Mental health, a phrase used throughout the world is gaining more popularity as global changes are occurring. Nonetheless, San Luis Obispo High School students are using this expression without fully understanding what mental health actually is. Mental health changes, positive or negative, have influenced everyone in some way. Expressions set out to understand what mental health is.
Mental health is a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being. Mental health can affect anyone, and is handled differently from individual to individual. Some people develop their mental health by certain experiences and events that happen in their life, while others can inherit mental illness from genetics.
“Mental health is my emotions and how I’m feeling, just like your physical health, it’s not always good or perfect but there are things that can help improve it,” said junior Hayley Lorenz.
One may easily become overwhelmed with the use and idea of the wording mental health. It shouldn’t be thought of as a scary or bad thing though, because a high percentage of people over their lifetime experience some type of mental illness. With each type comes different side effects that can be noticeable or just personally felt.
“My mental health is both good and bad, over quarantine I got to do more things that I enjoy, like surfing and watching TV. But on the other hand, I haven’t been able to do other things I love like see my friends which is a positive thing for my mental health ,” said junior Mikayla Marie.
Self-directed things like exercise, the outdoors, and essential oils/certain plants can help. Exercise helps relieve stress and releases good endorphins in the brain that overall make you happier. Some ideas include jogging, swimming, yoga, walking, hiking, and dancing. These have been proven to reduce depression and anxiety. Going to get fresh air and finding a niche in one of these activities may help without the use of medications.
Counseling, medication, and different types of therapies are other resources people use to assist in positively influencing their mind health. These remedies are ones that can help to benefit mental disorders.
“Mental health to me is your psychological and emotional health. Many different things can affect your mental health,” said junior Olivia Huff.
Next time, if the feeling of just needing a breath of fresh air comes about, or are struggling to maintain positive mental health, just remember there are others who are feeling the same thing and many beneficial resources are at your fingertips!
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