6 Ways to improve mental health, today

Posted on 9 October 2018

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four people suffers from a mental disorder. This makes mental disorders one of the leading causes of ill health and disability worldwide.

It all starts in the mind

“Your mental health has three aspects,” explains Gerhard Badenhorst, an educational and vocational psychologist at Mediclinic Bloemfontein. “It starts cognitively – in the mind. Then it moves to emotions – how the person feels. This all impacts on a person’s behaviour.”

Dr Melinda Lombard, a psychiatrist at Mediclinic Midstream, explains that mental health refers to our mental wellbeing: our emotions, our thoughts and feelings, our ability to solve problems and overcome difficulties, our social connections, and our understanding of the world around us.

“A mental illness affects the way people think, feel, behave, or interact with others,” says Dr Lombard. “There are many different mental illnesses, which have different symptoms and impact patients’ lives in different ways.”

Improving and maintaining good mental health is rooted in a strong support system and a healthy lifestyle.

If you’re unable to realise your potential, unable to cope with everyday stressors and are unable to work productively, consult a mental health professional.