In the periods when the COVID-19 lockdown situation was quite intense and cases were being recorded in hundreds by the day, I bet some of us had bouts of anxiety. Not having face-to-face social interactions sure does affect the human mind. Psychologists make claims of how important it is that humans remain social beings. I personally found myself being anxious for quite a while because of the continual spread of panic. This affected my relationship with people outside my home until I decided to not let my anxiety have a hold of me.
Over the past year, I have been much exposed to the meaning and impact of mental health than I have ever been. I have not exactly been able to understand how the mind works from a psychological perspective, but I sure have learned a few things.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This means that while we remain in May, we could explore what this means and how it affects us.
Mental health is a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional wellbeing. The state of a person’s mental health affects their emotions, thinking and behaviour. Mental health is important as it affects one’s perspective on life, daily living, relationships and physical health. A positive mental health helps one to utilise their full potential, cope with the stresses of life, work productively and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Just like physical health, mental health does not only mean the absence of a disability or disorder. It encompasses the total well-being of one’s mind- having a healthy train of thought and peace of mind.
Since the latter part of last year, I have been making a conscious effort to keep a healthy mind just as much as I keep a healthy body. Just as what you feed your body is important in keeping your body healthy, what you feed your mind is also important in keeping a better mental health.
For me, a sense and state of peace is a great guarantee of a positive mental health.
The church has not been known to be keen on matters of mental health. Yet, God is very much concerned with your mental health. He wants you to live a healthy life.
Through my conscious effort to keep my mind in a healthy state, I have come to understand one significantly important nature of God – He is a God of peace.
For me, a sense and state of peace is a great guarantee of a positive mental health.
There are a few things I have learned [while I explored ways to master peace of mind]
- Feed on the Word. What you feed your mind has a great influence on how you feel. The word of God is undoubtedly the best resource you could have to go through life. What you feed on is important in determining your health.
- Write verses of reminders where you can see them daily.
- Talk with God. He will put your heart at rest.
- If you need time off social media, take a break
- Keep healthy relationships
- Journal if you can.
- Speak with someone.
- Be kind to others. Share scriptures of encouragement. Healthy people build healthy communities.
- Get professional help if you can
While we are still in May, you may consider our resource, “Mastering Peace of Mind”
Remember to be kind to others, and to keep your mind fixed on God.