2023 UNICEF UJ Volunteer Manager and Generation Unlimited Youth Advocate On The Mental Health Topic, Prior To exam Month

What comes to mind when you hear the word mental health?

For me, mental health is an ongoing journey to keep your head above water. This journey is one of personal growth, self-realization and spiritual strength. 

Oboitshepo Modimoeng, 

You cannot simply run away from the difficulties of existence, and therefore you must equip yourself with the necessary tools to deal with the obstacles that come in the form of life's challenges. As a survivor of mental health issues myself, I know how difficult it can be to constantly struggle with your mind. I mean, if I know how awful and depressed I feel, what makes it hard to be happy? Being a psychology student, I benefited from one of the most interesting lessons I learned from Fred Luthans' Psychological Capital. which refers to the mental tools we all need to help us overcome difficult situations in life. These mental tools are Hope, Efficacy, Resilience and Optimism (HERO) and they shape our attitude towards life itself. Developing these tools constitutes our psychological well-being. If a person increases self-confidence in himself and in his abilities, remains determined to his goals even through difficulties, and he does not see a positive view of his own success, it can be said that he has the necessary psychological resources to create a positive good. -being . . You're probably asking yourself, "How do I get the tools I need to develop good mental health? First, start by taking care of your physical health. This includes not only exercise, but also being careful about what you put in your body and getting enough sleep. For example, I believe that if I make my bed and shower first thing in the morning, I have solved half of my problems because I see doing these activities as a jump start to my day. 

Some prefer meditation, others listen to their favorite music or even breathing exercises as mindfulness techniques that increase positive emotions. Surrounding yourself with optimistic people who appreciate you can also help you feel good. 

Our mental health not only affects how we see ourselves, but also shapes how we see and deal with the world around us. That said, always try to be kind to yourself and others. 

Happy Exam Advocates 

You got it!