Why is mental health just as important, if not more important, than physical health? Many time mental health is put to the side and looked at as unimportant, but after certain studies, here is why mental health is also important.

First, what is mental health? “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps to determines how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices”, according to MentalHealth.gov.

In a recent Ted Talk, the speaker talked about how mental health is taken as a joke, and not seriously. He said “There is a stigma around mental health and the only way to stop that, is to move forward.”

Some people believe that mental health is less important than physical health. Physical health is also important, but in most cases, peoples mental health needs to be viewed at first, in order for them to be physically healthy as well.

For example, physical health includes eating healthy, exercising, etc. If someone is depressed, that makes things as simple as eating the correct foods or getting the exercise one needs, difficult.

When someone’s mental health reaches a certain point, it can lead to things like anorexia, bulimia, eating disorder, etc. These disorders can severely affect their physical health, and even lead to death, when not taken seriously, or treated soon enough.

Another thing that is under the mental health category, is anxiety. There are over 3 million cases of anxiety disorder in the U.S. per year, yet only 43.2% receive treatment.

Suicide has a huge impact on society today. According to CDC.gov, “in 2020, suicide was among the top 9 leading causes of death for people ages 10-64.”

Mental health affects everything, that everyone does. It is so important and needs to be taken more seriously. If you or someone you know, is mentally struggling, reach out. So many people care, and know how to help.