6 signs that you are a mentally healthy person

Many times we dedicate our lives to pursuing happiness. We aspire to a continuous state of joy and fulfillment, something that is unnatural and almost impossible. Instead, we could focus on cultivating tranquility, stability and well-beingcharacteristics that you enjoy if you are a mentally healthy person.

It is important to know that mental health is not something you are born with. Yeah, There are genetic factors that can condition us and, as stated in an article published in Comprehensive Pediatricsmost psychiatric disorders are distinguished by a high hereditary burden.

However, this is just a starting point. The environment that surrounds us and the personal work we do can make a difference (Dempster et al., 2011). So how do you know if you are mentally healthy or how to achieve it? We explain it right away.

What is a mentally healthy person?

By definition, a mentally healthy person is one who enjoys good mental health. What does this mean? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), being healthy is not only living free of diseases or illnesses, but also enjoying a state of total physical, mental and social well-being.

Likewise, the institution states that mental health is not defined only as the absence of psychiatric conditions; is also the internal balance and in relation to the socioeconomic environment. In this way, the WHO includes aspects such as developing our individual potential, knowing how to cope with everyday stresses and working productively while contributing to society.

Characteristics of a person with healthy mental health

Good mental health It is reflected in the quality of thoughts, in the management of emotions and in the adoption of adaptive behaviors. and suitable to function well in everyday life. So how do I know if I am a person with good mental health? The following are some of the qualities that help identify it.

1. Self-esteem and self-confidence

Self-esteem is an aspect that is talked about so much that it could be considered banal, but in reality it is key to mental and emotional health. Without this component, it is difficult to remain stable and feel confident. when facing day to day and charting a path.

Good self-esteem It involves having a positive perception of ourselves and feeling a strong appreciation for who we are. This includes listening to each other, respecting each other and prioritizing each other whenever necessary, as well as being self-compassionate and developing the confidence to sustain ourselves in difficult times and move forward.

According to a work published in the Interdisciplinary magazine, Self-esteem is an important protective factor for mental health, In fact, it is one of the main differentiating elements between the clinical population and the general population.

2. Psychological flexibility

A big part of being a mentally healthy person is adapt to changing life situations. And it is easy to feel happy and calm when everything is going well, but it is essential to remain calm and stable if adversities arise. Cognitive flexibility is the ability that allows us to achieve this, since it contributes to the aspects mentioned below:

Have an open mind. Accept changes without becoming excessively frustrated. Find effective ways to respond to challenges and solve problems.

In fact, it has been seen that this ability makes us less likely to suffer from mental disorders such as depression and more likely to develop and practice resilience (Soltani et al.2013).

3. Emotional intelligence

A person with good mental health has high emotional intelligence. In other words, He knows how to identify what he feels and has learned to regulate his emotions. This means that it is not hijacked by very intense states and that it does not react automatically when an emotion appears.

Instead, be self-aware and apply strategies to modulate or manage those emotions in a healthy and productive way. Besides, is capable of carrying out the same processes when interacting with other people; That is, you can understand what they feel and what they need and know how to act on it.

This has an important advantage since, as suggested by a meta-analysis shared in Personality and Individual Differences, emotional intelligence is positively associated with mental and psychosomatic health.

4. Internal work

In most cases, mentally healthy people work on themselves. It is possible that, due to factors such as upbringing or growing experiences, they already have a good background and a series of acquired skills. However, Working on yourself is essential to evolve, know yourself better and not be at the mercy of events.

5. Self-care

Another very characteristic element of these people is that they are aware of the importance of self-care. In other words, they know how to prioritize and organize their time to make room for work, develop good habits, and take care of their human ties. Somehow, They seek and generate balance in the different areas of their life.

6. Good communication skills

You can tell if you are a mentally healthy person by analyzing your connections. And relationships with others are excellent mirrors of our internal state. If we are hurt, damaged or do not work internally, it is easy for any comment or action from others to trigger intense and negative emotions, we react impulsively and harm others or allow ourselves to be harmed.

A study published in Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences indicates that having good communication skills and knowing how to say “no” assertively are aspects that correlate favorably with good mental health.

How to remain a mentally healthy person?

Mental health is not an immutable aspect and varies due to different circumstances. Therefore, it is important to know What practices help cultivate psychological and social well-being? from the beginning or to maintain it over time. The following are some suggestions in this regard:

Take care of your internal dialogue. Try to speak to yourself with words of affection, encouragement and compassion; Avoid criticism and judgment towards yourself.Work on acceptance and non-resistance to changes. Find learning in every adverse experience and develop resilience.Stay in action. This is the key to a mentally strong personality, as you have the determination and motivation to go after your goals.Learn to listen to yourself. Read your body’s signals and sensations to know what you feel and need at all times. The silence and the journaling collaborate with this objective.Cultivate positive and meaningful connections with other people. Learn to set boundaries, express yourself clearly and respectfully, and carefully select those you surround yourself with.

A mentally healthy person can be the result of psychotherapy

Finally, it is worth highlighting that good mental health is not the result of chance or good luck. There is work behind it, habits and skills to cultivate. And, in many cases, this state of well-being is the product of psychotherapy.

This can be the starting point to heal or develop effective strategies; It is also a great help for those who, at certain times, need extra support without suffering from a disorder.

In short, mental health is worked on and cared for daily, just like physical health. It is always a good time to start implementing some positive changes in this regard.

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