SHAPING MINDS: NURTURING MENTAL HEALTH

The response of many in recent times to the question – (How are you?) really has been, “We are managing. Are you also managing? It is said that healing takes time and asking for help is a courageous step, same way self-care is how you take your power back. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. That is why, it is okay to not be okay as long as you are not giving up. “Your disorder or situation does not define you. Your strength and courage does.” – Unknown

Many people are hurting in the world of work and are still unable to ask for help. Most business owners at the top feel very lonely. Several others also find themselves in the crowd but still feel very lonely – only a few will understand. But we all need a safe space to share our triumphs, open up about life challenges and voice out our fears. So I ask you again, (How are you really?)

For the first time in the history of Rotary International, there is a call to prioritize mental health. So I ask, how often do we check on our club members? Rotarian President, board members and service project directors, you may want to consider these ideas as low-hanging service project initiatives, a departure from the brick-and-mortar projects we may be accustomed to. When last did you devote time to finding out if your club members are doing really well? Have you conducted a club health survey? Is the club board and leadership open to new ideas? Are we lacking innovation and creativity? Jump into the Rotary Learning Center to learn how to conduct these surveys. And congratulations to our District Leaderboard Champion, Rotaractor Richard Osei-Agyeman from the Rotaract Club of Accra –Osu RE for winning the championship for the Rotary year 2022-2023.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health problems and disorders are common and affect people of all ages,    genders, cultures, and backgrounds. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide,     affecting more than 264 million people. Anxiety disorders affect more than 284 million people worldwide. Dementia affects about 50 million people worldwide. Substance use disorders affect about 271 million people worldwide.      Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds. We can only drop the self-pity when we have increased knowledge and understanding of mental health issues, as this will help reduce stigma and discrimination, assist people in seeking help when needed, support others who are struggling, and promote well-being for everyone.

Let’s have a conversation on mental health and why it is important to prioritize it. The World Health Organization notes that “Mental Health is the state of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being which influences how we think, feel, and act”.

It also affects how we cope with stress, relate to others, and make choices. As such, mental health is important at every stage of life – from childhood to adulthood. It can change over time, depending on various factors such as life events, biological factors, economic hardship or environmental influences.

It is worth noting that economic hardship and mental health are closely linked, as financial stress can affect people’s emotional and psychological well-being. Economic hardship can cause or worsen mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and suicidal behaviour and addiction. This is because economic hardship can create feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, shame, guilt,      anger, and fear. It can also reduce people’s access to basic needs, social support, health care, and coping resources.

Mental health problems can on the other hand, also cause or worsen economic hardship, as they can impair people’s functioning,         productivity, and income. This is because mental health problems can affect people’s motivation, concentration, decision-making, communication, and interpersonal skills. They can also increase people’s absenteeism, disability, and healthcare costs. And here is the tricky one, economic hardship and mental health problems can create a vicious cycle that is hard to break. People who experience economic hardship are more likely to develop mental health problems, and people who have mental health problems are more likely to face economic hardship. This can lead to chronic stress, poor coping, and reduced quality of life. The type and duration of treatment may vary depending on the person and the condition. For self-help strategies, let’s learn to prioritize our mental health since it is a great way to improve our well-being and happiness. Here are some tips that may help you do that:

8. What are the things that cause you stress?  Identify your stressors and focus on the most important ones. Try to eliminate or reduce the sources of stress that are not essential or beneficial to and for you.
9. Set boundaries with people or situations that negatively affect your mental health. Learn to say no to things that you don’t want to do or that make you feel worse.
10. Challenge your negative self-talk and replace it with more positive and realistic thoughts. Don’t believe everything you think and look for evidence that contradicts your negative assumptions. Learn to doubt your doubts.
11. Take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Eat well, exercise regularly, get enough rest and avoid alcohol or drugs that can worsen your mood. Be a thinker and not a drinker.
12. Meditation: Practice mindfulness and meditation to calm your mind and body.
13. Seek social support from people who care about you and understand you. Talk to your friends, family, or other trusted people about how you feel and what you need. This is very important, don’t just talk to anyone. It should be people you trust. Since some people may make you worse off by broadcasting your challenges when discussed, instead of being confidential – avoid them.
14.   Reach out to a professional if you feel overwhelmed, hopeless, or suicidal. Therapy can help you explore your emotions, cope with your challenges, and receive appropriate treatment.
15.   Go at your own pace and don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone has their journey and challenges, and there is no need to rush or pressure yourself. Do what feels right for you and celebrate your progress.
16.  Safe space: Go to places where you are celebrated and not tolerated.
17. Learn to associate with people on the same mission as you. It will help you loads.

It is perfectly okay to sometimes feel sad, angry, annoyed, frustrated, scared, or anxious, you are human. Having feelings doesn’t make you a negative person but dwelling on and living through these self-doubts and negativity does. So please drop the pity party, snap out of it and let’s create some hope for ourselves together. You are not your thoughts.

You are the observer of your thoughts. Let the only meaningful journey be the actual journey within. Turn on your light and find happiness again even in the darkest time and prioritize your mental health. This way, we can better create hope in the world.

Baptista Sarah Gebu
District Chair, Vocational Training Teams
District 9104, Zone 22  Ghana