Much attention today is paid to the issue of our state of mind. We are encouraged to talk about how we think, feel and act. Honesty is considered to be a necessary policy. In as much as it’s true that we can run from the world but we are unable to hide from ourselves, it’s wise that we take the time and expend the energy needed on regular examinations of our own state of mind.
The problem we face is in defining mental health and then defining mental illness. While the extremes are obvious there is a lot of grey in between.
We are all on the mental health continuum and that means we are in a continual state of adjustment and change. The lines can become blurred. We can easily become confused.
For that reason alone it is important that we should always aim for a state of mental wellbeing. Wellbeing is not perfection. Quite simply, it’s being well. Wellbeing is a word that can be used to describe the mental health journey. It’s a state of mind. It’s being able to cope. It’s the ability to maintain focus.
Most of us are aware of the need to be physically able in order to operate effectively. We understand our limitations but we put effort into maintaining functional standards. Some days are better than others.
The same thing applies to our state of mind. Wellbeing is deliberate not accidental. We are rewarded for our efforts.
A dip in mental health is not a plunge into mental illness. It’s a challenge to work harder on our mental wellbeing.
Gary Bentley Counselling 