What is Mental Well-Being?

 

Mental Well-being describes our mental state- how we are feeling and how well we cope with day to day life. It can change from moment to moment, day to day, month to month and year to year. Mental health is a person's condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being.

​

Why is Mental Well Being important?

​

Our mental well-being can affect our sense of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. It can affect the way we see and hear what is around us, our ability to concentrate and cope on day to day functioning, and on our relationships with others. It can affect our ability to reflect, learn and share from and with others and ultimately 'grow' as individuals. 

​

How does Mental Health affect Physical Health?

​

The state of our mind significantly influences our physical well-being. Mental distress can directly and indirectly impact our energy levels, sleep quality, appetite, and perception of physical pain. These factors can create a cycle that negatively affects our overall health; for instance, a disrupted appetite may lead to overeating, increasing the risk of health issues like diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, stress and insomnia can weaken our immune system, making it harder for our bodies to combat infections, while medications for mental health may also introduce side effects that affect our physical health.

​

How does Mental Well-being affect Spiritual Health?

​

Feeling down, anxious, or struggling with anger, poor sleep, high stress, or addiction can lead to a negative perception of the world. This mindset often results in low self-esteem, guilt, and unworthiness, hindering spiritual growth and motivation for meditation, prayer, and therapies. It affects our ability to love ourselves and others, reducing participation in helpful activities and impacting spiritual well-being and connection to a higher power.

 

However, poor mental health can also foster spiritual growth by increasing self-awareness, reflection, and mindfulness. Experiencing lows helps us appreciate positives and understand emotions like happiness and peace. It teaches humility, lowers ego, and can enhance our connection with God, providing hope and perseverance through challenges. A strong relationship with the Creator allows us to learn from negative experiences and empathize with others, finding meaning by helping them.

 

Addiction to drugs, alcohol, or intoxicants severely impacts happiness, fulfilment, and mental and spiritual health. Many use these substances for temporary relief from anxiety, stress, or depression, but they worsen symptoms and hinder healing. Addiction clouds judgment affects relationships and leads to loss of control and harmful behaviours. It often results in severe mental health issues, causing suffering and loss of important aspects of life. For support with addiction problems, see 'My Addictions' page.

​

​

Visit our  'Spiritual Well-being' page on how spiritual health can help and affect our mental physical and emotional well-being. 

 

​

How can I improve my mental-wellbeing?

​

 

Embracing Faith:

​​

Believing in a Higher Power, like God, can alleviate anxieties by trusting He understands us deeply. Surrendering to His will while actively seeking growth transforms challenges into opportunities, shifting our perspective from negative to positive. This faith dispels loneliness, replacing pride with compassion and peace. Through faith, we realize physical struggles can bring us closer to spiritual success. Faith combined with effort is most effective, as God helps those who help others, easing anxieties through a spiritual perspective.

​​

Practising Self-discipline:

​​

Self-discipline helps manage time, actions, and behaviour, increasing the likelihood of achieving true success. It controls desires and emotions, preventing harm to others and negative energy. Self-discipline establishes routines for meditation, prayer, family time, and more, preventing neglect of priorities and maintaining organisation amidst daily challenges.

​

Working on yourself:

​

Acts of Kindness:    see 'kindness' page

 

Truthfulness:       see 'seeking truth' page

​

Meditation:         See 'Prayer and Meditation' page

​

Self-Reflection:        See 'Self-Reflection' page

​

Mindfulness:       See 'Mindfulness' page

​

Laughter:  -Having a sense of humour can help :) 

​

Diet:   Improving our diet and eating healthily can have a significant positive impact on our mental health and energy levels too. 

​

Being physically active:

​​

When our energy levels are low, getting out of bed and exercising can be the last thing we want to do. Feeling demotivated can make it very challenging to go for a run or even step outside. When anxiety is so intense that we wish to avoid being around others, even if we want to exercise more, it might feel overwhelming and lead to panic attacks and increased anxiety.

​​

However, it's important to recognise the positive effects of exercise and remaining physically active on our mental well-being. Physical activity can release endorphins, natural chemicals in our bodies that provide a sense of a natural high. Endorphins are the body's way of reducing pain and enhancing pleasure. Therefore, the more endorphins we have, the less likely we are to experience both emotional and physical pain. Endorphins also help reinforce social connections, which benefits our mental well-being. The release of endorphins can alleviate anxiety and depression both directly and indirectly.

 

Establishing a routine of regular exercise or physical activity can improve our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Once we understand its impact, we may find the strength to persevere through the initial phase of facing our fear and taking that first step. We needn’t dive right in; we can start slowly by walking around the house, going up and down the stairs several times a day, doing home exercises if we prefer not to go outside, then perhaps walking around the block, visiting the park for a longer walk, and eventually beginning to run or jog. Everyone is different, and there are countless ways to be more active using our imagination.

 

Yoga can be a gentle and helpful way to stay physically active, while also aiding in stretching muscles and releasing tension caused by stress and anxiety.

 

​

Facing our fears: 

​

Sometimes, we must leave dangerous situations for our benefit and others', but there are times when facing our fears is necessary to break free from control. If an anxiety-inducing situation is illogical and avoidance harms us and others, we feel compelled to challenge it. Lack of faith can lead to fear, and avoiding anxieties can worsen them, raising our defenses. In trying to protect ourselves, we might harm others. Facing fears logically may initially cause discomfort, but over time, we adapt, learn, and grow stronger. Confronting fears increases our chances of gaining wisdom and releasing anxieties.

​

​

Connecting with people: 

 

Let us examine the priority between connecting with God and connecting with one another.

Some argue that building relationships with others is the path to God. However, this perspective makes our connection to the Divine dependent on human interactions, which can be transient unless rooted in trust and commitment. Alternatively, we might consider that establishing a relationship with our Creator first can enhance our connections with others. By deepening our bond with God, we can strengthen our relationships with His creation, eliminating any intermediaries between humanity and the Divine. This direct connection is both robust and eternal, with only we having the power to sever it. God serves as the bond between individuals and all forms of life.

​

How can we nurture a better relationship with God? He is the Most High, the Lord of the Worlds, who has given us the faculties to perceive and reflect on His attributes. By recognising and embodying these attributes, we can cultivate kindness and fruitful actions, becoming conduits of His love and peace. When we witness the positive impact of our words and deeds on others, we experience joy and inner peace, knowing we are pleasing the Most Gracious.

​

A relationship with God is essential for fostering enduring, trusting, and loving relationships with one another. Without this connection, the joys of shared experiences and the virtues of love, compassion, and forgiveness lose their significance. Ultimately, it is through our relationship with God that we can truly connect with and uplift one another.

​

Medication:

​

Both traditional and modern medicine can play a crucial role in managing various mental health disorders. However, the effectiveness of these treatments can vary significantly from person to person. While they often provide temporary relief from symptoms such as low mood, anxiety, insomnia, and stress, it is essential to address the root causes of these issues for long-term healing benefits.

When individuals experience extreme low moods, significantly reduced energy levels, lack of motivation, severe anxiety, and poor concentration to the point where daily functioning becomes challenging, medications like antidepressants and anxiolytics can be vital. These medications can help boost energy and mood while reducing anxiety to a manageable level, enabling individuals to engage in long-term therapy and tackle underlying issues effectively.

​

It is crucial to avoid merely 'masking' the underlying causes of anxiety, depression, and other negative symptoms by relying solely on long-term medication. A holistic approach that combines medication with therapy and lifestyle changes is often the most effective path toward sustainable mental health and well-being.

​​

​

'Depression' and turning to God

​

​

Depression is a mood disorder marked by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. It significantly impacts emotions, thoughts, and behaviours, leading to various challenges. Symptoms can vary in severity and include fluctuations in mood.

Common symptoms of depression include:

​

• Low mood

• Loss of interest in activities

• Tiredness

• Irritability

• Low self-esteem

• Feelings of guilt

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Changes in appetite

• Hopelessness

• Reduced motivation

• Poor concentration

• Memory issues

• Suicidal thoughts (in severe cases)

​

Life has ups and downs; everyone experiences good and bad days. Stressful events can lead to sadness, which is normal and can encourage growth. Some may feel "depressed" without a clear reason, often linked to brain "chemical imbalances," but personal responsibility and spiritual well-being are also important in mental health.

 

Antidepressants can help moderate to severe symptoms by restoring brain chemical balance, but they may not address root causes, leading to long-term reliance. Experiencing emotions is crucial for self-discovery and well-being.

​

Faith and spirituality can significantly impact depression. Strong belief in God and an afterlife reduces suicidal thoughts and substance abuse. Faith can transform negative emotions through mindfulness, meditation, and prayer, offering strength during tough times. Learning from adversity fosters purpose and facilitates forgiveness, helping individuals move past anger and guilt.

​

For those struggling with guilt, "repentance" can aid healing. Believers in a forgiving God can find personal growth through this process, enhancing self-esteem and resilience.

​

'Anxiety' and turning to God

​

Anxiety is a feeling of worry or unease about uncertain outcomes, often accompanied by physical symptoms like palpitations and sweating. It stems from the 'fight or flight' response, a natural reaction to perceived threats, producing hormones that prepare us to confront or flee. Individual susceptibility varies due to factors like past trauma and overall well-being.

​

While the fight or flight response can protect us, it becomes problematic when triggered inappropriately, affecting mental health and daily functioning. Managing anxiety involves understanding triggers and gradually facing them to rewire the brain's response.

​

Anxiety often originates from deep-seated fears. Traumatic experiences can lead to avoidance behaviours.

​

Seeking spiritual support, such as turning to God, can help release control and trust in a higher power, alleviating anxiety over time. This approach may not provide immediate results and might require additional support, such as medication, for severe cases.

​

'Insomnia' and turning to God

​

 

Insomnia symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, and daytime fatigue. Common causes are stress, anxiety, noise, temperature extremes, and excessive caffeine or alcohol.

Stress plays a major role in insomnia, as worries about work, health, and personal issues can keep the mind active at night. Traumatic events, such as loss or job changes, may also trigger insomnia.

Insomnia often coexists with anxiety and depression, with overlapping symptoms. It can be a symptom of depression, linked to feelings of guilt and low mood.

​

Types of insomnia include:

​

• Acute Insomnia: Short-term sleep difficulties.

• Chronic Insomnia: Long-term sleep difficulties.

• Comorbid Insomnia: Occurs alongside another condition.

• Onset Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep.

• Maintenance Insomnia: Inability to stay asleep​

​

Treatment options include:

​

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-I): A structured program that addresses thoughts and behaviors affecting sleep, promoting good sleep hygiene and habits.

2. Medication: Sedatives may help severe cases, but should be used cautiously due to potential addiction and side effects.

3. Daytime Activity: Regular exercise can enhance sleep quality.

4. Meditation and Prayer: These practices can reduce anxiety and improve sleep over time.

 

'Bereavement' and turning to God

​

 

Bereavement is the grieving process following the loss of someone or something significant, such as a loved one, a relationship, or a cherished friend. It is an inevitable part of life; the more we love, the more profound our sense of loss can be.

​

It's crucial to prepare ourselves for loss, as it can occur unexpectedly. Everything in life is temporary, including our own existence, which ultimately causes pain for those who care about us.

​

Those who cope best with bereavement often reflect on the concept of death. Acknowledging our mortality can normalise loss and foster gratitude for the time we have with loved ones, enhancing our relationships.

 

Conversely, unresolved conflicts can complicate the grieving process, leading to feelings of anger and guilt.

​

The bereavement process generally involves four stages, which may not occur in a linear fashion:

• Denial

• Anger

• Bargaining

• Depression

• Acceptance

​

Denial can prolong the grieving process, especially if the loss is unexpected. Some may struggle to express their emotions due to this denial, which is common in relationship breakups. During this stage, it's vital to avoid substances that can hinder emotional processing.

​

Anger often surfaces after a loss, directed at others, oneself, or even a Higher Power. It's essential to remember that not all events have clear answers, and sometimes positive outcomes arise from negative experiences.

​

Bargaining typically follows the shock of loss, where individuals may seek help from a Higher Power, hoping for strength or justice. This stage can provide comfort and a sense of purpose as one navigates through grief.

​

Acceptance varies for each individual, influenced by factors such as prior preparation, support systems, and personal beliefs. Those who find solace in the idea of an afterlife may cope better, viewing their loss as temporary.

​

Ultimately, the journey through bereavement is highly personal, shaped by our relationships and faith, and can lead to growth and understanding despite the pain of loss.

​

​

'Post-traumatic Stress disorder' and turning to God

​

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by traumatic experiences. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Current treatments for PTSD involve antidepressants, therapy, and EMDR.

 

Having faith in a benevolent Creator who accompanies us through negative experiences can foster trust that everything happens for a reason, even traumatic events. This belief encourages self-reflection, allowing us to extract wisdom from our pain, which can help us grow and empathize with others.

​

The anxiety and depression stemming from trauma can transform into empathy. Understanding the impact of trauma enables us to choose not to inflict harm on others. Our experiences can deepen our compassion, allowing us to support those facing similar struggles. This process helps us comprehend the higher purpose behind our suffering and liberates us from the grip of negative emotions.

​

Turning to God after trauma allows us to surrender our worries and trust that everything unfolds for a reason, even if we don't fully grasp it. Recognizing our limitations and relying on our Creator can bring peace.

​

PTSD often arises from being a victim of abuse. Seeking God can inspire forgiveness toward those who caused us pain, promoting healing. Faith encourages us to see the good in others and understand their actions from different perspectives. The ability to forgive helps us release negative emotions tied to traumatic memories.

​

In cases where guilt arises from harming others, turning to God offers a path to repentance and healing. Seeking forgiveness and committing to positive actions can alleviate guilt, whether the harm was intentional or not.

​

Faith in a Creator also fosters gratitude, which is a powerful healer. Practicing mindful gratitude helps individuals move beyond past traumas, encouraging them to live in the present rather than dwelling on the past.

​

​

'Suicidal Ideation' and turning to God

​

'Suicidal ideation' refers to thoughts about ending one's life. Life's challenges, hardships, and losses can lead to feelings of hopelessness and a lack of enjoyment in activities once loved. Individuals may experience bitterness, fear, and sorrow, feeling overwhelmed by pain and guilt from past traumas, leading to a sense of worthlessness and lack of purpose.

​

This ideation often stems from depression and anxiety, where individuals may feel impatient for their struggles to pass or believe they have nothing left to live for. Repeated failures can erode self-confidence, and unresolved anger towards those who have hurt us might fuel thoughts of self-harm as a form of vengeance.

​

Many lack the courage to act on these thoughts due to fear of the unknown, often exacerbated by drugs or alcohol, which impair judgment. Over 80% of suicide victims are under the influence of substances. Turning to faith can provide hope and strength, helping individuals overcome addiction, PTSD, depression, and anxiety, thereby reducing suicidal thoughts.

​

Research indicates that those who believe in God and an afterlife have significantly lower rates of suicide and mental health issues. This may be partly due to the belief in the sanctity of life within Abrahamic faiths, which discourages self-harm. Faith encourages personal responsibility and the cultivation of positive attributes like kindness, compassion, and gratitude. By nurturing these qualities, individuals can transform negativity and rise above despair with divine support.

​

​

'Addiction' and turning to God

​

Many people seek to escape their pain, sorrow, and anxiety through addictive substances, such as alcohol, illicit drugs, or even prescription medications. This reliance often leads to addiction, as individuals become dependent on these substances to feel 'normal' again.

​

Addiction can manifest in various forms, including dependency on substances or even relationships. This physical addiction can enslave our spirit to bodily desires, making us reliant on external sources for happiness. As addiction deepens, individuals may experience a loss of control, requiring increasing amounts of the substance or presence to achieve a state of perceived normalcy. This cycle can result in panic and despair when the substance or person is absent, leading to emotional turmoil and relationship breakdowns.

​

From a spiritual perspective, the world often distracts us from higher truths, tempting us to indulge in fleeting pleasures that mask our struggles. The conflict between our higher intellect and lower bodily desires creates a choice: to allow one to dominate the other. The more we succumb to physical desires driven by our ego, the harder it becomes to break free from addiction and take responsibility for our actions.

​

Turning to God and surrendering to His will helps us recognise that only our Creator deserves worship. This act restores power to our higher self, guiding us away from temporary desires fueled by greed, lust, and other negative emotions. Trusting in God allows us to believe that our troubles will be transformed into wisdom, fostering patience to endure life's challenges. This patience is key to overcoming hardships and leads to emotional and spiritual growth, contrasting the despair associated with physical addictions.

​

​

What can we do to help others through their mental health problems? 

​

We can help others through their mental health problems by offering compassion, and showing a genuine empathy and concern for their distress. Often, just having someone there who 'cares' enough to 'listen' is enough to give that person the strength and desire to not give up on life. 

​

By sacrificing our time for others, and by sacrificing our own sense of 'importance' or ego to make room for others to feel valued and appreciated can have a huge positive impact on their mental health. 

​

Directing people to others that might be able to help them more than we can, is also a huge help. Sometimes people may require some physical help in the form of a medication, or other medical therapy in order to get them to a point where they have the motivation to look deeper within themselves in order to reflect and resolve underlying issues related to their poor mental health. Offering a simple small act of loving kindness, a good word, even a loving smile or holding their hand through their distress can have a massive positive impact on another. 

​

People want to feel 'needed' in this world. People want to have a Higher Purpose  in this world in order to feel the desire to want to keep on living, despite all of the hardships and struggles and loss that come with being Human. 

​

We can help others by inspiring them to be more kind, humble, compassionate, forgiving, patient, loving, brave, grateful, Just, authentic, honest, committed, hopeful, joyful, gentle, faithful.... and the most powerful way to do this is to take responsibility for our own thought, intentions, speech and behaviour, and use our own blessings gifts and talents to help others in any way we can, while inviting to the Ways of Peace of our Creator. 

​

Encouraging one another to faith,  patience, gratitude, forgiveness, and compassion as a healing for our depression and anxieties can be very helpful as a reminder. Reflecting also on Scripture and the stories of the prophets and their personal struggles can help us to gain the strength and wisdom to find a Higher Purpose to the pain and suffering of Humanity...

​

Summary of some practical tips that may help you

​

Practical tips for depression:

​

 

• Seek Professional Help:

   

• Therapists and counsellors can provide essential support and guidance.

 

• Build a Support System:

• Surround yourself with understanding friends and family members.

 

• Incorporate Self-Care Practices:

• Engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.

 

• Prioritize Healthy Habits:

• Get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods, and avoid substances like alcohol and drugs.

 

• Set Achievable Goals:

• Break tasks into manageable steps and celebrate small victories.

 

Remember, finding the right combination of strategies that work for you may take time and patience, but with perseverance and the right support, it is possible to navigate through depression and emerge stronger on the other side.

​

 

 

Practical Tips for Anxiety:

​

 

• Practice deep breathing exercises

• Engage in regular physical activity

• Establish a consistent sleep schedule

• Prioritize self-care activities

• Identify triggers and develop healthy coping mechanisms

• Maintain a balanced diet

• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake

• Seek support from a therapist or counsellor

​​​

 

Practical Tips for Stress

 

• Practice mindfulness and meditation

• Engage in regular physical exercise

• Prioritize and organize tasks

• Set boundaries and learn to say no

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle

• Build a strong support system

   

​

Practical Tips for Insomnia

 

• Establish a bedtime routine

• Limit screen time before bed

• Create a comfortable sleep environment

• Watch your caffeine intake

• Manage stress and anxiety

 

 

Practical Tips for Managing Obsessive-Compulsive Thoughts and Behaviors (OCD)

 

1. Practice mindfulness

2. Establish and stick to a routine

3. Break tasks into smaller steps

4. Engage in relaxation activities like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga

5. Seek support from a therapist or counsellor specializing in OCD

 

Managing obsessive-compulsive thoughts and behaviours requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to try different strategies. By incorporating these practical tips into daily life, individuals can effectively navigate the challenges associated with OCD and work towards improving their overall well-being.

 

​

Practical Tips for Identity Crisis

 

• Self-reflection

• Try new things

• Seek support from others

• Practice self-care

 

​

Practical Tips for Addiction

 

• Seek Professional Help

• Identify Triggers

• Develop Healthy Habits

• Build a Support System

• Practice Mindfulness

• Set Realistic Goals

• Stay Engaged

• Don't give up trying to quit

 

 

Practical Tips for Loneliness

 

• Reach Out

• Engage in Hobbies

• Volunteer

• Practice Self-Care

• Seek Professional Help

 

 

Self-Reflection Excercise

 

Start by taking a few deep breaths to centre yourself and bring your attention to the present moment. You can then begin by asking yourself open-ended questions such as "How am I feeling today?" or "What thoughts have been occupying my mind recently?" As you delve into your thoughts and feelings, try to observe them without judgment. Allow yourself to express any emotions that come up and acknowledge them with compassion. You may also want to consider journaling your reflections to track your progress over time and gain insights into recurring themes. 

 

Self-reflection can help us cultivate self-awareness, improve emotional regulation, and enhance our overall well-being. By making self-reflection a regular practice, we can develop a deeper connection with ourselves and foster a greater sense of inner peace and clarity.

 

 

Here are some questions that can guide you in reflecting on your mental health:

 

1. How have you been feeling emotionally lately? Have you been experiencing any significant mood changes or fluctuations?

 

2. Are you finding it challenging to cope with stress or manage your emotions effectively?

 

3. Have you noticed any changes in your sleeping patterns, such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep?

 

4. How is your overall energy level? Do you feel fatigued or lacking in motivation?

 

5. Are you able to concentrate and focus on tasks, or do you find yourself easily distracted?

 

6. Have you been engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfilment, or have you lost interest in things you used to enjoy?

 

7. How are your relationships with others? Do you feel supported and connected, or do you feel isolated and lonely?

 

8. Have you experienced any physical symptoms that may be related to your mental health, such as headaches, stomach issues, or muscle tension?

 

9. Are you able to set boundaries and prioritize self-care, or do you often neglect your own needs?

 

10. Have you considered seeking professional help or support to address any mental health concerns you may have?

 

Reflecting on these questions can help you gain insight into your mental well-being and identify areas where you may need to focus on self-care and seek additional support if needed. Make a note in your journal and seek medical attention if you feel you need more help with your mental health. It is crucial to seek urgent medical attention if you are feeling suicidal and your symptoms are getting worse rather than better. Important to rule out physical causes for depression, anxiety, insomnia and other mental illnesses, and it's vital to have compassion for yourself to heal.​​​​

​​

​

​​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

Subscribe to the 'Universal God:Message of Peace' Youtube channel for more:​

www.youtube.com/@UniversalGodMessageofPeace

 

​​​​​Are Your Interested in discovering who you truly are?​         

 

          Try our FREE online NAHASH self-development Course​:

 

Part 1- Who Are You?

Part 2- What is Your Purpose?

Part 3- Where are you going?​

 

visit www.nahashhealth.com and subscribe now! 

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​.