Health is wealth.  Investing in our own mental wellbeing and the emotional wellbeing of those around us, is as important as looking after our physical health.  There can be no true experience of health without including mental health but mental health is often overlooked and taken for granted because it is invisible.  In the book The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery he observes: ‘It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye’.

What is mental health? 

According to WHO, mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in. Mental health is a basic human right. And it is crucial to personal, community and socio-economic development.

On World Mental Health Day, 10 October 2023, may we see with the heart and commit to efforts to invest and cultivate good relationships with ourselves and others, will it be through understanding, small acts of kindness, compassion or generosity.  It is ok to not be ok.  It is ok to make mistakes, have hard days, be yourself, ask for help, not know it all and to try again.  It is ok to be human and be vulnerable!  It is ok to show up and be seen, to ask for what you need and to talk about your feelings.  Brene Brown in her book, The Gifts of Imperfection’ says: ‘Connection is the energy that exist between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship’.  Let us be that to each other.

What can I do?

Dan Siegel’s Mind Platter is a great reminder of aspects of our lives that needs attention and adjustment for health.  Simple, regular routines is what count, what is sustainable and life changing:  down time for yourself, time with family and friends, a good night’s rest, healthy food with lots of fruits and vegetables and being active.

References:

www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2023

www.brenebrown.com/

www.lepetitprince.com/en/homepage/  

www.drdansiegel.com/healthy-mind-platter/