What is positive mental health?
We all have mental health, just like we all have physical health. Having positive mental health means more than not having a mental health problem or illness—it includes many things that help us to live well and cope with the challenges we experience throughout our lives.
Having positive mental health means a person feels most of these signs most of the time:
- Life and personal decisions
- Being able to cope with stress and hard times.
- Being able to focus at work, school, and social gatherings
- Having a positive outlook on life and the events that happen.
- Feeling hopeful that good things can and do happen in life.
- Feeling physically healthy.
- Getting enough sleep.
- Feeling a sense of belonging to your community.
When a person is resilient, they are more likely to experience positive mental health. Some signs of resilience are:
- Being able to learn new skills, ideas and concepts
- Being able to adapt to change and new situations
- Having a positive attitude about yourself—healthy self-esteem. Your most important relationship is the one you have with yourself.
- Having confidence when dealing with conflict
- Having personal support from family and friends
- Getting involved with the community—volunteering with a local group, taking part in a program, meeting new people, sharing strengths and skills
Self-care helps us get through challenging times and can reduce stress. Here are some healthy ways to take care of your mental health:
- Go for a walk and enjoy the scenery and fresh air
- Sit and relax—enjoy a cup of tea, read a book, listen to music
- Watch a movie
- Do some physical activity—working out, running, hiking—and encourage others to join you.Exercise boosts you and your mood and helps keep your body and mind healthy.
- Do an activity with friends or family. Play your favourite games, share stories, laugh together, and enjoy each other’s company. Positive relationships support our mental wellness.
- Talk with a friend or family member
- Do an activity you enjoy—sewing, writing, carving, cooking, crafting, fishing, hunting
- Get enough sleep
- Eat country food and healthy store bought foods
- Make and eat a Healthy meal
- Check things off of your to-do-list, such as cleaning the kitchen, paying bills, or catch up with a friend you haven't seen in a while. Completing tasks that we've been putting off can reduce stress,
