What is mental health?
We often talk about mental health, but what do we mean by this? What things can we do to stay mentally healthy?
Hey, I'm Brian, my friends call me "the Brain"!
What words come into your mind when you hear the words ‘mental health’?
- Happy.
- Sad.
- Worried.
- Angry.
- Proud.
- Depressed.
- Anxious.
- Psychotic.
- Bipolar.
- ADHD.
- Scared.
- Content.
- Optimistic.
- Calm.
- Hyper.
- Energetic.
- Stressed.
- Lonely.
Mental health can be difficult to describe because it’s about lots of different things and it isn’t something we can see. However, just because we can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there.
Brian (the brain)
Emotions
Video
Listen below to Kate describing the Wordles she creates about emotions.
Just like our physical health, how we feel inside can change and be affected by things that are going on in our lives. Sometimes we might feel happy, excited, content and proud of something we have done; these are all feelings that make us feel good about ourselves. Other times we might feel sad, worried or scared and these unpleasant feelings make it difficult to think positively about ourselves.
Brian (the Brain)
These thoughts and feelings are examples of our mental health, and just like we look after our physical health, it’s important to look after our mental health as well.
Emotional wellbeing
Video
Listen below to Lewis talking about how mental health really just means emotional wellbeing.
Sometimes we might hear or read about ‘good mental health’, this is also known as ‘positive mental wellbeing’.
The range of things people often have when they have positive mental wellbeing includes:
- They feel good about themselves.
- Can think positively.
- Can enjoy things in their lives.
- Can enjoy friends and relationships.
- Can keep up with school work.
- Can cope with difficult times.