What is Poor Mental Health?

Simply put, this is when our mental health is not what we would want it to be.

Finding it difficult to manage how we think, feel, act with respect to daily stresses could be a sign of poor mental health. Having continuous episodes of mental ill health could indicate a problem.

It is important to remember that poor mental health is common. This does not mean someone is mentally ill.

If you believe that you're experiencing problems, it's important to know that help is available.

Mental ill health affects all of society and not just a small, isolated segment. While certain groups are more vulnerable, nobody is immune.

These problems are characterised by alterations in thinking, mood or behaviour. Good mental health is more than simply the absence of problems.

You can find out more about mental health and detailed information on specific conditions from the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Remember, taking time out to remember a few simple ways to protect your own mental wellbeing could make all the difference. These include:

• Getting enough rest.
• Making time for yourself, family and friends – talk to them about how you feel.
• Getting to know who you are and what you think about – try to do things that make you happy and don’t forget to laugh regularly.
• Cultivating and encouraging optimism in yourself and others, and trying to avoid over-thinking and comparisons with others – learn to balance and accept what you can and cannot change about yourself.
• Exercising regularly, preferably with someone else.
• Limiting your intake of alcohol and avoiding cigarettes and other drugs.

For more information on organisations that can help if you're feeling in poor mental health, please visit http://helplinesnetworkni.com/.