The Importance of Mental Health
Author: Sophia, Student Ambassador in Mexico, is passionate about mental health awareness.
According to the World Health Organization, “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.” I believe this is a good description, though not a complete one. Mental health also includes our emotional, social, and psychological well-being, and it affects how we think, feel, and interact with others. It’s not just about avoiding mental illness. It’s about thriving, building resilience, and feeling supported in all aspects of life. When we think about mental health as something that shapes our daily experiences, it becomes clear that it influences the choices we make, the relationships we form, and how we handle both success and failure. A truly healthy mind allows us not only to function but to grow, adapt, and develop confidence in who we are. This is why understanding mental health as a broad, ongoing process is so important.
Physical Manifestations of Mental Health
Mental health is truly so important; it not only affects our mental well-being, but our physical health as well. High levels of anxiety have been proven to be directly linked to physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, and even chest pain. Studies show that chronic anxiety can increase stress hormones like cortisol, which may contribute to long-term health issues like high blood pressure and weakened immunity (Mayo Clinic). These physical effects show how deeply the mind and body are connected. When someone experiences stress for long periods of time, it can affect sleep, appetite, and energy levels, making it harder to focus in school or stay engaged socially. Many people underestimate how powerful these connections are, but recognizing them helps us understand that taking care of our mental health is not optional; it is just as essential as taking care of any other part of our health. When we ignore these signs, we risk more serious issues later on, which is why early support and awareness matter so much.
Take Care of Your Mental Health – Join the Club!
As a society, we must strive to create a proper environment that encourages people to take care of their mental health. This is why we created the mental health awareness blog articles and events series, a supportive space in the Hudson Global Scholars Community where students can learn about mental health strategies. The purpose of this initiative is to raise awareness about mental health tools. By offering a space where everyone is welcome, we hope to reduce stigma and make conversations about mental wellbeing normal and accessible. Through discussions and activities we want students to feel empowered to take care of themselves and to support the people around them.
Everyday Strategies
You can start improving your mental health with small, everyday strategies that actually make a big difference. Simple habits like taking short breaks when you feel overwhelmed, practicing deep breathing, journaling your thoughts, or even going on a quick walk can help calm your mind and lower stress. Staying organized with a planner, limiting screen time before bed, and making time for hobbies you enjoy are also great ways to protect your mental well-being. One of the most important strategies is talking to someone you trust, whether it’s a friend or family member, because sharing what you feel can instantly make things feel lighter.
These are the kinds of things we’ll be focusing on in our mental health awareness initiative: learning practical tools and exploring healthy coping strategies. The goal is to make mental health feel manageable and approachable by starting with simple steps that anyone can use in their everyday life. If you’re interested in joining these events, register for the HGS Community Clubs!
This article is written with the assistance of GEN-AI tools.