct medication administered.
What is mental health?
It means the way we get along with other people in our communities, at work and when relaxing. A positive attitude and focusing on the good things in life help to create a good mental health status.
People who are emotionally healthy are in control of their emotions and their behaviour. They are able to handle life’s inevitable challenges, build strong relationships, and lead productive, fulfilling lives. When bad things happen, they’re able to bounce back and move on.
Good mental health isn’t just the absence of mental health problems. Being mentally or emotionally healthy is much more than being free of depression, anxiety or other psychological issues.
Physical exercise plays an important role in mental health. Taking care of your body is a powerful first step towards mental and emotional health. The mind and the body are linked. When you improve your physical health, you’ll automatically experience greater mental and emotional well-being. Exercise not only strengthens our heart and lungs, but also releases endorphins, powerful chemicals that energise us and lift our mood.
The activities you engage in and the daily choices you make affect the way you feel physically and emotionally.
Get enough rest. Eat healthy foods. Avoid fatty, fried foods. Exercise to relieve stress and lift your mood. Get a dose of sunlight every day. Limit alcohol and avoid cigarettes and other drugs.
If you’ve made consistent efforts to improve your mental and emotional health and you still don’t feel good, then it’s time to seek professional help. In most African cultures people associate mental illnesses with witchcraft, so people affected tend to be ashamed of their illness and hide it from their family members. Professional help should be sought.
When to seek professional help:
Inability to sleep.
Feeling down, hopeless, or helpless most of the time.
Concentration problems that are interfering with your work or home life.
Using smoking, overeating, drugs, or alcohol to cope with difficult emotions.
Negative or self-destructive thoughts or fears that you can’t control.
Thoughts of death or suicide.
