Mental Health: Why It's Just as Important as Physical Health
In today’s world, most of us understand the importance of physical health—regular exercise, a balanced diet, and medical checkups are a part of many people's lives. But mental health still doesn’t receive the same level of attention, despite being just as important, if not more.
What many fail to realize is that while physical illness often affects the individual alone, mental health issues can impact an entire family. When someone is struggling mentally, the consequences can ripple through relationships, households, and even generations. A person suffering silently can unknowingly harm others emotionally, mentally, and sometimes even physically.
Recognizing the Signs of Mental Health Issues
Identifying a person with mental health challenges isn't always difficult—if we pay attention. Changes in thinking patterns and behaviors are strong indicators. Some signs include:
- An unhealthy obsession with others: People who are constantly monitoring others' lives more than focusing on their own often reflect unresolved internal conflicts or insecurities.
- Harmful behavior towards loved ones: Disturbing incidents, like parents harming their children or spouses becoming abusive, often stem from untreated mental disorders.
- Possessiveness turning toxic: When a person believes that if their partner doesn’t love them, no one else should either, or 'if s/he not belongs me, s/he not belongs anyone' this shows a lack of emotional regulation and rational thinking. These are indication of severe mental disorder and should be considered immediate treatment.
- Inability to envision long-term consequences: Many individuals act without considering how their behavior might destroy trust, love, and family bonds.
- Life’s purpose centered around harming others: This is perhaps one of the most dangerous signs—when a person loses sight of happiness, peace, and self-growth, and instead focuses on spreading misery, they reflect deep psychological pain or disorder.
These behaviors are not “normal.” They are clear signs that the person is mentally unwell and needs professional help. Unfortunately, when left untreated, these problems often escalate. The person may become increasingly detached from reality, causing irreversible damage to themselves and those around them.
The Urgency of Seeking Help
Mental illness is not a matter of shame—it’s a human issue. Just like a physical ailment needs medical attention, so does a mental one. If a person becomes increasingly self-destructive or harmful to others, intervention is critical. Without support or treatment, they may spiral into deeper psychological distress, potentially becoming a danger to themselves and others.
Love, Empathy, and Healing
It’s important to understand that those who spend their lives harming others often do not know love—neither giving nor receiving it. Their time, energy, and focus are consumed by greed, jealousy, or a desire to control. Such a life is not lived, it’s wasted.
Mental wellness should be a priority for everyone. Regular self-checks, honest conversations, and professional support can change lives. Because when mental health is cared for, individuals not only heal themselves but also protect and nurture the relationships they hold dear.