Importance of Mental Health

All people are different, as they engage in diverse activities, live in varied environments, and go through unique experiences that shape their way of living and perceiving the world (Cadena, 2019). However, human beings often share a common trait: the need to anticipate what will happen in order to maintain a sense of stability that provides peace of mind. When the unexpected arises, that stability is disrupted. At that point, it becomes necessary to face the situation—and this is when individual differences emerge (Cadena, 2019). People often fail to reflect on the importance of caring for their mental health; in other words, they neither pay attention to it nor protect it adequately (Ramos, 2020). Even if they are not always aware of it, mental health directly affects many aspects of daily life and contributes to overall well-being (Ramos, 2020). As Delgadillo (2018) states, mental health is not limited to the psychological realm; it also impacts and supports physical health and social relationships.

Parenting From the Inside Out

Buy Now

Why is Mental Health Important?

Emotional, psychological, and social well-being are synonymous with good mental health, which is essential for human beings because it influences how they think, feel, behave, and respond to various everyday situations (Rodríguez, 2020). In turn, good mental health can lead to a state of balance with oneself and with others (Ramos, 2020). In fact, when people feel good about themselves, they are better able to face daily challenges and perform their tasks more efficiently (Ramos, 2020). In other words, when mental health is strong, it is easier to carry out activities effectively (Delgadillo, 2018). Moreover, maintaining it fosters healthy and enriching relationships with the environment (Ramos, 2020). It also shows that individuals are capable of coping with everyday problems (Delgadillo, 2018). Lastly, according to Delgadillo (2018), those with good mental health are able to express affection, give it, and receive it.

Maintaining good mental health provides perspective and prevents past experiences from continuing to affect the present (Ramos, 2020). It also supports stress management, boosts self-esteem, and upholds a sense of dignity that shields people from allowing external forces to limit their choices or happiness. In this context, individuals with strong mental health refuse to do what they don’t want to do and value themselves with the respect they deserve (Ramos, 2020). According to Espinosa, Zavaleta, and Mendoza (2018), mental health is essential because it affects not only feelings of distress but also academic, work, and personal aspects of life.

When people lack good mental health, they may feel overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious (Ramos, 2020). This emotional discomfort affects their ability to connect with others, as isolation fosters feelings of loneliness and a perceived inability to face situations—serving only as a temporary patch that reduces the emotional burden (Ramos, 2020). The importance of mental health lies in the fact that its absence prevents individuals from functioning adequately in society (Escudero, 2021). Similarly, poor mental health compromises physical health, leading to conditions and diseases that may become chronic (Escudero, 2021). For this reason, people who lack adequate mental well-being tend to perform worse than those who enjoy it (Delgadillo, 2018). For example, according to Escudero (2021), certain mental disorders result in significant changes in appetite, which can cause substantial weight loss or gain, affecting metabolism and leading to further physical health complications.

References

1. Cadena, C. (2019). La importancia de la salud mental. Naciones Unidas para Europa Occidental - España. Recuperado 24 Noviembre 2020, a partir de https://unric.org/es/la-importancia-de-la-salud-mental/

2. Delgadillo, A. (2018). ¿​Por qué es tan importante la salud mental?. Psico.mx. Recuperado 23 Noviembre 2020, a partir de https://www.psico.mx/articulos/por-que-es-tan-importante-la-salud-mental

3. Escudero, M. (2021). La importancia de la salud mental. Psicólogos en Madrid. Recuperado 2 September 2021, a partir de https://www.manuelescudero.com/la-importancia-de-la-salud-mental/

4. Espinosa, M., Zavaleta, J., & Mendoza, D. (2018). La importancia de la salud mental. Gaceta UNAM. Recuperado 24 November 2020, a partir de https://www.gaceta.unam.mx/la-importancia-de-la-salud-mental/

5. Ramos, N. (2020). La importancia de tener una buena salud mental. Mejor con Salud. Recuperado 23 Noviembre 2020, a partir de https://mejorconsalud.as.com/la-importancia-de-tener-una-buena-salud-mental/

6. Rodríguez, M. (2020). La importancia de la salud mental. Weekend. Recuperado 24 November 2020, a partir de https://weekend.mx/la-importancia-de-la-salud-mental/