How to Maintain Mental Health?

Mental health is defined as cognitive, emotional and behavioral well-being and includes the entire life process. Although there are many negative factors that affect mental health, which are of such importance, following some steps helps to protect mental health.

Mental health is an integral part of our health. While the World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, but a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being”; He defines mental health as follows: "A state of well-being in which an individual realizes his/her abilities, copes with the normal stresses of life, works productively and efficiently, and contributes to the society in which he lives." According to this definition, mental health should not be evaluated as just whether a person has a mental illness or not.

Being mentally healthy means that the individual is in balance and harmony with himself and the people around him. This harmony does not depend on strict rules, it shows variability and flexibility to a certain extent. It may not always be possible to clearly determine the boundaries of emotionally experienced emotions and behaviors when they are healthy or when they are signs of illness.

What are the characteristics of a mentally healthy person?

The person is compatible with himself at first, the reason is uncertain and he is away from long-lasting anxiety, fear and doubts.
The person should be able to establish a healthy relationship and communication with other people in the near and far environment.
He should know his role in the society he lives in, that is, he has responsibilities as well as rights as an individual in the society.
He should be self-confident, aware of his abilities, evaluate and accept himself with his pros and cons.
There should be realistic expectations for the future and an effort to reach them. If he cannot reach it, he should be able to make new plans to replace it. He should be able to cope with the obstacles he encounters by not giving up.
Must be capable of independent decision making and implementation.
He should be compatible with the society he lives in, and be able to respect the beliefs and value judgments of others.
He should be able to put love at the foundation of human relations.

How to Maintain Mental Health?

What should be done to protect mental health?

First of all, the person should know himself and respect himself.
He should be aware of his spiritual strengths and weaknesses.
He should know his own abilities and limits, have expectations in this direction and should not compare himself with others.
He should protect his boundaries and be able to say no when necessary. It is important to recognize and protect one's own boundaries as well as accepting that others have boundaries.
He should give himself the freedom to make mistakes and know how to turn mistakes into opportunities
He should maker ealistic plans, should not lose hope when these plans do not come true, should not give up, continue the struggle or set sail for new dreams
Must be able to adapt quickly by making realistic evaluations in the face of new situations
Being productive, having a purpose and putting effort into a job are important for a fulfilling life.
Obstacles can be encountered at any time in life. When obstacles and losses are accepted, it will be easier to recover and adapt to life.
It is important to be aware of what you have and to understand its importance.
Physical health should be taken care of. Although mental and physical health are thought of as separate things, they actually interact closely.