Safeguards of mental well-being

HEALTH COMPETENCE 4/6

Protect your mental well-being with safeguards

 

Mental well-being can be promoted by strengthening safeguards. You should recognize the safeguards and risk factors of mental well-being in order to strengthen the mental health safeguards in the daily life.

Checklist

  • Find a meaningful way to exercise
  • Give yourself time to refresh and relax in your spare time
  • Find a suitable way to study
  • Meet with friends
  • Talk about your feelings and thoughts with your friends and loved ones
  • Plan your time usage
  • Identify your own limits and set reasonable goals
  • Set clear limits for your goals and dare to be happy when achieving them
  • Do not get stuck with problems – Ask for help or try another approach

Mafeguards and risk factors of mental well-being

Internal safeguards

  • exercise
  • food
  • sufficient rest
  • talking about feelings
  • the ability to maintain and create friendships
  • hobbies
  • self-respect and self-acceptance
  • daily choices

External safeguards

  • family and friends
  • going to school and studying
  • the ability to dare and know how to seek help when necessary
  • safe growing environment

Internal risk factors

  • self-esteem vulnerability
  • poor relationships with friends, parents and loved ones
  • isolation and alienation from familiar relationships
  • feeling of helplessness
  • feeling of inferiority

External risk factors

  • break-ups and losses
  • violence
  • bullying
  • smoking
  • alcohol or other substance abuse
  • social marginalization
  • harmful environment
  • unemployment

References

Erkko & Hannukkala 2013, Mielenterveys voimaksi, Suomen Mielenterveysseura

Karila-Hietala, Wahlbeck, Heiskanen, Stengård & Hannukkala 2013.
Mielenterveys elämäntaitona. Mielenterveyden ensiapu 1.

Törrönen, Hannukkala, Ruuskanen & Korhonen 2011, Hyvinvoiva oppilaitos, Mielen hyvinvoinnin opetus- ja koulutusaineisto toisen asteen oppilaitoksille, Suomen Mielenterveysseura

MIELI Mental Health Finland