
Mental Health: Why You Need To Be Mentally Aware.
Before the advent of Mental Health Advocates, any form of Awareness about Mental Health or constant conversation about the need to be mentally aware, a lot of us solely related mental health illnesses to people lurking on the street. Yes, the people you and I sometimes stay away from.
I recently realized that a number of us still live with this narrative as I met one person out of that number. In commemoration of World Mental Health Day, I decided to engage a colleague in a discussion about mental health. I could guess he rarely had one of such conversations as he clearly looked uncomfortable and even voiced his thoughts. Using his exact words, he said – This is a very odd conversation.
Talking About Mental Health
Why do some of us still go around with the idea that talking about mental health is an odd conversations? What conversations should we rather have? Why do we feel more comfortable talking about Football, Food, Fashion, Relationships etc but when it comes to discussions about mental health, our voices are really low or we do not bother engaging in such conversations.
This is not to say, things have not evolved. Infact, they are and I appreciate that more people are starting conversations about mental health, more people are open to listening and more people now know how to respond to a person who needs help. This is definitely happening as a result of constant training and awareness and one of such group making information available to Nigerians and the world is Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative. I volunteer with them and you should subscribe to their news letter for up to date information on how to deal with various mental health illnesses.
Most of us are yet to see the need to be mentally aware, we feel we are in a good place and do not need information about mental health. This singular adds to the reason why the stigma associated with mental health illnesses keep rising.
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Information is a key part of meaningful living and it helps one make better choices as it relates to human interaction, self development and most phases in life including mental health. Here are 3 reasons why you need to be mentally aware:
Be Mentally Aware To Help Yourself.
When you are mentally aware, you gain unmeasurable knowledge and a clearer meaning of what mental illnesses are. You are able to identify them for yourself and know the best way to handle the symptoms.
We all go through one mental health issue or the other and at very different levels. Being mentally aware allows you pursue a wholesome life, helps you create a good living atmosphere so that you can be productive at home, work and in public places.
Being mentally aware gives you the opportunity to identify stressors and triggers to your mental health. Because you are mentally aware, you are able to talk about various mental health illnesses without fear of stigma.
Our mental health is paramount for meaningful living and you know firsthand that it is important to be mindful of your values, practice self care and to seek help when necessary.
Be Mentally Aware To Help Other People.
When your friend, colleague or loved one is going through a mental health issue, it affects you as well (maybe even more than it affects them). This is because some mental illnesses could affect the brain and at that point your mentally ill friend is oblivious of his or her actions. In a situation like this, you are left with the opportunity to make a decision that will be beneficial to his/her health.
As an individual, if you know nothing about mental health, you might panic or even make wrong decisions that can endanger your friends life. Ignorance is no longer an excuse these days as information is easily accessible.
Imagine being able to savor a mental health situation because you are equipped with information and can make informed decisions for people around you.
You can positively use the information you have to advocate for those being victimised, you are able to be sensitive to their feelings, you know the right words to say, you know how to show a sense of community and make them understand they are not alone and you can proffer adequate help including contacting medical professionals.
Be Mentally Aware To Educate People.
Humans generally avoid illnesses or situations they do not understand. For example, a lady shared an experience on Instagram – she had allergies which made her face swell up and she complained bitterly about how people avoided her just because they had no understanding of her situation.
That is a clear example of how people with mental health illnesses are stigmatized.
Truly, this can only be reduced when more people who are mentally aware teach other people about mental health and how to respond to the needs to those who mental health illnesses.
When you are mentally aware, you are able to share your knowledge about mental health with others, change the negative narrative, share your experience to empower others, encourage powerful conversations and impact small communities, encourage people to get involved, encourage people to stop stigmatization.
Your mental health is truly important. In the same light, being mentally aware gives you the opportunity to look out for yourself and for others.
Share your thoughts.
How do you stay mentally aware?
How has mental health awareness helped you?
I always love to read from you


21 Comments
Debs
I stay mentally aware by taking a break. Sometimes everything gets so overwhelming and dark and it seems as if the idea of surviving the next day is a myth.
We all definitely need to do better with enlightening others and embrace self care and love as well.
Phaytea
Taking a break is important just as knowing when we’ve had enough is too…. Let’s continue having conversations about Mental health. Thank you for sharing❤️
kanishka
These are key points I think when it comes to mental health. Knowing enough about mental health, supporting each other and caring for each other’s mental health at the same time being more and more self aware. Ignoring feelings emotions and acting as if they dont matter or not caring for other’s emotions and feelings are something a mentally unstable person could do. Or someone totally not self aware.
Phaytea
I agree with you. Being mentally aware enables one to act right. Thank you for sharing your thoughts?
Jasmin
Being aware & spreading awareness is so very important, and it has always been. It’s something that should be talked about more often, so thank you for this 🙂
ps. I love the new look of your blog! It’s been a while since I last visited 🙂
Phaytea
Thank you so much Jasmin❤️
Andreia
This is an amazing post! This is exactly what I wrote on my blog post! It is time to stop with the social stigma, and talk about it more. I am so glad you talked about this!
With love, Andreia from http://www.andreiacoelho.blog.com
Phaytea
Thank you Andreia… Let’s keep talking about mental health
ddijanab
So IMPORTANT to talk about this and yet rarely anyone does! Thank you for sharing your thoughts! 🙂
Phaytea
Let’s continue to talk about it till it becomes normal… A lot of people think it’s an odd conversation to have.
Marielle
I have a background in Psychology so I can definitely resonate to this. I think it’s important we have conversations and are open to one another about mental health. Thanks for sharing this insightful post!
Phaytea
Exactly!!! It should be a normal conversation just as we talk about other interests
Brittany Poulson
This is such an important topic. Thanks for driving awareness to it!
Phaytea
Mental Health is important and should be a constant conversation… Thank you for reading ?
Luci Cook
It is great that now we are talking about mental health and not just hiding it. We need to continue to talk about it because it could be harmful if we don’t.
Phaytea
Definitely… coddling mental health illnesses has its adverse effects
Phaytea's Pulse
Thank you for reading 🙂
Blythe Alpern
It’s so important to talk about mental health to remove the stigma. It’s not a personality faulty, and shouldn’t be treated as such. The more we talk about it, the easier it will be for others and ourselves to find the help we need.
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