It is okay not to be okay

It is okay not to be okay

is a phrase that has gained prominence in discussions surrounding mental health. Mental health literacy, which encompasses knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders aiding their recognition, management, or prevention, is important in promoting positive mental health outcomes (Riebschleger et al., 2019). The significance of mental health literacy is evident in its impact on reducing stigma and promoting help-seeking behaviors for oneself and others (Riebschleger et al., 2022). Furthermore, the economic case for mental health promotion has been highlighted, emphasizing the importance of investing in mental health initiatives to address the challenges posed by poverty and its impact on mental health (Beeber, 2007).

In addition to literacy, the salutogenic model presents a metaphor for good mental health, focusing on flourishing and positive well-being as essential components of mental health (Mjøsund, 2021). This approach emphasizes the promotion of positive mental health outcomes rather than solely addressing mental illness. Moreover, the intersection of poverty and mental health has been explored, highlighting the need to address mental health within the context of socioeconomic challenges (Beeber, 2007).

The phrase "It is okay not to be okay" also resonates with the need to address mental health challenges in specific contexts, such as the suicide epidemic in Malawi, where concerted efforts are required to address mental health issues (Banda et al., 2021). Furthermore, the impact of HHV-6 in catatonia and mental health disorders underscores the complexity of mental health challenges and the need for comprehensive approaches to address them (Das, 2021).

Thus, "It is okay not to be okay" encapsulates the multifaceted nature of mental health, emphasizing the importance of mental health literacy, positive well-being, and addressing mental health challenges within specific contexts such as poverty and epidemics.

References:

• Banda, G., Banda, N., Chadza, A., & Mthunzi, C. (2021). Suicide epidemic in Malawi: What can we do? Pan African Medical Journal, 38. https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2021.38.69.27843
• Beeber, L. (2007). Living in health and mental health despite poverty. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 13(1), 27–28. https://doi.org/10.1177/1078390307302220
• Das, S. (2021). An investigation into the significance of hhv-6 in catatonia and mental health disorders. Sushruta Journal of Health Policy & Opinions, 14(2), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.38192/14.2.6
• Mjøsund, N. (2021). A salutogenic mental health model: flourishing as a metaphor for good mental health., 47–59. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-63135-2_5
• Riebschleger, J., Costello, S., Cavanaugh, D., & Grove, C. (2019). Mental health literacy of youth that have a family member with a mental illness: outcomes from a new program and scale. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00002
• Riebschleger, J., Grove, C., Kelly, K., & Cavanaugh, D. (2022). Developing and initially validating the youth mental health literacy scale for ages 11–14. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.817208