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What is mental health?

Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual can realize their own potential and cope with normal life situations and the stress they generate. In particular, a mentally healthy person can contribute to their community and work productively. Mental health is therefore a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and is not simply the absence of mental disorders.

Good mental health
allows individuals to:

  • realize their full potential;

  • Coping with the stresses of life;

  • Work productively;

  • Make meaningful contributions to their communities;

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There are several ways to maintain good mental health:
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  • Have positive and meaningful connections with other people;

  • Be physically active;

  • Help others ;

  • Get enough sleep;

  • Have a healthy diet ;

  • Develop coping and stress management skills;

  • Laugh ;

  • Take the time to do pleasant activities;

  • Get professional help if needed;

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It’s normal for the quality of our mental health to fluctuate throughout our lives. Feeling more depressed in the winter or distressed after a breakup are normal and healthy fluctuations. When a person becomes overwhelmed by stress or is unable to deal with life’s challenges, they may develop a mental health disorder.

Mental health is a balance between the stress (financial, relationship, professional, etc.) that a person experiences and their ability to cope with it.

Coping skills are determined by biological, psychological and social factors that may vary over time. Some mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, are influenced to a large degree by biological factors. But most mental health disorders are triggered when all three factors hinder an individual’s coping skills during a particularly challenging time in their life.

Mental health problems result from a harmful combination of biological, psychological and social factors in situations of increased stress and decreased coping skills.

Fortunately, it is possible to reduce stress and build coping skills to improve and restore mental health.

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