Introduction
Individuals and society, in general, have placed a lot of priority on physical health at the expense of mental health. As a result, mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia have become more prevalent in society. Therefore, medical entities and professional bodies should prioritize mental health over physical health, as the mind is the gateway to an individual’s physical and physiological aspects.
Excessive Emphasis on Physical Health
Numerous medical entities, such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as well as medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and nutritionists, recommend physical activity as a crucial tool for improving public health. Based on the evidence, physical health plays a crucial role in preventing and treating illnesses such as osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. An individual is even recommended to engage in 30 minutes of daily exercise to improve health outcomes (Peluso and Andrade 63). However, overemphasizing physical health at the expense of mental health can lead to specific unwanted effects, i.e., individuals with undiagnosed mental issues might tend to overexercise, overeat, and have poor occupational and personal relationships.
Definition of Mental Health
Medical entities and professionals must emphasize mental health in the current society. Mental health encompasses an individual’s social, emotional, and cognitive factors. While mental health and mental illness are different, they are closely related. It is said that out of five people, one will have a mental illness (Durham Region Health Department 3).
Nonetheless, it does not imply that the remaining four are doing well mentally. While one might not suffer from mental illness, one must know one’s mental health state. One must not underestimate the impact of various transitions and life events on mental health, i.e., loss of a loved one, conceiving a pregnancy, bearing a child, graduating, loss of a job, trauma, development of a chronic illness, onset of depression, etc.
Mental Health Promotion
Preventive Measures
Practical emphasis on mental health minimizes the chances of one developing a mental health problem. Some recommended protective factors for better mental health include spending time with people you love, problem-solving, managing life events, engaging in physical activity, feeling a sense of belonging, and fulfilling basic needs (Durham Region Health Department, 10). The risk factors comprise trauma, mental illness, gambling, alcoholism, and feelings of isolation. One can improve their mental health by maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, getting sufficient sleep, volunteering to help others, being creative, finding a sense of purpose, managing work-related stress, and maintaining healthy relationships.
Counselling and Therapy
Some solutions for enhanced mental health include access to counselling and psychotherapy professionals. These professionals help individuals manage emerging mental health issues. The government can also hire clinical social workers to provide mental health assistance to individuals (Peluso and Andrade 66). Telemedicine is another innovative solution that allows patients to access mental health professionals from the comfort of their own homes. Lastly, hospitals and clinicians should prioritize mental health during the provision of care.
Implications of Ignoring Mental Health
When individuals neglect their mental health, it has negative consequences for both themselves and their communities. There is a direct correlation between this disorder and decreased productivity at work, strained relationships at home, and higher medical bills. When someone is emotionally or psychologically damaged, they are less able to contribute to society and the economy. If people globally prioritize their emotional well-being, they can achieve more as a team. Behavioral issues and societal growth are inextricably linked, making it crucial for medical institutions and professional groups to provide resources properly (Peluso and Andrade 68).
Role of Stigma in Exacerbation of Mental Issues
Many people with mental health issues do not get the treatment they need because of the stigma that surrounds these issues. Due to the culture’s prolonged fixation on physical health, the false belief that a person’s lack of willpower or moral fiber is to blame for their emotional troubles has persisted. The stigma already heightens these sentiments of shame and alienation, and this makes things worse. As a result, medical institutions and professional organizations must strive to normalize discussions regarding emotional care and treat it as an equal component of overall wellness. Creating a culture of kindness and generosity is essential.
Conclusion
In conclusion, individuals and medical experts should prioritize mental health. Physical health is one of the crucial elements of mental health, not the other way around. People’s apathy has led to a rise in the incidence of mental health issues, which in turn affects everyone’s quality of life. If the medical and assisting professions gave mental health the same weight as physical health, individuals might see less of an uptick in new cases.
Eliminating stigma, providing adequate treatment options, and raising awareness of the link between mental and physical health are all crucial. To achieve holistic well-being and build a healthier, more robust society, the mental aspect of human health must be accorded the same importance as the physical. The discussed topic is significantly relevant to the current trends within the scope of healthcare.
Works Cited
Peluso, Marco Aurélio Monteiro, and Laura Helena Silveira Guerra De Andrade. “Physical activity and mental health: the association between exercise and mood.” Clinics, vol. 60, no. 1., 2005, pp. 61 – 70.
Durham Region Health Department. “Mental Health is for Everyone.” 2019. Web.