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What is 'Mental Health' anyway?

The new ‘Just ReachOut.com’ campaign carries a simple but hugely important mental health message – if something’s on your mind, do something about it!

What is ‘good mental health’ anyway?

Mental health is not something we only touch base with when we’re stressed or our granny passes away – it’s there all the time, it’s part of us, for better or worse. Like a recent TV ad said “it’s about who we are and those around us”.

Good mental health depends on dealing with problems early. Let’s face it, we all have to deal with bad things happening, and sometimes with terrible things happening. And it’s important to recognise that these things can damage our mental health.

But it’s almost as important to know that mental health, including your mental health is an everyday part of being human.

What can we do to look after our mental health?

Accept it as an important part of who we are
Talk about it with a friend or someone you trust if it’s not in the healthiest state
Look after yourself in general – it’s a cliche but healthy body and healthy mind really are connected
Get out and about, do something positive
Engage with others on ReachOut.com – it can be helpful to express yourself online too!!

More and more in Ireland we can finally use the words mental health without people getting embarrassed, turning away, or changing the subject. Let’s keep the revolution going so that no-one is left alone and miserable when they’re down and have something on their mind.

If it's your first time to the site, and you liked the topics in the ad campaign, check out the section on communication. Or if you want to take proactive steps to mainain good mental health, check out the 'what is happiness' factsheet, or if you want a little inspiration, watch this video from ReachOut USA about Joseph finding direction and passion in his life in an unlikely place.