Human beings as a whole cannot have total wellbeing without being mentally fit. Mental health is very important as humans.
Thus, the aim of this informative paper is to give a detailed insight on the meaning of mental health and its importance to an individual and the society at large.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health has long been an object of study for sociology, psychiatric professions and the society, each striving to provide insights on this topic.
According to W.H.O, mental health is defined as a state of mental wellbeing in which every individual realizes his or her potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to his or her community. It includes our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It is an integral component of total health.
Mental health is more than just the absence of mental disorder or illness. Rather, it encompasses how we think, feel, behave or act towards others and ourselves. It cuts across how we make decisions, our thoughts and perceptions of ourselves, our behavior and attitude towards others also.
Moreover, mental disorder is not the only thing associated with mental issues. Many other symptoms such as depression, anxiety, trauma are facilitated by problems faced in the world presently.

Using Nigeria as a case study, the recent crisis and problems faced in the country today has disposed many Nigerians leaving some becoming mentally deranged or facing traumatic issues.

The World Health Organization (W.H.O) estimates that 20% of Nigerians or around 40 million people are affected by mental illness. This further explains the fact why many mentally ill Nigerians roam the streets in different parts of the country. And of recent, Solid Star a popular Nigerian musician had been found roaming the streets of Lagos displaying actions of mental disorder. This goes to show that a rich person can also have mental issues. This could be due to exposure to family crisis, financial debt, depression, substance abuse, etc.

However, with this high rate of mental illness, only few people have access to good health care service leaving Nigerians to suffer their problems alone. Whereas, all these problems faced in the country are also similar in other parts of the world.
The importance of mental health cannot be over emphasized. When individuals have good mental health, they become more productive and contribute more to the society. They become more focused and are free from mental disorders like anxiety and depression.
Hence, the government should implement measures that would help create an environment that is mentally positive so that youths can grow. This also pertains to the world at large.
In conclusion, mental health is essential to good living so we should all ensure we are mentally healthy as it helps our state of mind.

By ADESEYOJU EBUNOLUWA PRINCESS
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