WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY – THE GHANAIAN AND MENTAL HEALTH

 

When I say “mental health”, what comes to mind? Poor mental health is not only for those who have been diagnosed with mental health issues. It concerns us all.

What is mental health?

Mental health, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn and work well, and contribute to their community. 

Did you know that your mental health includes your psychological, emotional, and social well-being? 

It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. This makes it incredibly important and deserving of our attention.

In fact, the WHO  describes it as a basic human right.

Consider this: How many of us take the time to seek the counsel of a registered psychologist when we feel so stressed and anxious? My hands aren’t raised either. 

I titled this article "The Ghanaian and Mental Health" because I believe—and this is purely subjective—that, during recent times, we need to be even more conscious of our mental health. There is too much going on in the country for us to handle by ourselves.

Below are some suggested ways to keep a good state of mental well-being.

1.       CONNECT WITH OTHERS

This cannot be stressed enough. I mean, with technology and all, we barely get enough time to lift our heads and look each other in the eye. Relationships are very important to building and maintaining good mental health. 

Connect with your family, friends, and colleagues; you cannot be an island, especially in this day and age. Surround yourself with loved ones, especially when you feel so stressed. 

 

2.       BE ACTIVE

Find an activity you love to do. I like to draw, listen to music, and do a one-woman karaoke. Just find something that you enjoy doing and do it. You could also try to learn a new skill. 

Work may take up all our time, but then again, this is about consciously working towards good mental health. So, make the time! 

 

3.       STAY IN THE PRESENT

Don’t worry too much about the future, and definitely don’t dwell on the past.  Stay in the Present! Take a deep breath, and remember that you’re surrounded by people who love you. 

Even when it looks bad, count your blessings and dwell on that. It always gets better! 

 

4.       SLEEP

 YOU MUST SLEEP ENOUGH TO HAVE GOOD MENTAL HEALTH!! 

Hello friend, we’re all trying to find ways to make money, but if we don’t rest enough, we’re just stressing our brains. An unrested brain is an unproductive one. 

Rest when you feel tired. Seek medical help if you find trouble sleeping.

 

5.       EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS REGULARLY

Don’t pass on the opportunity to talk to another person about how you’re feeling. A problem shared is half solved. Talk to your family or a friend when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Also, though it sounds bougie to talk to a psychologist, you can find one at every general hospital, and it has been subsidized as well, so take the opportunity and seek professional help. 

Sometimes all we want to do is just talk; it really helps. On the other hand, please take the time to ask those around you if they are fine and listen to them when they are not. Do not downplay anyone’s feelings. Just listen and encourage.

 

So, fellow Ghanaians, and everyone else who takes the time to read this. Our mental health is very important if we want to be truly productive. 

Especially in these times when there seem to be crises at every turn.  Keep good relationships, sleep when you must, be active, talk about how you’re feeling, and last but not least, remember to stay in the present.

 

 

For more info on this topic, you can refer to: 

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2021, Mental Health, CDC Mental Health

NHS, 2019, 5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing, NHS Mental health

ThinkMentalHealth, 2017, Maintaining Mental Health and Wellbeing, ThinkMentalHealth