Good health and Well-being with Adaku #Mindfulness –part 3

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health as ‘a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’ (WHO, 1948)

Good health and well-being indeed encompasses the whole circumstance of the individual, this includes the state of mind. As human beings we do go

through a lot of emotional problems at different times.

But when there is the absence of happiness and prolonged mental torture and lack of well-being this could lead to physical illness. Take for instance if someone is worried about paying bills ,fear of the unknown ,academic pressure etc, this could lead to low mood and low mood will in turn lead to anxiety and depression if not treated or managed promptly.

A good place to start is to engage in critical mindfulness. Mindfulness simply means being aware of your emotional state at all times and being able to understand when you are not having a good mood in other to help nip things in the bud before if falls into full scale anxiety and depression.

Managing stress:

Poor stress management entails overtly displaying emotions (e.g. anger), taking problems out on ourselves or others. Excellent stress management entails displaying emotions appropriately, being aware of vulnerabilities and seeking help when needed.

There are non-pharmacological means of making us feel healthy and well; for instance mindfulness, music, arts and crafts, exercise and yoga.Clinicians have advised non pharmacological therapy as first intervention and where this does not work over time patients can be prescribed medication.

Pharmacological prescriptions have side effects and patients who go on to take anti-depressants may also experience certain undesirable side effects.Most antidepressants are obtainable by prescription and there is also a slim chance of dependence and withdrawal symptoms, hence medication is reduced gradually over a period of time before stopping it.

No one is perfect, but I believe if we consciously understand our emotions and learn how to keep it in check we may be able to live happy healthier lives.

If you are going through prolonged stress,low mood and anxiety,please talk to a healthcare professional.

Adaku Efuribe