When most people think about mental health, they immediately think about depression, stress and anxiety. People will also think about how the causes of poor mental health, such as someone living in poor conditions, someone living in an abusive situation or someone who is suffering an addiction. There are many things in life that can contribute to poor mental health and there are just as many things a person can do to improve their mental health. Past traumatic events, stress, work, family and the overall lifestyle that someone has can all lead to a decline in someone’s mental health.

Many have heard that maintaining one’s physical health can go a long way in helping to maintain a person’s mental health, because they go hand in hand with each other. Others will tell you that eating well, getting enough sleep, having some confidence and respect for one’s self and having enough time set aside for one’s self are all things that a person can do in order to improve and maintain their good mental health. There is, however, one other thing that appears to help with improving a person’s mental health, or at least their mood. Apparently, most people tend to feel better after giving their living space a thorough cleaning. Taking the time to clean the home from top to bottom is like cleaning one’s life. The dirt, dust and clutter are done away with and the house has a fresher, more comfortable atmosphere that the person can feel happier and more relaxed in. In fact, some therapists might even suggest cleaning the house as a good way to take one’s mind off of something they tend to fixate on and to improve the look and feel of the home. The state of the house has a significant impact on a person’s mental health, as does cleaning; such an impact, in fact, that many people who are agitated, annoyed or frustrated can use cleaning as an outlet for their emotions and energy until they feel better. In most cases, this can be quite effective. Of course, if one finds that they are cleaning nearly everyday to vent frustrations or trying to improve their mood, it might also be a good idea to consult a therapist. Online therapists are always available for inquiries about how one can improve their mental health in other ways besides cleaning their home.

Anyone who finds that they are suffering from an overall decline in their mental health, such as a loss of confidence, a loss of concentration, depression and so on, should seriously consider contacting an online therapist. The online therapist can help work with the patient to find out why they might be feeling down, they can then suggest what the patient could do in order to improve their mental health. Life is meant to be enjoyed and someone who is not happy and has a bleak outlook on life can’t fully enjoy life. Seeking advice and help from an online therapist can go a long way in improving a person’s mental health.

Trauma Resource Centre Part of Five-Year Mental Health Services Upgrade
The Manitoba government has launched a five-year strategic plan to improve mental health services. One component will be establishing a trauma resource centre. The overall plan is geared to promoting good mental health, and strengthening support and services to those with mental health problems.

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Note your initial reaction to that suggestion. What do you expect when someone wants to talk about your mental health? In our society, people often expect to hear some kind of criticism. The little man or woman inside may be accusing me of thinking you are crazy.

Pay attention—I want to talk about your mental health—your mental and emotional assets. I believe that discussions about anything “mental” in our society should begin with assets—so that all parties come to the table with the understanding that people are not labels. Any person, who has ever had a condition such as depression, bipolar, anxiety, schizophrenia etc., must separate the diagnosis from their definition of themselves.

So what is mental health?

This question has been a question of hot debate since people began thinking about their thinking. In the past, mental health, as well as health in general, was defined as the absence of a disease or illness. This definition would define someone who spends their day doing nothing more than watching television as “mentally healthy” when they have the capacity to do much more.

Current definitions of mental health involve behaviors of coping, productivity, and quality connections with others.

1. The World Health Organization definition (World Health Organization 2007):

“A state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”

2. The Surgeon General of the United States definition (Department of Health and Human Services 1999):

“The successful performance of mental function, resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships with other people, and the ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity.”

What Can Mental Health Do?

Though mental health and health both involve our body, “mental health” generally refers to the effective functioning of our thoughts, moods, and behaviors (Public Health Service 2001). Effective thoughts, moods, and behaviors lead us to take care of ourselves, physically and mentally. We pay attention to what we eat, how we feel, how we interact. We are able to detect when something is “off” and make the necessary adjustments. We help build a world that facilitates the health and mental health of others.

Mental health is the foundation of our health. “There is no health without mental health” (World Health Organization 2007).

Do I Have Mental Health?

Everybody has mental health—thoughts, moods, and behaviors that work. The answers to the following questions can help you identify the mental health you possess:

What mental processes and behaviors can help me “keep going” every day, as well as during times of crisis?
How can I mobilize my effective mental processes and behaviors to recover from illness?
How can I use my effective mental processes and behaviors to have a more abundant life?
Do You Want to Know More?

Stay tuned to Moxie Mental Health, where stories of how real people have transformed themselves, their families, and the world around them are posted three times weekly: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

The next blog will discuss research from the field of Positive Psychology that has identified and classified specific mental strengths. The blog will help you identify several specific mental strengths that you own. Your strengths can be your means of encountering the difficulties you face with spirit and courage—enabling you to emerge from the fire as a grander, more magnificent person.

Katrina

Here is the first video for zebrahead’s new album “Phoenix”…hope you enjoy!! MFZB
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Mental health: Young and worn-out
A two-part look at the causes of a growing problem among our school-going children Thursday, January 27th, 2011 09:48:00 ACCORDING to Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai, the number of mental illness cases rose by 15.6 per cent to 400,227 in 2010 from the previous year. By 2020, one of the mental disorders, depression, is expected to be the second-highest ailment after cardiac ischemia. What is …

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