CITY OF MALABON UNIVERSITY

College of Arts and Sciences

Understanding The Self

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS ADVOCACY

RESEARCH

I. Nature of Mental Health

Concept of mental health

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.

Mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders. It exists on a complex
continuum, which is experienced differently from one person to the next, with varying degrees
of difficulty and distress and potentially very different social and clinical outcomes.

Mental health conditions include mental disorders and psychosocial disabilities as well
as other mental states associated with significant distress, impairment in functioning, or risk of
self-harm.

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects
how we think, feel, and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and
make choices.

Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence
through adulthood. Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems,
your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected.

Mental health allows people to use their abilities, be productive, make decisions, and
play an active role in their communities.

Having poor mental health is often confused with having a mental illness. But mental
health actually refers to a person's state of mental well-being whether or not they have a
psychiatric condition.

 Better mental health

When our mental health is good, we feel good inside. We might feel calm or content,
peaceful, hopeful and accepting of ourselves and valued by the people who matter to us.
 Having good mental health makes life easier. It helps us to calm and comfort ourselves
when we’re upset, to cope with the losses, changes, fears and uncertainties in life, to make and
keep good relationships with other people and to learn.

Having good mental health does not mean feeling good all the time. We all have our
downs and ups. Life is full of unavoidable risks, worries and losses, which affect everyone.
Sometimes difficult feelings pass quickly and we bounce back. Sometimes we struggle for much
longer. This can happen to any of us.

 Worse/poor mental health

When our mental health is not so good, life feels more of a struggle. We might often feel
sad or tearful, and hopeless and exhausted. We might feel under unbearable stress, or often
worried about bad things happening to us or people we care about. All of these are very
common experiences.

Feeling down, anxious or stressed can mean we don’t have much energy for activities
such as work or study, ‘life admin’ and looking after ourselves and others. It can be hard to keep
going.

Feeling like this for a while could be a sign that something else in our lives is wrong, or
that we need help. It is also a natural reaction, if we’ve had a major loss or shock, such as
bereavement, unemployment, divorce or a serious health problem.

Feeling like this for a while could be a sign that something else in our lives is wrong, or
that we need help. It is also a natural reaction, if we’ve had a major loss or shock, such as
bereavement, unemployment, divorce or a serious health problem.

Some things are easier to change and some problems may be beyond our control.
Sometimes we need help, with our mental health or with the situations causing us to struggle –
for instance, debts or relationship problems. In these situations, the sooner we get support, the
better.

Just like we know that taking care of our physical health is important to keep our bodies
strong and healthy, it is also just as important to take care of our mental health. Mental Health
includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being, which means it affects how we
think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress in our lives, relate to others,
and what choices we make. When we experience good mental health, it doesn’t mean we are
always in a good mood, nor does it prevent the stresses of life from coming our way. But, it
does help us cope with them so we can continue to engage productively in our everyday lives.
 II. Taking Care of Oneself

Taking care of oneself encompasses a holistic approach to well-being that includes

caring for your physical, mental, emotional, and social health. This holistic perspective on self-
care emphasizes the importance of nurturing every aspect of oneself to achieve balance,
resilience, happiness, and a meaningful life. It's a continual and proactive practice aimed at
sustaining overall well-being.
One of the key benefits of self-care is its positive impact on mental health. When we
prioritize self-care, we are better equipped to manage stress and prevent burnout. Taking time
for ourselves allows us to recharge and replenish our energy, which is crucial for maintaining
good mental health. It helps us build resilience, cope with challenges, and improve our overall
emotional well-being.
Self-care promotes self-awareness and self-compassion. By taking the time to check in
with ourselves and listen to our needs, we develop a deeper understanding of our emotions,
thoughts, and behaviors. This self-awareness allows us to identify and address any negative
patterns or habits that may be impacting our mental health. Self-compassion involves treating
ourselves with kindness and understanding, especially during times of difficulty or setbacks. It is
an essential aspect of self-care that promotes a positive and nurturing relationship with
ourselves.
In addition to its direct impact on mental health, self-care also plays a role in
maintaining healthy relationships and improving productivity. When we prioritize self-care, we
are better able to show up for others and fulfill our responsibilities. By taking care of our own
needs, we are more likely to have the energy and capacity to support and care for those around
us.
A. Physical Health:
Taking care of your physical health is crucial for overall well-being, and there are
practical steps you can take to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Aim to engage in moderate physical
activity for at least 150 minutes per week, whether it's through exercise classes, walking, or
setting specific activity goals. Incorporate strength training to preserve muscle mass and bone
health, starting gradually and focusing on proper form. Maintaining a healthy weight is also
important to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Embrace a
balanced diet, limit snacking, stay hydrated, and be mindful of your metabolism and alcohol
intake to support a healthy weight and overall wellness.

B. Mental Health:
 Taking care of your mental health is vital for overall well-being, and there are practical
measures you can take to support it.
1. Talk to someone you trust, such as a friend or family member, to receive
emotional support and alleviate distress.
2. Prioritize your physical health by engaging in daily physical activity, maintaining a
balanced diet, staying hydrated, and ensuring you get enough restorative sleep.
3. Avoid turning to harmful substances like drugs, alcohol, or tobacco as coping
mechanisms, as they can exacerbate mental health issues over time.
4. Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing and grounding
techniques, can help you stay present and manage stress more effectively.
C. Emotional Health:
Emotional health is defined as a lack of mental disorders, but it also includes positive
emotional characteristics, like resilience, self-efficacy, and vitality. Here are a few things you can
do to improve your emotional health.
1. Doing things that you love.
2. Develop a healthy relationship with technology: Limit excessive screen time and
use technology as a tool for connection rather than isolation.
3. Practice self-compassion and treat yourself with kindness and acknowledge your
imperfections. Self-acceptance is way too emotional resilience and happiness.
4. Cultivate gratitude by regularly expressing gratitude, whether through journaling
or expressing appreciation to others, can have a positive impact on your
emotional health.
D. Social Health:
Social health involves both quality and quantity connections. Focus on nurturing
meaningful relationships and invest time in building and maintaining them. Enhancing our social
health is essential and there are some practical ways we can take to improve our social health.
1. Balance you’re alone and social time. Spending time alone allows for self-
discovery and introspection. Engage in activities that bring you joy
independently, such as exploring hobbies or visiting art galleries.
2. Practice self care. Prioritize your well-being by maintaining healthy habits like
balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and self-care.
3. Improve your communication skills and keep your commitment to sustain your
quality and quantity social life.
4. Establish Boundaries and learn to assertively say no when necessary and
prioritize your own needs while respecting the boundaries of others.
 5. Surround yourself with positive individuals who contribute positively to your life.
Form meaningful connections with friends and family members who uplift and
support you.

III. Misconception on Mental Health

What Is Mental Health?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects
how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life. It also helps determine how we handle stress,
relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from
childhood and adolescence through adulthood and aging.

What are Mental Disorders?

Mental disorders are serious conditions that can affect your thinking, mood, and
behavior. They may be occasional or long-lasting. They can affect your ability to relate to others
and function each day. Mental disorders are common; many Americans will be diagnosed with
one at some time in their life. But there are treatments. People with mental disorders can get
better, and many of them recover completely.

Why is Mental Health Important?

Mental health is important because it can help you to:

 Cope with the stresses of life

 Be physically healthy
 Have good relationships
 Make meaningful contributions to your community
 Work productively
 Realize your full potential

Why are Mental Health Problems so Misunderstood?

Mental illness has a long history of misunderstanding and fear. Much of this dates back
to times when little was understood about the human body and mind. There are many
historical factors that have led to mental illness being a taboo topic, including some cultural and
religious beliefs. Sadly, this has led to a great deal of suffering, persecution, discrimination, and
barriers for problems that are highly treatable and even preventable.
 Even now, many people place a certain priority on understanding physical or medical
health, while finding mental health or psychological problems more difficult to understand. For
example, many people find it easy to talk about a broken arm, a virus or heart disease, but may
struggle to talk about mental health problems. It is a learned response and can be changed.

Another reason that mental health can be hard to talk about is because people with
mental illness may exhibit challenging symptoms. Anything from social withdrawal, to physical
tics, or words and behaviours that might seem ‘strange’, can be confronting. Certain mental
health problems such as psychosis, personality disorders, non-suicidal self-injury and suicidality
can elicit strong opinions, emotions and perceptions in others. Even more common mental
health problems such as depression, anxiety or trauma can be hard to understand and talk
about, whether we have been through them ourselves or not.

Misconception about Mental Health

For a long time, mental illnesses and mental health disorders were considered taboo
subjects, and people felt uncomfortable discussing them or seeking help for their struggles. It
led to the spread of rumors and misunderstandings about mental illnesses, often fueled by
exaggerated stories in the media. Although progress has been made in breaking the stigma,
several common misconceptions about mental disorders persist and may prevent people from
seeking the help they need.

These misconceptions can be harmful in various ways. They perpetuate toxic

stereotypes, making individuals hesitant to ask for assistance due to fears of judgment. Some
may also avoid treatment because of misconceptions about the care they will receive, leaving
them struggling on their own and potentially exacerbating their issues.

 Mental illnesses are rare: Many people mistakenly believe that mental illnesses are rare,
but in reality, they are pretty standard.
 Medication is necessary for all mental illnesses: Not everyone with a mental illness
requires medication to manage their symptoms.
 People with mental illnesses are more violent: Contrary to popular belief, individuals
with mental illnesses are not more violent than others.

Mental Health is the same as Mental Illness.

Mental health refers to one’s general state of psychological and emotional well-being.
Much like physical health, it exists on a continuum from healthy to ill and can fluctuate based
on many factors. Maintaining good mental health is an important aspect of one’s overall well-
being.
 A mental illness (sometimes called a mental health problem) is a condition diagnosed by
a qualified health-care professional. The diagnostic criteria often involve a combination of
changes in emotions, moods, or behaviours associated with distress, and/or impaired daily
functioning.

A long-standing myth about mental illness is that it’s not normal to feel badly. But
mental health struggles are a normal part of the human condition. Nearly 20 percent of people
in the U.S. suffer from anxiety, and approximately 7 percent experience an episode of major
depression. These statistics only apply to diagnosable mental health conditions. There are many
ways people experience mental health problems, and not all of them require a diagnosis.

Part of breaking the mental health stigma is openly discussing the fact that many people
will need mental health support at some point in their lives. In a World Health Organization
(WHO) survey, about 50 percent of participants were diagnosed with a mental health illness at
some point in their lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1
in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year, even if their symptoms are not
severe.

IV. Reference

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Prepared by:

Bautista, Sean Hannah P.

Jabson, Ralph Olivert
Lomibao, Karl Allen
Madridano, Dhemrose Jelica C.
Nieto, Kyla Mae Nicole C.
Oro, Mary Anthonet P.
Paglinawan, Krystal Ellen