Programs that incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises, help individuals cultivate present-moment awareness, improve emotional regulation, and manage stress more effectively. Mindfulness and stress reduction techniques are powerful tools for promoting mental well-being and resilience. Encouraging the consumption of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins while limiting processed foods can provide the necessary nutrients for optimal brain health. Regular physical activity is a well-documented preventive measure, as exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, which improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall emotional resilience. By fostering a culture of understanding and openness, education and awareness initiatives pave the way for improved mental well-being, reduced stigma, and stronger, more resilient communities .

• Mental health exists on a complex continuum, which is experienced differently from one person to the next.
• A total of 14 studies were included from various databases, and all of them showed a reduction in suicidal behavior and ideas, especially those who had major depressive disorder .
• In addition to this, participants require adequate preparation and the opportunity to practice if we are to fully investigate how journaling could benefit patients.2 We also recommend not sharing the participants’ personal journal with the study team.
• Multiple risk factors for heart disease appear to be reduced by consuming fish or fish oil.

Quality of life and influencing factors among caregivers of psychiatric patients in tertiary care hospitals in Ethiopia

The Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007 showed that mental well-being has relatively independent associations with symptoms of mental illness. However, the term “mental well-being” can be ambiguous at times, as it may or may not indicate the absence of mental illness or distress. However, in recent decades, there has been a paradigm shift toward a more holistic and positive perspective on mental health. Initially, a focus on mental illness, with an emphasis on diagnosing and treating problems, typically overshadowed mental well-being. Culture significantly shapes perceptions of well-being, influencing emotional expression, social support systems, and coping strategies, ultimately impacting an individual’s mental well-being. Race and ethnicity, along with genetic factors, play complex roles in shaping mental health and well-being.

Promote Engagement and Retention in Services

The health sector can contribute by embedding promotion and prevention into its services and by leading or supporting multisectoral coordination. However, the interplay of these determinants collectively shapes mental health over time. Individual factors such as emotional skills, substance use and genetics can increase vulnerability to mental health problems.

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This is particularly important for mental health, as cognitive decline is often linked to mood disorders. Yoga and tai chi are mind-body practices that offer significant benefits for both physical and mental health. Chronic inflammation is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor to mental health disorders. Antioxidants, which protect the brain from oxidative stress, can be found in berries (blueberries, strawberries), dark chocolate, and green tea and are key for reducing inflammation and supporting mental health. Key lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, significantly impact mental well-being, influencing mood, cognitive function, and resilience against stress and mental health disorders.

Ironically, while social media is designed to connect people, excessive use can lead to social isolation. Studies have shown that individuals who spend more time on social media report greater feelings of loneliness and depressive symptoms. Engaging in physical activities with others provides social support, reduces feelings of isolation, and enhances overall mood . Even moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking or cycling, can have significant benefits for mental health. Studies suggest that adopting an anti-inflammatory diet may reduce the risk of developing depression and anxiety .

Our study supports calls for embedding dual mental and physical health supports and treatment in all health services as a system and policy reform. Our study shows that physical health promotion, health problems, risks and shocks are important drivers of physical health changes and ultimately mental health, as is the reverse, and these dual impacts need to be assessed, monitored and addressed as ‘business as usual’. Other studies in Australia or elsewhere focused on improving service use accessibility, treatment and social supports (Allen et al., 2014; Andrade et al., 2014; Cohen et al., 2009; Caldwell et al., 2004), but missed the role of physical health and physical health-related risk factors/health behaviour.

Knowledge of these correlations creates potential opportunities to implement new effective dietary, pharmacological, therapeutic, and above all preventive interventions. Together, we can all do better to create a brighter, healthier future for a generation of young people facing more challenges than ever before. Along with the UNICEF report, the studies underscore the transformational part that funders must urgently play, and why researchers, clinicians and communities must work together on more studies that genuinely involve young people as co-investigators. Two such young people are co-authors in a review from Karolin Krause at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, Canada, and colleagues. These young people need to be involved in all aspects of the research SIRC implementation research webinars process, from conceptualizing to and designing a study, to conducting it and interpreting the results.