How to understand mental health and mental unhealthiness

Mental health refers to a normal psychological state, while poor mental health refers to an abnormal psychological state.

Mental health means that all aspects of the mind and its processes function in a good or normal condition. The ideal state includes having a well-balanced personality, normal intelligence, accurate cognition, appropriate emotions, rational willpower, a positive attitude, suitable behaviors, and good adaptability. Mental health is generally influenced by various factors such as family of origin, genetics, and social environment.

Poor mental health is the opposite of mental health and usually refers to abnormal psychological conditions—essentially self-related psychological disorders. Common manifestations include psychological flaws, aggression, narrow-mindedness, depression, hypersensitivity, jealousy, inferiority, deviant behavior, and psychological illnesses. If signs of poor mental health appear, one should immediately seek medical evaluation through physical examinations, psychiatric assessments, and neurological tests to determine the specific condition. If abnormalities are detected, targeted treatment under a doctor's guidance is necessary to prevent interference with daily work and study and to avoid a decline in quality of life.

In daily life, one should maintain a cheerful mood and avoid anger, anxiety, and depression. Regular reading and staying mentally active can help delay the aging and degeneration of brain cells. Engaging in regular physical exercise—such as jogging, yoga, hiking, or swimming—can boost immunity and contribute to maintaining good mental health.