What is Mental Health?

Everyone has mental health, and just like physical health, we have to take care of it!

What Is A Mental Health Condition? Mental health

Mental Health

Your general state of well-being & state of mind. Something that should be looked after
What Is A Mental Health Condition? mental illness

Mental Ilness

Something that disrupts your mental state and interrupts how you feel, think, communicate and behave

Mental Health Vs. Mental Illness

Mental Health is your general state of wellbeing and state of mind. In other words, Mental Health is our brain’s health!
Mental Illness is something that disrupts your mental state and interrupts how you feel, think, communicate and behave.
We all have Mental Health, but a mental illness must be diagnosed by a medical professional
Mental Illnesses are common and treatable! In fact, there are more than 200 classified forms of mental illness. General Symptoms may include: changes in mood, personality, trouble sleeping, eating too much or too little, changes in personal habits, increased irritation, fatigue, and/or social withdrawal.
As with cancer, diabetes and heart disease, mental illnesses are often physical as well as emotional and psychological. They may be caused by a reaction to environmental stresses, genetic factors, biochemical imbalances, or a combination of these. With proper care and treatment many individuals are able to cope and recover!
What Is A Mental Health Condition? Mental health vs Mental illness image

Understanding Mental Illness

What Is A Mental Health Condition? noise

Disturbances in thoughts and behaviors

What Is A Mental Health Condition? angry

Inability to cope with demands or routines

What Is A Mental Health Condition? abdominal pain

Physical, emotional, or psychological symptoms

What Is A Mental Health Condition? depressed

Disruption / Inability to function

What Is A Mental Health Condition? stress

Related to excessive stress

Resources

Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth

Start Your Recovery

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

Start Your Recovery

TN Statewide Crisis Phone Line

Crisis Text Line

Exercising your Mental Health

Exercise 1

Recognize Your Feelings

It’a okay to feel sad sometimes. It helps to let it out! Talk to someone in your support network or write it down on paper. Getting it out can help reduce symptoms of depression.

Exercise 2

Focus on the Positives

Track your achievements with a journal and include the things you are most grateful for! Focus on the things you are good at before taking on a more challenging task.

Exercise 3

Practice Your Creativity

Creativity is proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression! Make time to do creative activities you love such as listening to music, playing an instrument, baking with a new recipe, writing a poem, or even painting something abstract. Not feeling inspired? Embrace your inner child and try a coloring book.

Exercise 4

Take Care of your Body

Track your achievements with a journal and include the things you are most grateful for! Focus on the things you are good at before taking on a more challenging task.

Exercise 5

Seek Counseling/Therapy

You do not need a diagnosable mental illness to benefit from Therapy! Be patient and choose a professional who is right for you. Talking through life changes and challenges with a professional can help you feel more confident and set yourself up for success.
Check out mental health 101 for more resources

Exercise 6

Establish a Support Network

Whenever possible, seek support from friends and family members. If you feel you cannot discuss your situation with friends or family members, try a support group. These groups provide an opportunity for you to talk to other people who are experiencing the same type of problems. They can listen and offer valuable advice.

For more tips and tricks on how to boost your mental health check out the link below!

More Resources

US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants

Magnolia Meadows

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