Our mental health has an impact on our physical health, and vice versa. How we feel emotionally is influenced by our physical well-being. The interaction between our mind and body becomes evident through various expressions. When we are depressed or stressed, it may indicate that we have difficulty falling asleep.

When we are hurt or injured, the pain can occasionally be made worse by stress or frustration. We may also experience increased irritability or rage, sadness or worry if we are ill or injured. When hopeful, we are more inclined to experience joy, and more likely to feel that we are living a meaningful life.

The Major Issues of Mental Health

Mental health has a major impact on the way in which we interact with others in social settings, make decisions in different occasions, and deal with stress in our everyday life. People’s ability to live fulfilling lives are highly influenced by our mental health. Therefore, public health professionals should consider prioritizing the protection and restoration of mental health for the sake of their health and well-being. Let’s take a look at the major concerns of mental health at workplace.

Workplace issues, worry, anxiety or stress can contribute to mental health problems. Mental health issues frequently impair concentration, which can jeopardize a person’s job performance. Depression is associated with difficulty focusing, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Reduced productivity can limit one’s ability to perform well, earn promotions, and develop successful relationships with co-workers and higher management, all of which can have an impact on job satisfaction. Workplace absenteeism can also be influenced by mental health issues or unhappiness at work.

This may result in a person losing their job or having less opportunity to make a living. As a result, it’s crucial to maintain a work-life balance where one gives equal priority to both their career and their personal life.

3 Ways to take Care of your Mental Health and Well-being

Physical and mental health are equally important. It is possible to prevent mental health problems in the future by nurturing our mental health. For example, stress management can help reduce the potential of heart disease. When our mental health is in good shape, it extends to other aspects of our overall well-being too.

1) Learn to Manage Stress

Stress is a major factor that can negatively impact both physical and mental health. There are many different ways to manage stress, such as exercise, watching your favourite cartoon movie, going for a body massage or taking a walk in nature and listening to birds whispering or leaves rustling in the forest.

2) Follow a Healthy Diet

It is also possible to improve mood and reduce stress through a healthy diet. There are several nutrients that increase blood flow, including omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), vitamin E, and polyphenols found in red wine, blueberries, and dark chocolate. Thus, a healthy diet improves brain function by enhancing blood flow, which improves nutrient delivery to the brain.

3) Practice Mindfulness

The practice of mindfulness involves being in the moment without passing judgment. It may be beneficial for lowering stress, boosting mood, and raising self-awareness. Learning to meditate using singing bowls, deep breathing exercises, or relaxing yoga can all improve your long-term mental health.

We can enhance our overall health and well-being by making small changes one step at a time, to improve our overall wellbeing. However, if you are unlikely to improve over time, it would be best to seek professional guidance.

Your Guide to Seeking Professional Guidance

1) Help Someone in Need

If a friend confides in you about suicidal thoughts, you may be taken aback or react emotionally. Whatever your response, try to be non-judgmental and patient while expressing genuine concern.

2) Listen to Understand

Extend a listening ear and listen to understand their emotions. Understand their point of view and acknowledge their challenges. Be empathetic and show genuine concern in supporting them by extending a helping hand.

3) Encourage them to Seek Help

Assure them that it is alright to seek professional help if they may need to do so. You may offer to accompany them for a visit to the psychologist to make them feel secure.  Be with them to alleviate their loneliness and uncertainties.

4) Make a Referral

If you come across someone that may be at risk of suicide or is thinking of making an attempt to suicide. You may refer the person to SOS (Samaritans of Singapore) to make an appointment to see a counsellor via CareMail service pat@sos.org.sg or call the 24-hour Hotline at 1-767 or 24-hour CareText: WhatsApp: 9151 1767‍. Together, we can offer support to those who require assistance, and also to those we hold dear.”

What are the Essential Skills for a Career in Psychology?

If you like to interact with people and are keen to help people manage their emotional, behavioural and psychological needs, learn more about the essential soft skills and mandatory qualifications required to be a psychologist to start your career. Let’s look at the essential psychological skills required.

Psychologists use a wide range of technical and people skills to be effective clinicians and counsellors. In order to relate to patients and determine the most effective course of treatment for them, a good counsellor balances their logical and empathic thinking. Research, active listening, communication, behavioural testing, teamwork, ethics, patience, problem-solving, and mediation are some of the essential skills for psychologists.

Where Can I Learn More About Psychology?

In MDIS, the School of Psychology offers multiple programmes for you to choose from. We provide a path for education that starts with an International Foundation Diploma and ends with a Master’s degree in Psychological Science. We provide a holistic learning experience that covers the fundamentals of the five fields of psychology – cognitive, clinical, social, developmental, and biological – all under one roof.

View some of the psychology courses that MDIS has to offer.

Diploma programme | https://www.mdis.edu.sg/-international-foundation-diploma-in-stema-psychology

Degree programme | https://www.mdis.edu.sg/bachelor-of-science-hons-in-psychological-and-behavioural-science

For programme enquiries, please contact our friendly consultants:

Mr Douglas Koh | Mobile/WhatsApp: +65 9430 1901 | Email: douglas_kohfb@mdis.edu.sg

Mr Wilson Neo | Mobile/WhatsApp: +65 9673 3392 | Email: wilson_neows@mdis.edu.sg