NotQuiteSane05

World Mental Health Day takes place every year on October 10 to raise global awareness, reduce social stigma, and mobilize support for mental health care.

https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day

Now, what is mental health? It’s about our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. I think it’s wonderful and important that a day has been set aside to reflect on precisely these issues. In this context, we also become aware of challenges related to mental health. According to recent studies, about 1.2 billion people suffer from some form of mental illness. Many of them do not have access to adequate health care.

As shown in the picture above of this magnificent plant, health in general is a very complex and multifaceted concept. One habit, or one predisposition, and so on, influence one another. Mental health is a significant factor in overall health.

So, apparently, a considerable number of people suffer from mental illness. For me personally, the comforting thing is that I’m not alone in this. I’ve had to live with a serious mental illness for a long time. From my experience, I know that this doesn’t mean a complete lack of mental health. I can experience many healthy aspects of life. Sometimes more, sometimes less—depending on how active the illness is at the moment. It took a while, but for the past few years I’ve been able to avoid difficult phases.

I’ve decided for myself to take medication and use other treatment methods, such as psychotherapy. That helps me. And as I said, I’m privileged to have access to these resources. Of course, both can be subject to critical discussion, which is why I’m speaking only for myself here.

For me, taking care of my emotional, psychological, and social well-being is important. This doesn’t always work equally well, which is exactly why mental health must be viewed on a spectrum. I also have areas of my life where I’m seriously lacking. For example, an almost complete lack of physical activity. Tobacco use is a negative coping strategy that is deeply ingrained in me.

I try to see World Mental Health Day as a source of inspiration—and also as a chance to appreciate what I do have. Big goals are achieved one small step at a time. It’s important to reflect on this and move forward slowly but surely.

I know two people who will be participating in events on this day. So, maybe next Saturday someone will approach you on the street and ask, “Did you know today is all about mental health?”