The classroom at The Coop South was packed and with the title of “Mental Health Matters” it’s no surprise. Preserving our mental health has become so important, actually CRITICAL for so many.

Dr. Josh Sharpe of Anahata Chiropractic asks “What brings you here tonight?” and the answers varied greatly, but each with their own purpose.

In addition to supporting a fellow Coop coworker, my reason for attending was to honor those who show up to talk openly about mental health. We need to normalize these discussions and have more of them. I often repeat that one of the many benefits of coworking is that it’s good for your mental health.

Mental health is a critical aspect of our overall well being that is often overlooked in our daily lives. It is the foundation of our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing, and it is essential for us to lead a happy and fulfilling life.

Mental health is defined as the state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.

Despite the critical importance of mental health, it is still considered a taboo topic in many societies. There is a stigma attached to mental illness, which often prevents individuals from seeking help and support. This stigma can be attributed to the lack of understanding and awareness about mental health issues.

Mental health matters for many reasons.

Firstly, mental health is closely linked to physical health. Studies have shown that poor mental health can lead to physical health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity. On the other hand, good mental health can improve physical health outcomes and help prevent these conditions.

Secondly, mental health impacts our relationships with others. When we are struggling with our mental health, it can be difficult to form and maintain healthy relationships with others. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can further exacerbate mental health problems. On the other hand, good mental health can help us form and maintain healthy relationships with others, which can enhance our overall well being.

Thirdly, mental health is essential for our work and productivity. When we are struggling with our mental health, it can be difficult to focus on our work and be productive. This can lead to absenteeism and decreased job performance, which can have negative consequences for our career prospects.

On the other hand, good mental health can help us be more focused and productive at work, which can enhance our career prospects.

Fourthly, mental health is essential for our overall quality of life. When we are struggling with our mental health, it can be difficult to enjoy life and engage in activities that bring us joy. This can lead to a decreased quality of life and a feeling of being stuck in a rut.

On the other hand, good mental health can help us enjoy life more fully and engage in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment.

Finally, mental health matters because it is a fundamental human right. The World Health Organization has recognized mental health as a fundamental human right, and it is essential that we work to ensure that everyone has access to the resources and support they need to maintain good mental health.

In conclusion

Mental health matters for many reasons. It impacts our physical health, our relationships with others, our work and productivity, our overall quality of life, and it is a fundamental human right. It is essential that we work to raise awareness about mental health issues and work to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

We must ensure that everyone has access to the resources and support they need to maintain good mental health, and we must prioritize mental health in our policies and programs. Only by doing so can we build a society that values and prioritizes mental health.

While psychological factors such as stress and trauma are often associated with mental health disorders such as anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and depression, there are also several physical causes that can contribute to the development and severity of these conditions. Identifying and addressing these physical causes can be an important part of treating these disorders and improving overall mental health.

We are a social people and need to be around others. The Coop aims to make people feel at home and that they belong here. The Coop will continue to support conversations around mental health and hope you will honor the conversation by being here. We need each other!