BALANCED MENTAL
HEALTH
By:
Dr. Imaobong Enunwa
Resident Doctor (Behavioral Medicine Unit),
Karu General Hospital, Abuja.
OUTLINE
01 Introduction Definition of
02 Terms
Steps to
Components of Maintaining a
03 Mental Health 04 Balanced Mental
Health
Benefits of a Balanced Warning Signs of
05 Mental Health 06 Mental Disorder
Mental health
07 awareness 08 Conclusion
01 Introduction
A person’s mental health influences how
he/she thinks, feels, and behaves in his/her
daily life.
It as well affects your ability to cope with
stress, overcome challenges, build
relationships and recover from life’s
setbacks and hardships.
Mental health is important at every stage of
life, from childhood and adolescence,
through adulthood.
02 Definition of Terms
I. Health:- This is a state of complete
physical, mental and social wellbeing, and
not merely the absence of disease and
infirmity.
II. Mental Hygiene:- This refers to all the
activities and techniques which
encourages and maintains mental health.
III. Mental Health:- This is a state of balance
between the individual and the surrounding
world.
Mental Health
A state of harmony between oneself and others.
An adjustment of human beings to the world, and
to each other with maximum effectiveness and
happiness.
Mental health would include not only the absence
of diagnostic labels such as schizophrenia,
obsessive compulsive disorder, etc., but also the
ability to cope with the stressors of daily living,
freedom from anxieties, and generally a positive
outlook towards life problems.
03 Components of
Mental Health
1. Ability to accept self:
A mentally healthy individual feels
comfortable about himself/ herself.
He/she feels reasonably secure and
adequately accepts his/ her
surrounding. Has self respect.
2. Capacity to feel right towards
others:
An individual who enjoys good
mental health is able to sincerely
interested in other’s welfare. He has
friendships that are satisfying and
lasting.
3. Ability to fulfill life’s tasks:
A mentally healthy person is
able to think for himself, set
attainable goals and take his
own decisions.
Steps to Maintaining a
04 Balanced Mental Health
Awareness
1. Talk about your feelings:
Talking about your feelings can help you stay
in good mental health, and deal with times
when you feel troubled.
Talking about your feelings isn't a sign of
weakness. It is a part of taking charge of your
wellbeing and doing what you can to stay
healthy.
2. Take care of your body:
Keep active. Regular exercise can boost
your self esteem. During exercise, the body
releases chemical endorphins for a healthy
body and mind.
Get enough sleep (Recommended 8 hours
daily)
3. Nutrition:
Eat nutritious meals. Food can have a long-
lasting effect on your mental health. Your brain
needs a mixture of nutrients to stay healthy and
function well.
A healthy balanced diet includes: - A lot of
Water
-Fruits and vegetables - Nuts & Seeds
-Whole grain cereals - Dairy Products
4. Ask for help
None of us are super humans. We
all sometimes get tired or
overwhelmed by how we feel, or
when things don’t go as planned.
5. Take a break
A change of scene or change of
place/ environment is good for
your mental health.
6. Do something you are good at
What do you love doing?
Enjoying yourself can help beat
stress.
7. Accept who you are
We are all different. It is much healthier
to accept that you are unique, than to
wish you were more like someone else.
Feeling good about yourself boosts your
confidence to learn new skills.
8. Care for others
Caring for others is often an important part
of keeping up relationships with people
close to you.
9. Learn how to deal with stress
Stress is a part of life. Practice good
coping skills.
10. Quiet your mind
Meditating, relaxation, exercises,
mindfulness, and most importantly prayer.
Prayer can significantly improve your state
of mind and your outlook on life.
11. Set realistic goals
Decide what you want to achieve
academically, professionally and
personally, and write down the steps you
need to realize your goals.
Aim high, but be realistic and do not over
schedule.
12. Avoid alcohol and other psychoactive
drugs
05 Benefits of a
Balanced Mental
Health
Stronger ability to cope with life's
stressors.
Positive self image.
Healthier relationships.
Better productivity.
Higher quality of life.
06 Warning Signs of Mental Illness
Poor concentration
Being easily distracted
Unduly worried
Finding it hard to make decisions
Feeling less interested in day-to-day
activities
Low moods
Feeling overwhelmed
Tearfulness
Tiredness/ lack of energy
Sleeping more or less
Finding it difficult to control your emotions
Irritability
Aggression
Numerous aches and pains not traceable
Mental health awareness is the recognition that
our psychological wellbeing is an important part
of our health, productivity and happiness, as well
as the well being of our communities.
Mental health awareness can help you to
understand your symptoms, find professional
treatment, and most importantly, break the mental
health stigma that leaves so many people
suffering in secret.
07 Conclusion
• The mind is one of the most powerful
organs in the body, regulating the
functioning of the other organs.
• Mental and physical health cannot be
separated from each other.
• It is crucial for everyone to work
towards achieving a balance between
mental and physical wellbeing.
Thank you!
