Why Focus On Mental Health?
Why Focus on Mental Health?
Increasingly we are hearing more about anxiety, burn-out and over-stress – these are symptoms that may reflect and may cause a deterioration in our mental health. We may have noticed these warning signs in ourselves at work, in our family lives, and in our social lives. For many of us dealing with physical ailments, there may be an emotional component to chronic pain, inflammation and even cancer.
Seyhart Community Educational Events
Seyhart has invited local guest experts in our community to help educate us on the scope of mental health. There are many ways to acknowledge and evaluate our own mental health, and there are tools available to support our emotional self-care and wellness. Among our experts will be Sharon Volner, LFMT (Chief Clinical Officer, La Ventana Treatment Program), Carol Kiriakos, MD (adolescent psychiatrist) and others.
Defining Mental Health
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is “a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their abilities, can cope with normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their community” (WHO, 2022). Mental health for each of us is a dynamic state that influences how we think, feel, and behave in daily life.
Mental Health Across the Lifespan
Mental health impacts every age group. For children, emotional and social development are foundational to their ability to learn and form relationships. Adolescents face increasing pressures from academic, social, and digital environments, leading to heightened anxiety and depression rates. Adults often grapple with work-related stress, caregiving responsibilities, or financial concerns, while older adults may experience loneliness, cognitive decline, or grief.
For example, a 2021 study in the Medicine (Baltimore) highlighted that teens who consistently practice mindfulness report lower levels of anxiety (Tang et al., 2021). On the other end of the spectrum, older adults participating in weekly social activities demonstrated better cognitive performance and lower rates of depression (Liu et al., 2023). These findings demonstrate that maintaining our best mental health is a lifelong endeavor.
Practices That Support Mental Health
Positive mental health is linked to practices that promote emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Common evidence-based approaches include:
1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Regular mindfulness practice has been shown to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression by reducing activation in the amygdala, the brain’s fear center.
2. Physical Activity: Exercise increases endorphin levels, reduces cortisol, and supports neuroplasticity, particularly in the hippocampus. Studies show that individuals who engage in regular aerobic activity are 25% less likely to experience clinical depression.
3. Social Connections: Positive relationships improve resilience and buffer against stress. Participating in social groups or maintaining close friendships can increase longevity by up to 15%.
Mental and Physical Health: Two Sides of the Same Coin
The mind and body are intricately connected, and mental health has a profound impact on physical health outcomes. Chronic stress, for instance, is associated with higher risks of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and immune dysregulation. A meta-analysis published in World Psychiatry (2023) found that individuals with untreated depression were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Conversely, improving mental health through therapy or lifestyle changes often results in better physical health outcomes.
Looking Forward: Integrating Mental Health into Everyday Life
We must view mental health as part of our holistic well-being. The same way we prioritize annual physicals or a balanced diet, regular mental health check-ins and preventive practices must become routine.