What is mental health

Psychological health refers to an individual's ability to adapt to environmental changes, cope with stress, and unleash their potential in a coordinated and stable state of cognition, emotion, behavior, and social functioning. The core elements of mental health include emotional stability, clear self-awareness, harmonious interpersonal relationships, good social adaptation, and the ability to cope with setbacks.

1. Emotional Stability

Emotional stability is an important indicator of mental health, manifested as an individual's ability to express and control emotions moderately, avoiding long-term extreme emotional states such as anxiety, depression, or irritability. The ability to regulate emotions is related to the functional balance between the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system of the brain, and can be enhanced through mindfulness training, regular exercise, and other methods. If there is sustained low mood or excitement for more than two weeks, it may indicate depression or bipolar disorder, and prompt medical evaluation is necessary.

2. Clear self-awareness

Clear self-awareness refers to an individual's objective evaluation of their own abilities, values, and limitations, without excessive inferiority or blind arrogance. This trait is related to the maturity of personality development and is usually gradually formed through social interaction and reflection. When there is a serious self-awareness bias, it may manifest as narcissistic personality disorder or somatic dysmorphic disorder and other psychological problems, which require cognitive behavioral therapy intervention.

3. Harmonious interpersonal relationships

Harmonious interpersonal relationships reflect an individual's ability to establish and maintain healthy social relationships, including dimensions such as family, work, and friendship. A good social support system can buffer psychological stress and reduce the risk of psychosomatic diseases. Patients with social anxiety disorder or borderline personality disorder often face difficulties in this area and need to improve through social skills training and group therapy.

4. Good social adaptation

Good social adaptation is reflected in an individual's ability to adjust their behavior patterns according to environmental requirements, comply with social norms, and maintain individuality. Patients with adaptation disorders often experience short-term functional disorders when facing significant life changes, while antisocial personality disorder manifests as long-term maladjustment. Enhancing psychological resilience is the key to improving adaptability.

5. Stress resistance

Stress resistance refers to the psychological resilience when dealing with life challenges, which is related to genetic qualities, early experiences, and coping strategies. Chronic stress may lead to psychosomatic reactions such as insomnia and digestive system symptoms, and in severe cases, it can develop into post-traumatic stress disorder. Developing problem-solving skills and positive attribution can effectively enhance stress management abilities. Maintaining mental health requires establishing a regular schedule, ensuring 7-9 hours of sleep per day, engaging in 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week, and consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins. It is recommended to regularly release emotions through meditation, artistic creation, and other methods to avoid long-term suppression. When there is a decline in work ability, social avoidance, or persistent physical discomfort symptoms, psychological counseling or psychiatric professional evaluation should be sought in a timely manner. The social support system plays an important role in psychological rehabilitation, and family members should provide full understanding rather than simply blaming.