The Goals of Mental Health Promotion
Increase awareness about mental health and wellness in Kentucky, including:
- Definitions of mental health and wellness
- Benefits of mental health and wellness
- Disparities in mental health and wellness
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Promote mental wellness for all Kentuckians through education, including:
- Risk factors for poor mental health
- Strategies to improve mental health and wellness
Reduce stigma around mental health
Explore the Mental Health Promotion Resources
What is Mental Wellness?
Being
mentally well is more than just the absence of a diagnosed mental
health condition. It includes our overall emotional, psychological, and
social well-being.
Our
level of mental wellness impacts our ability to cope with stress,
engage in meaningful activities, and build positive relationships.
"Being mentally well can have many good impacts on your overall physical, mental, social, and emotional wellbeing."
Focusing on your MENTAL WELLNESS can…
- Reduce risk of physical health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
- Reduce risk of developing depression and anxiety.
- Increase positive outlook and ability to enjoy life.
- Increase ability to cope with stressful or difficult life events.
- Increase creativity and openness to new experiences.
- Improve relationships with the people in your life.
- Increase productivity to allow you to reach your potential.
- Enable you to make meaningful contributions to your family, community, and society.
- Increase ability to think clearly and make healthy decisions.
- Improve mood, self-esteem, and confidence.
REMEMBER: EVERYONE HAS THE CAPACITY TO BE MENTALLY WELL, regardless of whether you have a mental health condition.
The Mental Health Continuum
Mental health exists on a continuum from “mentally well” to “mental health crisis” and contains a whole range of emotions.
On a variety of factors, including biology, genetics, and circumstances,
we move along the continuum in both directions as we move through life.
Everyone can experience mental wellness or a mental health crisis,
regardless of whether they have a diagnosed mental health condition.
Mentally Well
Being mentally well means you are thriving and experiencing no major issues.
Signs of mental wellness include:
Frequently experiencing positive emotions
Experiencing few sleep problemsMinimal changes in moodGenerally feeling calmMaintaining optimismTaking challenges in strideHaving a good sense of humorPerforming wellFeeling physically wellHaving a good energy levelBeing socially engagedUsing alcohol or substances on a limited basisParticipating in gambling infrequentlyControlling symptoms of any mental health conditions
When you are feeling mentally well is a great time to develop a safety plan. Mental Distress
Mental distress is common and expected discomfort in response to the stresses of everyday life.
Signs of mental distress include:
- Feeling irritable or impatient
- Feeling sad or nervous
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Procrastinating
- Being forgetful
- Having trouble concentrating
- Experiencing minor sleep trouble
- Performing adequately
- Feeling muscle tension/headaches
- Experiencing lower energy level
- Decreased social engagement
- Regular but controlled alcohol or substance use
- Regular but controlled gambling
- Symptoms of mental health conditions may be increased but manageable
Consider developing a safety plan to help prevent a mental health crisis.
Mental Health Problem
Mental
health problems often occur as a reaction to major life changes or
challenges. These feelings can be intense and may last awhile, but
usually go away after enough time has passed.
Signs of a mental health problem include:
- Frequently experiencing difficult emotions
- Experiencing anxiety or panic
- Sporadic attendance
- Poor performance
- Poor concentration
- Increased aches and pains
- Increased fatigue
- Consistent sleep problems (restless/disturbed sleep or too much sleep)
- Social withdrawal or avoidance
- Difficulty controlling alcohol or substance use
- Difficulty controlling gambling
- Difficulty managing symptoms of mental health conditions
You
may need to seek assistance from a doctor or mental health provider.
Consult your safety plan, or develop one, to prevent a mental health
crisis. Call 988 for assistance with finding a provider or developing a
crisis plan.
Mental Health Crisis
A
mental health crisis refers to extreme or intense symptoms that
severely impact ability to function. Symptoms may be sudden and resolve
quickly or may persist for a long period of time.
Signs of a mental health problem include:
- Consistent negative emotions
- Excessive anxiety/panic
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Angry or emotional outbursts
- Severe sleep problems (insomnia, nightmares, or sleeping too much)
- Unable to perform
- Consistent absenteeism
- Socially unresponsive (not going out, not answering calls or messages)
- Feeling physically unwell
- Unable to control alcohol or substance use
- Unable to control gambling
- Symptoms of mental health conditions are uncontrolled
You
may need to seek assistance from a doctor or mental health provider.
Consult your safety plan, or develop one, to prevent a mental health
crisis. Call 988 for assistance with finding a provider or developing a
crisis plan.
Mental Health Check-In
- How am I feeling today?
Take notice of your mood and how your body feels. Physical signs of mental health issues might include:
- Headaches
- Body Pains
- Skin Rashes
- Stomachaches
- Muscle Tension
- Frequent Urination
- Appetite Changes
- Weight Changes
- Changes in Energy
- What has been worrying me?
Identifying your stressors can help you address them.
- Am I taking care of my body?
- Do I...
- Eat healthy, regular meals?
- Drink plenty of water?
- Maintain personal hygiene?
- Move my body?
- Get enough sleep?
- Spend time outside?
- What am I doing to bring myself joy?
Examples may include:- Creative hobbies (cooking, art, music, etc.)
- Reading books for fun
- Watching a TV show I enjoy
- Spending time with my pets
- Keeping a gratitude journal
- Who is in my corner?
- Do I have someone in my life who…
- Gives good advice when I ask for it?
- Is respectful and trustworthy?
- Listens to me?
- Has my best interests at heart?
Visit
Psychology Today to learn more about mental health treatment or to find a provider near you.
Resource Spotlight
To explore more mental health promotion resources for each month, check out the Mental Health Awareness Resources page.
National Institute of Mental Health