1. Reframing Mental Health - It’s Not What You Think

When you hear the term “mental health,” what comes to mind?
For many people, it’s words like: anxious, depressed, weak, shame, pain.

But this is a misconception.

It’s time to reverse the stigma and reclaim what mental health actually means.

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🧠 Mental Health Is Not Something to Fear — It’s Something to Strive For
We all have mental health — just like we all have physical health.

It’s not a label. It’s not a diagnosis. It’s a state of being that shifts depending on what life throws our way.

Sometimes, when our mental health is compromised, we may experience:

• Poor emotional wellbeing
• Mental ill health
• A mental health condition

But mental health itself is a positive goal — and one that’s completely human.

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🌱 What Is Mental Health, Really?
The World Health Organization defines mental health as:

A state of well-being in which every individual realises their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to contribute to their community.

The key word here is cope.

Mental health doesn’t mean being happy all the time.
It doesn’t mean having a perfect life or eliminating every problem.

It means being able to navigate the full range of emotions — even the uncomfortable ones — without losing your ability to live meaningfully.

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⚖️ It’s Normal to Feel Off Sometimes
We’re not trying to get rid of sadness, anger, fear, or stress — they all serve a purpose.

Just like physical health can dip when you’re run down, your emotional health can shift too.

You can still have strong mental health even if:

• You’re grieving
• You’re overwhelmed
• You’re facing a tough situation

Mental health isn’t about feeling good all the time.
It’s about having the tools and support to respond well — and bounce back — when life gets tough.

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🌹 It’s About Pruning, Not Erasing
Your mental health journey isn’t about ripping out the painful parts of yourself. It’s about:

• Pruning the patterns or behaviours that hold you back
• Accepting the parts of you that feel heavy or unlovable
• Learning to work with your challenges — not against them

Often, the parts we struggle with most are the same ones that hold our greatest potential… once we understand them.

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📊 The Scope of the Challenge
Mental health conditions are incredibly common — and they don’t discriminate.

Here are some key facts:

• 1 in 10 people globally live with a diagnosed mental health condition
• In developed nations like Australia, the UK, and Canada, that figure is closer to 1 in 4
• Up to 80% of Americans will manage a diagnosable mental health condition in their lifetime
• Depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15–29 year olds
• More people die by suicide each year than from any other form of violence — including war

In the workplace, poor mental health drives:

• Presenteeism (being there physically but not functioning)
• Absenteeism
• Productivity losses
• Increased compensation claims

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🔍 What Causes Mental Health Issues?
There’s no single cause. Instead, it’s a combination of factors, including:

• Biological: family history, genetics, brain chemistry or structure, illness or injury
• Environmental: trauma, abuse, life stressors, financial pressure
• Social: isolation, lack of support, discrimination, inequality

Mental health challenges can be temporary or ongoing, mild or severe — but in most cases, they can be treated and managed with the right care.

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🚫 Stigma Keeps People Silent
Despite how common mental health issues are, less than half of people seek help.

Why?

• Fear of being judged
• Shame or embarrassment
• Belief that they should “tough it out”

This silence fuels suffering. And that’s why your voice matters.

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🌍 Now Is the Time
The COVID pandemic reshaped life as we know it — disrupting routines, social connections, job security, and mental stability.

More people than ever are struggling.
More people than ever need tools and support.
And more people than ever are ready to change the way we think and talk about mental health.

There’s never been a more important time to lean in, open up, and be part of the solution.

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💡 Mental Health = Human Health
You don’t have to be “fixed” to be well.
You don’t have to be flawless to be functional.
You don’t have to be happy all the time to be mentally healthy.

Mental health isn’t a destination. It’s a dynamic, ongoing journey.

And you’re already on the path.