“A Healthier Mind is a Happier Life” is the motto of the American Mental Wellness Association.  Thus, I am very grateful to be writing for  SPEM Health  , LLC.  As a SPEM Health contributor the American Mental Wellness Awareness Association has a great opportunity to share with you very important information on prevention and early intervention of Mental Health problems.

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Mental Wellness according to the World Health Organization is defined as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stress of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”  A few years ago, Scientific American’s Blog Network published an article by Aaron Reuben and Jonathan Schaefer about new research from their lab and others around the world that suggests Mental illnesses are so common almost everyone will develop at least one diagnosable Mental disorder at some point in their life. Yet, most of these people will never receive treatment, and their relationships, job performance and life satisfaction will likely suffer.  This study revealed more people are likely to experience a Mental Health problem than those who develop diabetes, heart disease or any kind of cancer whatsoever.[1] That’s the bad news. The good news is in most cases Mental Health problems are temporary conditions and are very treatable and best treated during the first stage of the illness.

 

Since Mental Health problems are treatable medical conditions and are as prevalent as the flu, all of us need to know how we can prevent them. And, if we do come down with a mental health problem what can we do to get well as quickly as possible (early intervention). 

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Staying Mentally Healthy should be a goal for everyone. To do so requires us to focus on our biophysical, psychological, social, and spiritual wellbeing. This is SPEM Health.  Like all goals, however, there are growing pains to achievement.  Even though we know that our biophysical health requires eating healthy, exercising, sleeping well, good hygiene, and avoiding harmful substances we fall short of consistently applying them. Even though we know that our psychological health requires positive thinking, balancing our work and play, accepting our imperfections, and removing ourselves from damaging relationships, we fall short here too. We even fall short on our social wellbeing. Sometimes it is our fault and sometimes we have little control over our social health. Having a social support system is imperative to our holistic health.  But many people do not always have one available for numerous reasons. Having a home and work life that is always positive is an ideal but surely never a total reality. And, how many people have a healthy Spiritual life?  Believing in a higher being is considered helpful for one’s holistic health; but, some do not and yet they are doing fine. They tend to fill their spiritual need with healthy dreams, aspirations, and good morals. Nonetheless, everyone falls short of consistently providing for their Spiritual Health. 

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So, we live with Growing Pains. Not such a bad thing when you consider the pain leads to a higher level of self-knowledge, maturity and holistic health. If you are having a growing pain in the early stages of your goal for SPEM Health don’t give up.  Growing pains are a temporary difficulty and/or problem at the beginning of a particular stage of development. You are striving for holistic health. So, you can count on some growing pains as you transition to healthier ways to live your life to its fullest. 

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In The Growing Pains Of Life:  From Hardship To Happiness, Brenda Marshall writes, “The pain and uncomfortable feelings you experience are signs of strength, as weakness leaves the body.  Embrace it, soak it up, and encourage as much growth as possible. Do not be afraid to ask for help if needed. Everyone is on a personal path and faces unique challenges, but no one is in this alone.”[2]

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To learn more about Mental Wellness and Mental Health problems, from in utero to 106 years old, check out our website at www.AmericanMentalWellness.org . There you will find under “Resources” free 5” x 7” download cards providing information on prevention and early intervention for 4 age levels: Preschool through Elementary; Middle School; High School/Adult; and Older Adult.  Also, while on our website please sign on as a “Champion for Prevention, Early Intervention, Scientific Research and Cures of Mental Health Problems.” 

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Enjoy your journey towards a healthier mind and a happier life!

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Sharon Engdahl,

Executive Director, AMWA

             

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[1]   Scientific American’s Blog Network. https://blogsscientificamerican.com .  July 14, 2017. “Mental Illness is Far More Common Than We Knew.” Aaron Reuben and Jonathan Schaefer    

  

[2] Elite Daily.  www.elitedaily.com . August 27, 2013. “The Growing Pains Of Life:  From Hardship To Happiness.” Brenda Marshall.