When you hear the term “mental health,” what comes to your mind? For some people, it is the image of a person lying on a couch while a therapist scribbles notes. Or someone in a hospital bed. It’s shocking that most people do not understand what mental health is.

Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It includes how we feel about ourselves, our ability to cope with life’s challenges, and how we interact with others in every aspect of our lives, from the way we work to the way we love.

Despite its importance, many people avoid discussing and addressing this topic. In fact, it is often treated as a taboo subject and only discussed in hushed tones, behind closed doors. This can happen in academic institutions and among peers, where the pressure to conform to certain standards can negatively impact one’s mental health.

Just like physical health, mental health can be improved with proper care and attention. However, we can’t improve our mental health if we don’t understand what it is and how it affects us.

One common misconception about this topic is that it only affects people with mental illnesses. While mental illnesses like depression and anxiety are part of the mental health spectrum, mental health encompasses so much more than just mental illness.It is about finding balance in our lives, coping with stress, and building healthy relationships.

Another misconception is that mental health is a personal matter, and that seeking help is a sign of weakness. In reality, seeking help is a sign of strength. It takes courage to acknowledge when we need help, and seeking professional support can be a life-changing decision.

Strathmore Mental Health Club has organised a number of activities on mental health during this month of May. What measures can we take to raise  awareness about mental health? The first step is to break the stigma surrounding it. This can be done by talking about our struggles openly and honestly, sharing stories of recovery, and encouraging people to seek help when they need it.

Maintaining good mental health is important for a fulfilling and successful campus experience. The stress brought about by classwork, exams, and social life can take a toll on our mental well-being. That’s why we have resources and support available on campus. One such resource is the Mental Health Club, which organises a variety of activities to promote mental wellness, especially during the Mental Health Awareness month of May.. This month, we have scheduled mindfulness and meditation, journaling, identifying genuine friends, painting and sip games.., there’s something for everyone to explore. These activities can help all of us better understand ourselves, cope with stress and anxiety, and connect with others. So feel free to participate in these activities and improve your mental health.

This article was written by Rachael Wangui, a third year Communications student.

What’s your story? We’d like to hear it. Contact us via communications@strathmore.edu