Steps to Take to Maintain Mental Health

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Adult clinical psychologist Miki Amrilya Wardati, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psychologist, said efforts to maintain mental health can begin by meeting the body’s basic needs and looking after physical health.

Speaking at a media gathering in Jakarta on Thursday, Miki said physical health can be maintained by adopting a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced, nutritious diet, getting enough sleep and rest, and exercising regularly.

Alongside looking after physical health, she said it is also important to understand one’s own condition and recognise the signals sent by the body.

“We need to understand, from day to day, what our condition is like. Is anything unusual, or is there something that feels troubling? We need to recognise the body’s signals and whether something is wrong. Those signals serve as an early alarm,” she said.

Another way to maintain mental health, she added, is to make an effort to stay connected with other people.

“Keep interacting and communicating, although the frequency may vary according to each person’s characteristics. That also helps maintain our mental health,” said Miki, a member of the Indonesian Psychological Association.

Miki said it is also important to set aside time for activities that are valuable and meaningful as part of efforts to maintain mental health.

The Halodoc partner psychologist said pursuing hobbies and doing activities one enjoys can generate positive emotions.

Understanding mental health can help people recognise their own condition and become more alert to the circumstances of those close to them.

“It is important to educate ourselves about the criteria or characteristics of someone who is mentally healthy, so that if something seems different, we can offer support,” Miki said.

If people notice warning signs indicating that they are not doing well, she said, they should consult a professional promptly.

She noted that knowledge about mental health can sometimes lead people to diagnose themselves, even though doing so can be dangerous.

“That can be dangerous because we may misunderstand ourselves. Once we have misunderstood our condition, what we do next may also be wrong or inappropriate,” she said.