Press Release
Did you know that up to 70 percent of young adults living with mental health problems report the symptoms started in childhood?
So why is your mental health so important?
Mental health is an essential part of your overall health. Just as physical fitness helps your body to stay strong, mental fitness helps you maintain a state of good mental health.
Mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness. It’s a state of well-being.
When you are mentally healthy, you enjoy your life and environment—and the people in it. You can be creative, learn, try new things, and take risks.
You are able to cope with difficult times.
It’s important to be aware of your mental health. Without awareness, it’s difficult to pinpoint why you are so stressed or having problems coping.
Having positive mental health means you are able to:
•Enjoy life
You live in the moment, learn from the past, and plan for the future. You focus on what you can influence or control, rather than things you cannot predict or change.
•Be resilient
You are optimistic and bounce back from challenges. You keep your perspective when dealing with serious events in your life.
•Strive for balance in your life
You juggle competing demands and aspects of your life. You know when your balance is off and make changes to restore it.
•Work to achieve your full potential
You recognize and develop your strengths and interests.
•Be flexible
You’re able to feel and express a range of emotions, and to change your expectations and approaches to solve problems.
Editor’s note: May 6-12 in Mental Health Week.
