We’ve all heard discussions over gun-control laws on the news lately. Most of us have pondered how those laws affect society. We talk about crime statistics and access to guns or the lack thereof.
The underlying issue in most cases of violence, however, is not necessarily gun control. The real issue is mental health.
It’s vital that we work hard to improve emotional wellness for individuals and society. People who feel good about themselves are less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol, abandon their responsibilities, or harm someone.
The great thing about improving one’s own mental health is that much of it is absolutely free. All it takes is thinking and behaving in a healthier way.
The impact of your mental and emotional stability will have a positive influence on everyone around you. Whether you’re a teacher, employer or soldier, your own behaviors can go a long way in changing the world.
“When I taught college back in the Eighties, I had a nursing student who was suicidal after failing an exam,” says a retired professor we’ll call Mary. “This girl was so distraught, she went into the girl’s bathroom and curled up in the fetal position in the floor!”
Mary says that failure to pass the exam meant this girl was in a lot of trouble. “Her father was throwing her out of the house and she was not going to graduate,” says Mary.
Thankfully, Mary and her husband were mature enough to step in. Mary invited the student to live with her until she completed nursing school.
There are not many people willing to reach out like Mary. Most of us run when someone is extremely emotionally troubled. This pushes an individual who’s hurting into further isolation.
Everyone, especially those in a position of trust or power, can do something, however.
“I was very touched when my boss gave me a copy of Melody Beattie’s book, ‘Co-Dependent No More,’ ” says a friend of ours we’ll call Janice. “My boss knew my husband drank heavily, and she wanted to reach out to me. That book saved my sanity.”
By working on your own mental health, you’ll be in a better mood to encourage others or listen to their troubles. You don’t have to over-give or allow someone to unload excessive stress on you. But, if you stay strong yourself, it’s easier to step up when another person is hurting.
Try these tactics to enhance your own mental health:
• Spend time enjoying Mother Nature. A walk in the park or sitting in the backyard can do wonders to calm and refresh the mind. Build your weekly routine around enjoying some outdoor scenery.
• Absorb something meaningful. Read a good self-help book or watch an inspiring movie. Spend time with people in your community who enjoy helping others.
• Take excellent care of yourself physically. It’s easier to feel mentally healthy if your diet and exercise program are acceptable. Feeling sluggish and tired makes it hard to have a good attitude about anything.
If you want to gauge your mental health now, listen to what comes out of your mouth. If you sound discouraged and aggravated, pay attention.
Work hard to stay positive and look for solutions that will take stress off you. Change some minor things to allow more positive energy to flow into your life.
Figure out what changes you need in order to feel balanced and harmonious. By taking good care of yourself, you are doing something productive for society.
Judi Hopson and Emma Hopson are authors of a stress-management book for paramedics, firefighters and police, “Burnout to Balance: EMS Stress.” Ted Hagen is a family psychologist. You can contact the authors through the website
