Although all aspects of health are important, traditionally mental health has not been acknowledged and addressed in the same way as physical health. There has often been a stigma or sense of unease surrounding mental ill-health, often from the individual themselves. A diagnosis of a mental health condition can often lead to feelings of shame or embarrassment. However, with the changing views in society and the work that has been done to break the stigma attached to mental illness, people are becoming more aware of the difference between mental health and mental illness.
 
Just like physical health, everyone has mental health. Good mental health involves experiencing both positive and negative emotions and looking after the health of your mind. Mental health influences our mood, emotions, and how we think and feel about ourselves, other people and situations that are occurring around us. It also affects our ability to process information and communicate and our capacity to learn. A stressful life event or a period of transition can affect all of these factors.
 
Looking after our mental health is crucial and can help individuals cope with change. It is crucial to remember that despite a mental illness diagnosis, an individual can still have good mental health. In addition, an individual with no mental illness can have poor mental health.
 Heidi
 
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyxCjnHqBq8 - This video is great as it explains about the different areas of the brain that can be affected. Definitely worth a watch. 

 

I feel mental health can also be influenced by biological factors, such as family history and life experiences.

When a person’s physical wellbeing is healthy, it enables a person to go to work, socialise with family/fiends and manage everyday activities, which in turn can have a positive impact on a person’s mental wellbeing. However, this is not always the case, as life experiences and biological factors also have a role to play with this.

I also feel a person’s mental health can change throughout their lives, depending on life events and different stages of their lives. 

I feel mental health has been a grey area for a long time and too many people have had to suffer in silence and have not access the support they have desperately required. I feel so pleased that subject of mental health is now making its way into the media and is being highlighted more. 

It is also very positive to see that members of the Royal Family are also supporting mental health charities and highlighting the importance of talking about mental health and encouraging people to access support.

I feel so fortunate to be studying this subject and will hopefully be able to provide women and their families with the support they so deserve. 
Amy