What is Mental Wellness?
According to the World Health Organization, mental wellness is defined as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
MENTAL WELLNESS by Sister Patricia Mendez
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” ( 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18).
Testimony: Life has not been easy; I have struggled with anxiety and depression for most of my life. For whatever reason, I had to experience these feelings of loneliness; to feel ashamed and unwanted. I contribute my healing to my Salvation and belonging to a beautiful home called Victory Outreach Inglewood. I now am a child of God, and the sins that weighed me down are no longer mine but His who saved me. (Hebrews 13:5)
What holds us back? People have many reasons, but historically we base our misconceptions about mental illness on stereotypes, stigmas, or just plain fear of the unknown.
1. When someone is struggling they should be referred to a mental health professional who can give a proper diagnosis, or provide explanations and clarity for their difficulties. Our great God gives wisdom to the physicians and He is our Greatest Physician. We can trust their hands to be guided by His own.
2. Sharing our trials and difficulties can help us in times of mental strife. This principle helps us work through and process our thoughts. It helps to talk to other Christians who maybe have gone through the same situation and can relate. It helps us heal physically and mentally. When we bond with others we build trust and in turn will give greater feelings of belonging.
3. Most important thing to remember is to know that God loves you. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not him” (1 John 3: 1).
4. Make sure your getting adequate rest with diet and exercise. Your body affects your behavior, and your muscles affect your moods. A quick run does wonders for your stress, health, and mood!
5. We have to stay motivated and positive. We shall overcome! If we know that through him, we have already won the battle, then what is there to stop us from growing in our health and wellness? “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death” (Revelation 12:11)