Akshay had a workshop in his school today on mental health, where the guest speaker emphasized that students should focus on their mental health and make it a priority. But this left Akshay with many questions. What does focusing on mental health mean? How can you tell if your mental health needs attention? What are the signs that something might be off? How serious could it be, and what steps can you take to address it? Should you consider seeing a doctor or counselor? If all of this seems overwhelming, don’t worry! In this edition of ‘That’s Puzzling’, we’ll dive into understanding mental health and explore mental illness as well.

What is mental health and why is it important?

Mental health is an essential part of our overall well-being, just like physical health. It involves how we think, feel, and interact with the world around us. Sometimes, just like catching a cold, things can go a bit off with our mental health too. While everyone has bad days, persistent difficulties in how we feel or react could indicate a mental health issue that might need attention from professionals like therapists or doctors. 

How do you know when your mental health slips?

Imagine you’re having a bad day: you missed your school bus, forgot your lunch, and didn’t do so great on a test. Feeling sad or upset is totally normal in such cases. But, what if those bad feelings don’t go away and start to make everything seem difficult every day? That’s when our mental health might need a bit of extra attention, kind of like seeing a doctor when a cold doesn’t get better.

When do you think it’s more than a slip?

If feeling down, anxious, or stressed and it doesn’t stop and starts to really change the way you live, it might be a mental illness. This doesn’t mean you’re broken; it just means you need the right kind of help to feel better, like how you’d take medicine for a fever.

Mental illness encompasses a wide range of mental health conditions that affect mood, thinking and behaviour. These conditions can disrupt a person’s ability to function at school, work, and in social situations. Having a mental illness means dealing with challenges that can significantly impact daily life and may require management through therapy, medication, and support. 

When do mental issues become serious?

Mental issues become serious when they significantly impair an individual’s ability to function in daily life. Imagine a student who feels sad and anxious all the time. They start distancing themselves from friends and prefer to be alone instead of spending time with them. They can’t focus on their studies, causing their grades to drop. They have trouble sleeping or sleep too much. They get angry over small things and start arguing with others. If they begin to think about hurting themselves or have thoughts of suicide, it indicates that their mental health has become severe and needs immediate attention.

Taking mental health issues seriously and getting the right help at the right time is very important to help the person get better. 

When to seek medical help

Just like we wouldn’t ignore a broken arm, we shouldn’t ignore our mental health needs. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just not like yourself, it’s perfectly okay to ask for help. Think of it this way: just like you wouldn’t hesitate to see a doctor for a broken bone, your mental health deserves the same care and attention.

If you find yourself overwhelmed by feelings of sadness or anxiety that won’t go away, or if your thoughts and emotions start making everyday stuff like school, hanging out with friends, or enjoying your hobbies feel impossible, it’s a signal to get some help. 

There’s no shame in it—seeking help is actually super brave. Whether it’s talking to a counselor, a trusted adult, or a mental health professional, taking that step can lead you towards feeling more like yourself again.