What is Mental Health?
By Priscilla Gonzalez
Mental health has become a big topic of conversation lately. If you ask people what comes to mind when they hear “mental health,” you might hear things like boundaries, self-care, massages, “me time,” hobbies, going to therapy, working out, or “protecting your peace.” And if you thought of any of those things, you’re not wrong—these activities do play a role in mental health. But it’s not just one or the other—it’s all of it, happening every day in small ways.
According to the World Health Organization (2022),
“Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in.”
So let’s look at it this way: mental health is about your ability to handle life—relationships, work, school, stress, emotions, even joy. It shows up in how we care for ourselves, how we show up for others, and how we manage our responsibilities and goals.
A Day in the Life: What Mental Health Looks Like In Action
Say you have a routine:
You wake up, brush your teeth, shower, maybe do your makeup, eat breakfast, listen to a podcast on your way to work, do your job, come home, walk your dog, cook dinner, unwind with a show or audiobook, maybe do a little skincare, and then go to bed.
All those small things—your routine, your hobbies, your work, your rest—are building blocks of your mental health. Even just trying to maintain structure, getting out of bed, brushing your teeth, or going outside for five minutes—they all count. They help you stay balanced and steady through life’s ups and downs.
Now imagine something doesn’t go your way—your plans change or someone cancels. If you’re able to adjust without spiraling or shutting down, that flexibility is also a reflection of your mental health. It doesn’t mean you’re unaffected—but you’re able to bounce back or at least respond in a way that keeps you grounded.
Routines & Consistency
Having routines—even if they’re not super strict—helps build a sense of rhythm in your life. Maybe it’s reading before bed or tucking in with your kids. Maybe it’s a morning walk or Sunday calls with friends. These repeated actions help create safety, familiarity, and balance.
Consistency can feel like a small thing, but it’s often what keeps us going when things feel chaotic.
Mental Health ≠ Mental Illness
Let’s take a moment to make an important distinction:
Mental health is not the same as mental illness.
Everyone has mental health. Some people also manage a mental illness—and they are still working toward and maintaining their mental health. That journey might require more support: therapy, medication, safety planning, and different types of care—but routines, flexibility, relationships, hobbies, and meaningful structure can still help someone with a mental illness build and maintain good mental health.
In this vlog, we’re focusing on what mental health can look like for someone who is not currently managing a mental illness. That said, these practices—like maintaining routines, showing up for relationships, and tending to your needs—can be beneficial for anyone.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes mental health gets treated like it’s this mysterious or specialized thing that only happens in a therapy office. But really, it’s in your everyday life. Are you eating? Sleeping? Moving your body? Talking to people? Handling your money? Finding ways to cope with stress?
If you’re doing some of those things—even imperfectly—you are engaging in mental health care. It’s not always about adding something new. Sometimes it’s about recognizing what’s already working and where things might need support.
Mental health is about how you live—and how you support yourself in living well.
References:
Freepik. (n.d.). AI-generated image. Freepik. https://www.freepik.com
World Health Organization. (2022). Mental health: Strengthening our response.https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response.
Learn More
The Importance of Self-Care for Working Professionals
Written by: Sherrelle Wright, LPC
Who Are You Under Your Mask?
Written by: Trina Lynn Murray, LCSW
Do we mask up to hide the stress of rearing children, managing a relationship, or a career? Is it the house, repairs, finances, or childhood trauma? Could it be our broken hearts or the long lingering grief we hide?
It’s easy to feel the pressure of being insufficient in a world that often glorifies perfection.
An image of having it all together. Social media, workplace culture, and even personal relationships can amplify this need to appear polished, in control, and unfazed by life’s challenges. However, what happens when the mask falls off?
The weight of pretending
Carrying the weight of perfection is exhausting. Pretending to have it all together can create a disconnect between your true self and the image you present to the world. Keeping the mask on often leads to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and a sense of imposter syndrome. The mask may provide temporary validation, but it comes at the cost of authenticity and genuine connection
of oneself.
Fear
One of the reasons we cling to the mask is fear. Fear of judgment, rejection, or weakness. Vulnerability feels risky, but it’s also where true growth and connection happen. When you let go of the need to be perfect, you open the door to deeper relationships and a true understanding of oneself.
You Without the Mask
Letting go of the mask is not about giving up or falling apart, it’s about stepping into your truth. When you stop trying to control how others perceive you, you create space to explore who you really are. Your values, passions, strengths, and even your imperfections. This self-discovery can be liberation and empowering.
How to Allow the Mask to Fall Off
First, acknowledge the mask. Then, identify the areas in your life where you feel the need to appear perfect. Reflect on why this might be and most importantly, what it’s costing you.
Second, practice vulnerability. Start small. Identify a safe space to share something about yourself. Notice how it feels to let your guard down.
Third, celebrate that you have a safe space to share.
Fourth, treat yourself with kindness.
Finally, redefine success. Shift your focus from external valuation to internal fulfillment. Surround yourself with people who value you because having a safe space to be yourself is invaluable.
The Way Forward
Discovering who you are without the mask is a journey. It’s about peeling back the layers of self-imposed pressures to reveal the unique, imperfect, and beautiful person beneath the surface. So, ask yourself: Who are you when you let go of the need to have it all together? The answer might surprise you –– and it might just set you free.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Let’s talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)! Most of us love this time of the year due to the holidays, spending time with family and loved ones. However, the change of seasons can cause significant alterations in your mood. Less sun, colder temps, and decreased social engagements/turn-ups can impact your mood if you are not careful. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can resemble depression, and you should be aware of the following signs.
- Feelings of fatigue and being tired all of the time
- Excessive sleeping or decreased ability to sleep
- Weight gain due to overeating or loss of appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Not wanting to engage in activities or be around people that you once enjoyed
- Increased agitation, irritability, or anxiety
What causes Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
- Serotonin Levels- Serotonin keeps us happy! With decreased sunlight comes decreased levels of the “happy” chemicals our brain naturally makes. Low levels of serotonin equal depressed mood.
- Disruption in sunlight affects our circadian rhythm/our internal clock! If your body’s biological clock is disrupted, sadness may pursue.
When should you seek help for SAD?
- Problems at school and work as a result of your symptoms
- Social withdraw from family and loved ones
- Increased use of substances to cope
- Thoughts of wanting to harm yourself or others