Understanding what mental health is plays a vital role in our lives, as it directly impacts—either positively or negatively—our day-to-day routine, as well as our personal, individual, and social interactions.
Why Mental Health Is Important
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their own abilities through optimal cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning, enabling them to cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their community. Because health is a fundamental human need, governments, communities, families, and individuals must continuously strive to maintain optimal levels of mental well-being.
Mental health is shaped by a combination of social, environmental, biological, and psychological factors. It encompasses conditions such as depression, anxiety, epilepsy, dementia, schizophrenia, and childhood developmental disorders, some of which have intensified in recent years.
The connection between physical and mental health is exceptionally close. Numerous medical conditions lead to clearly identified mental disorders—known as secondary mental health conditions—most commonly stemming from endocrine, cardiovascular, immunological, and neurological diseases.
For instance, diabetes, which has a 10% prevalence in the general population, frequently leads to depressive disorders and secondary personality changes. Additionally, over 50% of patients who experience a cerebrovascular event (stroke) develop mental health conditions, particularly mood disorders.
Quality of Life and Self-Determination
In recent years, quality of life and self-determination have been the focus of extensive research to understand how they intersect, with the ultimate goal of improving living conditions for individuals with mental health disorders and their families.
Quality of life is a state of overall satisfaction resulting from the fulfillment of a person’s potential. It represents a subjective feeling of physical, psychological, and social well-being.
- Subjective aspects include intimacy, emotional expression, perceived security, personal productivity, and self-perceived health.
- Objective aspects involve material well-being, harmonious relationships with the physical and social environment, community integration, and objectively evaluated health.
A key factor in this evaluation is assessing psychological variables, which have become a cornerstone in measuring quality of life. Health is a primary component that influences quality of life both directly—since daily activities depend on one’s health status—and indirectly, by affecting other areas such as social relationships, leisure time, and personal autonomy.
Mental Illnesses
Mental illnesses refer to disorders that alter a person’s thinking, emotions, behavior, and interpersonal relationships. They can manifest in various ways, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, among others.
These conditions are not a reflection of personal weakness or a lack of character; rather, they arise from a complex combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
It is essential to address mental health with the same seriousness as physical health. Regrettably, a persistent stigma surrounds mental illness, which often prevents individuals from seeking help—and delaying care can worsen their condition over time.
Mental Health Care
Maintaining good mental health does not mean feeling happy all the time. Instead, it means having the capacity to manage your emotions, adapt to change, and recover from life’s challenges. It is a vital component of overall health that requires lifelong care.
Caring for your mental health involves adopting habits and practices that foster emotional balance and overall well-being. Essential self-care measures include:
- Getting adequate, quality sleep.
- Eating a balanced, healthy diet.
- Engaging in regular physical activity.
- Nurturing positive social relationships.
- Reaching out for professional help when needed.
It is equally important to learn stress management techniques, establish healthy boundaries, and consult mental health professionals if you experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other conditions.
At the Neurological Center of Centro Médico ABC, we provide specialized medical care. Contact us today!
Fuentes: OMS, MedlinePlus, IMSS
