MENTAL WELLNESS DEFINED
The World Health Organization defines mental wellness as “a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
FOUR DIMENSIONS OF MENTAL WELLNESS
- Thoughts
- Bodily functions
- Behaviors
- Emotions
Positive thoughts and a positive attitude help you have a better perspective on circumstance or events in your life. Everyone has moments of uncertainty and self-doubt; but if you begin isolating yourself, overeating, or not eating enough, lashing out at others, breaking into tears, these can be signs of deteriorating mental wellness — seek help to get back on track.
TIPS FOR IMPROVING MENTAL WELLNESS
It is possible to learn and practice skills that improve mental wellness that can be turned into habits: These skills include:
- Self-appreciation — recognizing strengths and weaknesses
- Resilience — coping with and recovering from negative events
- Affiliation — developing & maintaining a support network
- Negotiation — an attitude that it is okay to not to have all the answers, because no one ever does.
- Eating well
- Exercising and self-awareness activities such as yoga and meditation can also help reduce stress and improve mental health (sovcal.com).
RESOURCES
If you are in need of assistance, the following resources are available:
- Mental Health — 494-8234
- Chaplain — 494-4073
- MFLC — 494-2273
- DoD Safe Helpline — 877-995-5247
- Healthcare provider
- 911 — if you or someone you know is in immediate danger.
Questions pertaining to this article, may be directed to the 45 SW Violence Prevention Office at 494-3743.