{"id":12934,"date":"2022-08-01T18:51:35","date_gmt":"2022-08-01T23:51:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mentalhe180dev.wpenginepowered.com\/news\/an-introduction-to-mental-wellbeing\/"},"modified":"2025-10-15T08:55:56","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T13:55:56","slug":"an-introduction-to-mental-wellbeing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.grafik.mentalhealthfirstaid.org\/es\/news\/an-introduction-to-mental-wellbeing\/","title":{"rendered":"An Introduction to Mental Wellbeing"},"content":{"rendered":"

We\u2019re bombarded with messages about our physical health. Commercials hawk the latest diet programs or supplements; magazines boast the best workout routines; and subway ads remind you to see your doctor for a physical. These messages usually ignore a very important aspect of our overall health \u2013 our mental wellbeing.<\/p>\n

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing<\/a> defines mental wellbeing as \u201cthriving regardless of a mental health or substance use challenge,\u201d representing \u201cresilience, strength and recovery.\u201d Mental wellbeing is about understanding and caring for your thoughts, feelings and actions. This can look different for each person.<\/p>\n

According to the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) curriculum, when someone faces a mental health challenge, like depression or anxiety, it can affect all areas of their life. They may have difficulty working or in their personal relationships. It can lead to the use of alcohol and other substances. It can even disrupt the lives of those close to them, despite being treated.<\/p>\n

Mental health challenges can impact our physical health too. For example, anxiety can cause<\/a> physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, insomnia and lack of concentration. Depression has been shown<\/a> to increase the risk of long-lasting conditions like diabetes, heart disease and stroke.<\/p>\n

Take care of your mental wellbeing.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Often, the ways we care for our body can overlap with the ways we care for our mind. Use these tips from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration<\/a> (SAMHSA) and the National Institute of Mental Health<\/a> to take care of your physical and mental wellbeing every day.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Physical Health<\/strong><\/td>\nMental Health<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Eat a balanced diet with various fruits and vegetables.<\/td>\nConnect with loved ones and those in your community for emotional support. Even a phone or video call can be beneficial!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Participate in 30 minutes of physical activity that you enjoy every day, such as walking or yoga.<\/td>\nParticipate in 30 minutes of physical activity that you enjoy every day, such as walking or yoga.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Get the appropriate amount of sleep each night. For adults, seven to nine hours is recommended.<\/td>\nGet the appropriate amount of sleep each night. For adults, seven to nine hours is recommended.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Maintain proper hygiene, including brushing your teeth and showering regularly.<\/td>\nPractice gratitude by naming at least one small thing that you are grateful for each day.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Moderate use of substances such as tobacco and alcohol. Try reaching out to family or friends instead of using substances when you are going through a tough time.<\/td>\nTake 15-20 minutes a day to relax by meditating, journaling or doing breathing exercises.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mental health challenges are not uncommon.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Even if you aren\u2019t facing a mental health challenge, it is likely that someone in your life is. According to a national survey<\/a> administered by SAMHSA, about 18.9% of adults 18 years or older experience a mental health or substance use challenge each year. This translates to nearly one in five adults<\/a> in the United States. It\u2019s important to understand what mental wellbeing is and how to take care of it so you can support your loved ones when they might need it most.<\/p>\n

Understanding how to have open and honest conversations about these topics can help those close to you feel more comfortable talking with you about the challenges they face. If you\u2019re not sure where to begin, here are some conversation starters from MHFA<\/a> to break the ice.<\/p>\n