Signs Your Mental Health is Intact

Human behavior is fraught with complexities, such is the nature of mental health. A full grasp of the workings of the mind and what contributes or not, to a balanced mental health and emotional wellbeing in an individual requires more than casual observation. Oftentimes, we mistake the fading facade of a smiling face for peace of mind and a stable life. Mental stability goes beyond that, in this article, we'll explore mental health, nuances, red flags, etc., drawing from the experience of  Thembeca. Her journey is unique yet her story feels familiar, especially for anyone looking to discover the true state of their mental health.

Thembeca's Story

Finding serenity within. A woman gracefully practices yoga, embodying mental stability (tCaPC).

Thembeca is 24, and an international student in the UK. The challenges of a new environment, the culture shock, and the demands of academic life all contributed to her sedentary lifestyle. She didn't have many friends, it was tough finding a good company in a new environment. This alienation and other issues, including frivolous buying that put her in constant bankruptcy contributed to her anxiety. On the exterior, Thembeca looked as fulfilled as she could be. A meeting with a mental health professional at an Art exhibition opened up her mind. She realized the possibility of mental instability. Through therapy, Thembeca learned to self-examine. Mental health illness can be subtle but with the help of therapy, anyone can regain stability. Read on to discover signs of mental stability.

Sense of Humor and Resilience

It is often said that those who can find it in them to laugh at life, hard enough, laugh at their sufferings. Humor is a powerful tool for coping with life challenges, it plays a vital role, more so, in mental health. People with a great sense of humor about life and everything, are likely to show resilience and confidence in times of adversity. Understanding that humor can be a tool for regulating your emotions and stress levels is a top tip for navigating life. For Thembeca this meant keeping a lighthearted demeanor about life and things, this helped her build resilience, and the courage to venture out of her shell.

Effective Functioning in Adversity

Keeping your cool during trying times is a hallmark of mental tenacity. People with a healthy mental state can survive anything, and scale any hurdle, without losing their mind to depression or despair. Developing yourself to withstand difficulties can be a huge plus for when challenges threaten. Adaptability and the ability to solve problems are important life skills. If you already have these, then count yourself fortunate, however, if you find them lacking, seeking professional help is important. Thembeca learned the importance of building the capacity to function in any situation and anywhere, especially as a foreign student in a new environment.

Prioritizing Physical and Mental Health

Empowering Mind and Body: Explore essential health and fitness tools (tCaPC).

Prioritizing self-care is important for thriving in mental health. There's a link between a healthy body and mind, and understanding this demands a level of attention to self-care. Allowing your body to run counter-synch with your mind could harm your overall well-being. Thembeca realized the power of exercise, rest and sleep, and connecting with others in a shared sense of community. With time she built resilience and capacity to adapt to her new life in the UK.

Responsibility in Finances

If you find that you're constantly struggling with your finances and it's not as a result of other factors other than your lack of prudence, it could be a sign that your mental health is unstable. Mentally stable people are prudent with their finances and know how to allocate resources. Through therapy, Thembeca learned financial literacy, which helped her regain control of her finances. Understanding how financial responsibility impacts your mental health is crucial to overcoming anxiety.

Kindness and Empathy

Kindness towards oneself and others is a sign of emotional wholeness. If you lack empathy and kindness, it could mean emotional instability. People with mental stability can show empathy, and recognize the emotional needs of others. For Thembeca, extending kindness to others and herself was key. For a foreign student, this was important for building new relationships, and meaningful connections. It also helped her become more sociable.

Embracing compassion: A woman envelops a dog in a warm hug, epitomizing kindness and empathy towards others. 🐾 #tCaPC

Self-Awareness and Assertiveness

Life demands a level of confidence and self-awareness, which is hardly present in most people. Those who thrive in excellent mental conditions have clarity of their strengths and weaknesses, and generally who they are. They know their needs and set limits, standing by what they believe, without being disrespectful. Thembeca needed this self-assuredness to build the independence needed to make informed choices and chase her dreams with confidence.

Commitment and Follow-Through

One of the ways to test your mental state lies in your ability to commit to people and things. The fear of commitment in itself is a marker of mental instability. Mentally healthy people don't get involved at all, if they won't commit, this is because they know their strengths and weaknesses. They are determined, always striving for excellence and the trust of others. They can be relied on and not afraid to be held accountable. They value the trust and respect of others and are quick to give the same back. Thembeca's inability to connect deeply with anyone could be traced to her fear of commitment, however, during therapy she discovered the value of commitment and a positive self-image and how it impacts her overall mental wellbeing.

Conclusion 

The human mind is complex and this is equally true for a person's mental health. Mental health stability goes beyond mere looks and a positive posturing exterior. It involves several behavioral, cognitive, and emotional dimensions. Regular check-ins with your therapist can help you uncover underlying signs of mental health issues that are invisible to the naked eye. More than the self-awareness it offers. For Thembeca it helped you cultivate resilience, empathy, and courage to thrive in her new surroundings. By prioritizing self-care and personal growth, you too can build resilience, and confidence to face anything.