We often define mental health as the ability to master our thoughts, emotions, and behaviour, as well as adapt to changes and deal with adversity. Mental and physical health are intertwined. A healthy lifestyle with enough sleep, exercise, and nutritious food is important for both mental and physical health. When we experience physical problems, they can influence our mental state. And when we are not feeling well mentally, we can often feel it in the body.
What is Normal?
It is completely normal that life has many twists and turns. We might be feeling well on some days and not so well on the other. All people experience major or minor problems from time to time. It is normal and natural to sometimes have difficult thoughts and emotions. We can be feeling sad, depressed, aggressive, or excited, but as long as it does not influence our everyday life over a long period of time, we do not call it a problem or illness.
If our mental health is largely reduced over a long period of time so that it interferes with our everyday life and prevents us from having a good life, we can start talking about mental problems or distress.
We have included more information about mental health into our student booklet “Life and Stuff”. In this booklet, we consider the following topics: self-esteem, self-confidence, body image, and thoughts and emotions, as well as mental health and substance abuse. Below you can read more about experiencing grief, which is a natural part of life.
You can find more info about VIP's booklets and the option to order them here
More About Mental Health
Mental Health Problems and Mental Illness