What Does Mental Wellness Mean? Understanding Its Importance and Impact

Understanding Mental Wellness

Mental wellness is about our ability to cope with various emotions—sadness, stress, anxiety, anger, and more. For me, it’s been a journey of learning to navigate these feelings and understanding their place in my life. I speak openly about this topic not just because of my personal struggles, but to encourage others to acknowledge their own mental health and create a safe space for conversation.

Cultural Perspectives

Having lived in both Hong Kong and New York, I can’t help but notice the stark differences in how mental health is perceived and discussed. When my boss in Hong Kong asks, “How are you?” my default response is, “All good, how’s your morning?” even if I’m feeling the complete opposite. In the U.S., I’d often reply more honestly, “Could be better, feeling a bit stressed about my family visiting this weekend.”

In Hong Kong, mental wellness remains a taboo subject due to traditional norms and family dynamics. The pressure to conform to societal expectations can create immense stress and prevent open conversations.

In contrast, my experiences in the U.S. have shown me a culture that embraces discussions about mental health as naturally as talking about a cold. This openness fosters a supportive environment where people feel less alone in their struggles. Normalizing these conversations can create a societal shift that enhances awareness and reduces stigma around mental health.

Personal Experiences

Growing up with a father who suffered from bipolar disorder significantly shaped my understanding of mental wellness. Diagnosed when I was in my late teens, our household was often emotionally volatile. His anger could flare up in an instant; with just the snap of a finger, a normal conversation could escalate into shouting loud enough for our neighbors to hear. Even now, my heart races as I recall those moments. Fortunately, he became more aware of his moods and learned strategies to manage them. This experience taught me that mental wellness is not solely about diagnoses; it’s about awareness, coping mechanisms, and support.

As someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder and depression, I’ve witnessed the negative effects these conditions can have on those around me. This experience has taught me to be mindful of my own mental health as a manager. During stressful times, I make sure to prioritize maintaining my composure and being aware of my words and reactions, ensuring I don’t pass my stress onto my colleagues. I’ve learned to remove myself from stressful situations by taking walks, washing my face, and practicing deep breathing as coping mechanisms to remain as professional as possible in the workplace.

Who Can Practice Mental Wellness?

You might wonder, “Do I need a diagnosed disorder, like schizophrenia or depression, to practice mental wellness?” Absolutely not! We all experience stress, anxiety, and sadness as part of the human experience. Recognizing these feelings as normal is essential, and we can all benefit from practicing mental wellness.

Moving Forward

As we navigate our professional and personal lives, let’s commit to fostering a culture that embraces mental wellness. Through awareness and open dialogue, we can un-taboo our conversations around mental health, creating a space to support ourselves and one another.

What common struggles do you face in the workplace that challenge your mental health? What are some ways you and your colleagues can practice mental wellness together?