Cómo entender la ansiedad y la depresión para cuidar la salud mental

Author: Liu Jun, Director of the Eighth Department of Psychiatry, Third Hospital of Heilongjiang, Harbin. The 'Chinese Citizens' Basic Health Knowledge and Skills' states that health is not merely the absence of disease or weakness but a state of physical, mental, and social well-being. How to correctly understand anxiety and depression and how to effectively relieve them? Liu Jun comments that concerning anxiety and depression, the first point to emphasize is the 'correct understanding.' Currently, some misconceptions persist in society, such as viewing mental health as simply the absence of mental disorders, believing that having psychological problems equates to suffering from a mental disorder, or that anxiety and depression can be reduced to a lack of willpower or low tolerance. There is even a belief that children cannot have mental health issues. These views are unscientific.

Mental health is not simply reduced to 'having or not having illness'; anxiety and depression are not equivalent to severe mental disorders. However, if these emotions persist and affect learning, work, and normal life, they must be taken seriously. We must also recognize that the emergence of anxiety and depression is often related to multiple factors, such as physical and psychological issues, family environment, and social pressures, and should never be understood merely as 'not being able to think positively' or 'not being strong enough.' Especially in the case of children and adolescents, they can also experience mental health problems, and since their manifestations are subtler, joint attention from family, school, and society is required.

Liu Jun stated that in addressing anxiety and depression, the key is to approach the problem scientifically and actively. First, one must maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes having regular schedules, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising consistently; this is essential for maintaining mental stability. Secondly, it is important to learn to identify and accept one's own emotions without repressing, denying, or falling into excessive self-criticism. Methods such as talking to someone, writing, practicing deep breathing, or relaxation can help alleviate stress. Thirdly, it is necessary to reduce the tendency to over-compare and to overload on information; it is advisable to avoid useless interactions on social media and meaningless comparisons, focusing more on real-life experiences and personal growth. Finally, it is essential to actively seek support and help. The understanding of family, the companionship of friends, and the attention of teachers are very important; if necessary, professional help from psychiatrists or therapists should be sought.