Mental health is an essential part of living a healthy life. Despite the importance, mental health is looked down upon and given less precedence over physical health. Mental wellness encompasses your psychological, social, and emotional well-being. The state of your mental wellness impacts cognition and how you behave in social situations. Therefore, discussing its relationship with the quality of life is essential. 

This article addresses the link between mental wellness and quality of life and what you must do to keep your mental sanity intact.

Is mental wellness essential?

Everything you do – the people you meet, the work you do, and what you think – affects the state of your mind. Considering that mental wellness is vital for every part of your life, whether professional or personal, it is essential for a balanced lifestyle. 

Life’s various circumstances can affect your mental wellness in multiple ways. Childhood trauma, emotional pain from losing a loved one, or situational stress may mold how you think and act. If you find yourself in situations that heighten your stress level, you’re likely to develop certain health problems. 

Similarly, negative experiences in life may push you toward unhealthy coping mechanisms like drug and alcohol use. Addiction not only affects your mental and physical wellness but puts a strain on your relationships. Estranged relationships further dampen your quality of life. If you are in a similar situation, consider Vista Pines Health Group for psychological and emotional support. Evidence-based medical and psychological intervention is at the heart of rehabilitation at Vista Pines. Besides the support staff, you can also interact with others in recovery. 

Not considering mental wellness can lead to several physical health issues and chronic conditions. 

Impact of Deteriorating Mental Health

Mental health issues affect many bodily functions and organs by jeopardizing the immune, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. Lack of disregard for mental health can lead to a loss in physical well-being. Issues like depression, anxiety, and stress can cause digestive problems or take a few years out of your life by putting you at risk of life-threatening illnesses. 

Health issues like chronic inflammation, chronic pain, fluctuations in weight, and malnutrition are common conditions that can develop if you don’t prioritize your mental wellness. Certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies correlate with anxiety and mood disorders. Vitamin B is associated with problems like memory loss, mood irritability, sleep disorders, and depression. 

Specifically, those recovering from substance abuse may find it challenging to cope with mental health issues when dealing with relapses and urges. You may suffer from sleep disorders or a disturbing pattern of sleeping that can affect appetite and concentration and cause mood swings. Prolonged dependency on intoxicants can also cause severe illnesses like liver and lung diseases and cancer. 

In addition, prolonged alcohol consumption can cause brain damage that may hinder cognition. It can also lead to memory loss or put you at a greater risk of disorders like dementia or Alzheimer’s, further deteriorating your quality of life.

Hindrances in professional life

Whether it is a mental health issue like depression or an addictive disorder, it is no surprise that your work life can get seriously impacted. While the stigma of mental health has decreased, many corporations are still not open to hiring individuals with a history of mental health issues, specifically drug abuse. 

Substance abuse or mental health issues like depression may dampen your performance at work. Forgetting appointments or failing to attend work meetings can negatively impact your employer. Frequent mishaps may lead to eventual suspension from a job, which can jeopardize your financial situation. Financial jeopardy can cause stress and further dampen your state of mental wellness. 

Mental health issues left untreated can also impact your professional life. Mental health disorders like schizophrenia and depression may affect your emotional, physical, and behavioral health. Work relationships get disturbed, and uncertainty about the job sets in, which can further cause stress.

Taking care of your mental health is essential, especially if you’re working in a high-pressure environment. The “hustle culture” may have led you to believe that those who don’t crack under pressure are likely to succeed. Don’t let these claims deteriorate your mental well-being. If you’re experiencing disruptive behavior from colleagues or a toxic positive environment, consider taking a break for your mental health. 

Loss of human connection

It is second nature for those suffering from mental health issues to avoid human contact. It can become difficult to socialize with others when you feel empty and sad on the inside. Lack of human connection may enhance stress and depression while reducing the quality of life. 

Even those engaged in substance abuse and alcoholism fail to keep social ties. Drug addicts sometimes have stronger connections with those who benefit them, like drug dealers or friends who frequently smoke with them. When negative relationships like this start settling, there is no time for healthy ones like your friends and family. 

Human beings are inherently social beings and thrive on social connections. Loss of social connection affects your growth and prevents you from engaging in delightful moments with others. 

How to Improve Your Mental Wellness and Quality of Life?

There are countless ways of seeking balance in life through mental wellness. For starters, seek medical and professional help if the situation calls for it. Try to engage with others in your community or those going through the same troubles as you in support groups and community circles. Discussing your problems with strangers can be liberating, knowing no one is judging you. Knowing someone else’s recovery process is also a good way of learning to accept yourself and empathize with others.

Apart from that, engage in activities like exercise, reading, eating a nutritious diet, volunteering, and helping the community. It is also beneficial to take a step back from social duties and responsibilities instead of being all over the place. 

While working on yourself, know that it is also difficult for those around you – friends and family – to see you in a state of suffering or struggle. It is okay to take a step back and give your loved ones a break too. Also, be appreciative of their support and efforts during your journey to recovery. 

Conclusion

There are many ways to approach mental wellness and achieve a quality life. Take a break from the trivialities of life if you feel the need. Turn to a friend or loved one for support during times of chaos. And if you feel the need, get in touch with a therapist or a counselor to seek proper treatment. 

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