Are you feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed lately? You are not alone.
We all experience ups and downs in our emotional well-being, but sometimes it can be tough to tell if we’re really in a good place mentally. The truth is our mental health is as important as our physical health, and sometimes it is more important to have good mental health to accept the physical health challenges.
Picture credits: Kate Haus, photographer from Los Angeles
As Mel Robbins said, “Your mental health is everything — prioritize it. Make the time like your life depends on it because it does.”
We’ve got expert therapist Stephanie Gilbert on board to shed some light on the matter. In this article, she shares five key signs of good mental health that we can work towards.
- Functioning in Daily Life
According to Stephanie, the first sign of good mental health is the ability to function in daily life. No matter what is happening in life, it’s important to engage with the community, attend work or school, and enjoy quality time with loved ones. If someone feels better in isolation or is unable to enjoy his life, it may be a sign that our mental health is suffering.
- Enjoying Life
Secondly, it’s important to have the ability to enjoy life. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies and doing things you love, or simply taking time to relax and unwind, there is always something that brings you a sense of fulfillment.
Stress, anxiety, and other mental health illnesses can manifest in different ways for different people. And sometimes, it takes away the ability to enjoy life the way you used to before. Stephanie suggests that if a person is not feeling pleasure in what brought them joy before, it may be a sign of a mental health problem that requires them to seek help.
- Emotion Regulation
The capability to regulate emotions is also a key indicator of good mental health. Stephanie explains that this means a person can experience a range of emotions but is not overwhelmed by them. A healthy mind can cope with difficult emotions like sadness or anger without resorting to extreme reactions or maladaptive coping strategies. Similarly, experiencing positive emotions like joy and happiness should not have anyone lose control.
- Good Self-Esteem
Another sign of good mental health is having positive self-esteem. Stephanie emphasizes that having good self-esteem allows us to see our worth and value. This results in recognition of self-worth and value, increasing confidence and independence. After all, believing in oneself is the key to a fulfilling and satisfied life.
- Healthy Relationships
Finally, Stephanie explains that healthy relationships are a key sign of good mental health. It involves active listening, respectfully expressing oneself, and supporting others. Engaging in activities with loved ones and making time for quality interactions also helps to strengthen relationships and improve overall well-being. Maintaining such positive relationships can provide a sense of support, belonging, and purpose in life, which are all crucial factors for mental balance.
As a mental health professional, Stephanie understands that mental health issues can be complex and everyone’s experience differs. She emphasizes that if you are concerned about your mental health, it is always a good idea to seek help.
Understanding the signs of good mental health can help us take the necessary steps to improve our overall well-being. So whether it means seeking professional help or making a few lifestyle changes, we must all work towards better mental health.
For more information on psychological well-being, visit Stephanie’s website and follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn.
