Surmey Valya,
SOUMA-32
Mental health and wellbeing
(key problems and solutions)
Plan
1. Introduction: Why mental health matters
2. What is mental health?
3. Main problems affecting mental health today
4. Causes and risk factors
5. The role of the environment and social life
6. Solutions and prevention
7. Taking care of your own mental wellbeing
8. Conclusion
Text
1. Introduction: Why mental health matters
Mental health is one of the most important parts of our lives. It affects how we
think, feel, and act every day. Good mental health helps people cope with stress,
build relationships, work effectively, and enjoy life. Unfortunately, around the
world, more than one billion people live with mental health conditions. This
means that almost one in eight people face emotional or psychological problems
such as depression, anxiety, or stress.
Today, mental health is becoming an important global topic. People talk more
openly about it, but there are still many problems. Many countries do not have
enough doctors, psychologists, or support systems. That’s why it is essential to
promote awareness and find practical solutions for mental health and wellbeing.
2. What is mental health?
Mental health is a state of well-being in which a person understands their abilities,
can handle daily stress, work productively, and contribute to the community. It is
not only the absence of mental illness but also the presence of positive emotions
such as calmness, hope, and balance.
Mental health changes throughout life. People can have good or bad periods
depending on what happens around them. Sometimes, even small things — like
poor sleep, work stress, or personal problems — can affect our mental balance.
Mental health has two main aspects: mental wellbeing (positive emotions and
satisfaction with life) and mental illness (conditions that cause emotional or
behavioral problems).
3. Main problems affecting mental health today
There are many different mental health conditions, but the most common are
depression, anxiety, stress disorders, and addictions.
• Depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. It makes
people feel sad, hopeless, and tired.
• Anxiety disorders cause constant worry or fear. People with anxiety often
have problems sleeping, concentrating, or relaxing.
• Stress affects everyone but becomes dangerous when it is long-term. It can
cause heart problems, sleep issues, and emotional exhaustion.
• Addictions (to alcohol, drugs, or technology) are also serious mental
health challenges that destroy relationships and social life.
These problems can affect people of all ages — from children to the elderly. For
example, students may suffer from study stress, while adults may face job
pressure or loneliness.
4. Causes and risk factors
Many things can affect mental health. Some are personal, while others are social
or environmental.
Individual factors: genetics, emotional skills, or substance use can increase the
risk of mental illness.
Social factors: poverty, unemployment, violence, and inequality can make
people feel hopeless or unsafe.
Environmental factors: pollution, noise, lack of green spaces, and poor living
conditions can increase stress and anxiety.
People who experience trauma, bullying, or family conflicts are more likely to
have mental health issues. However, some people are more resilient — they can
stay strong even in difficult situations.
Protective factors include supportive families, good friends, safe communities,
and access to education and healthcare. These help people build resilience and
face challenges more easily.
5. The role of the environment and social life
Our surroundings play a big role in how we feel. Studies show that spending time
in nature — in parks, forests, or near water — helps reduce stress and improves
mood. Clean air, sunlight, and physical activity in natural spaces can make us
happier and calmer.
On the other hand, noisy or polluted cities can cause tension and irritability. Even
our homes and workplaces affect our emotions. Bright light, good air, and quiet
places help concentration and relaxation.
Social life is also very important. Humans need connection. Having good
relationships with family, friends, and colleagues protects us from depression and
loneliness. Community activities and volunteering give a sense of purpose and
belonging.
6. Solutions and prevention
There are many ways to prevent mental health problems and promote wellbeing.
The first step is awareness — people need to understand that mental health is just
as important as physical health.
Governments can support mental health by:
• creating national programs for psychological education;
• offering free or affordable therapy;
• improving working conditions and education systems;
• supporting communities and families in crisis situations.
At the personal level, people can take care of their minds by learning relaxation
techniques, doing physical activity, sleeping well, and practicing mindfulness or
meditation.
Schools can teach emotional intelligence, empathy, and stress management.
Workplaces can create programs that help employees manage burnout. Social
media and the internet can also be used to spread positive messages about mental
health.
7. Taking care of your own mental wellbeing
Taking care of yourself means finding balance in all aspects of life — physical,
emotional, and social. Here are some simple steps everyone can follow:
• Stay active: Even light exercise improves mood.
• Sleep well: Try to sleep 7–8 hours per night.
• Eat healthy: Food rich in vitamins supports the brain.
• Connect with others: Talk with people you trust.
• Practice gratitude: Appreciate small positive things every day.
• Limit stress: Take breaks from negative news and online arguments.
• Learn mindfulness: Focus on the present moment.
• Ask for help: If you feel unwell, talk to a doctor or counselor.
Remember — taking care of mental health is not a luxury. It’s a necessity for a
happy and productive life.
8. Conclusion
Mental health and wellbeing are vital for every human being. They affect how we
live, work, and connect with others. Problems like stress, anxiety, and depression
are common, but they can be prevented and treated. The solutions lie in
awareness, education, and cooperation — between individuals, communities, and
governments.
Healthy environments, strong relationships, and balanced lifestyles can protect
our mental state. By taking small steps every day, we can create a world where
everyone has the right to feel safe, supported, and emotionally healthy.
Questions for Discussion
1. What does mental health mean to you personally?
2. Why is mental health important for people of all ages?
3. What are the most common causes of stress in your life?
4. How can spending time in nature improve mental wellbeing?
5. What can schools do to support students’ mental health?
6. How does social media affect our emotions and self-esteem?
7. What are some ways to reduce stress and stay positive?
8. Why do some people hide their mental health problems?
9. How can governments and workplaces promote mental wellbeing?
[Link] small steps can you take every day to support your own mental
health?
Topic-related vocabulary
Lexical unit Definition Translation Synonym(s) Antonym(s)
Wellbeing A state of being Добробут, Happiness, Misery,
(n.) comfortable, благополуччя health discomfort
healthy, and happy
Anxiety (n.) A feeling of worry Тривога Worry, fear Calm, peace
or nervousness
about something
uncertain
Depression A mental state of Депресія Sadness, Joy,
(n.) sadness and loss of despair happiness
interest
Stress (n.) Physical or mental Стрес Tension, strain Relaxation,
pressure caused by calm
problems or
demands
Addiction (n.) The state of being Залежність Dependence, Freedom,
unable to stop doing craving control
or using something
harmful
Balance (n.) A state where things Баланс Harmony, Imbalance,
are equal or in the stability chaos
right proportions
Resilience The ability to Стійкість, Strength, Weakness,
(n.) recover quickly витривалість toughness fragility
from difficulties
Mindfulness A mental state of Усвідомленість Awareness, Distraction,
(n.) being aware and attention neglect
focused on the
present moment
Sleep (v./n.) The natural state of Сон Rest, slumber Wakefulness
rest for the body and
mind
Relax (v.) To become calm and Розслаблятися Unwind, rest Worry, tense
free from stress or
tension
Connect (v.) To form a Спілкуватися, Communicate, Separate,
relationship or link з’єднувати bond disconnect
with someone
Support To give help, Підтримувати / Help, assist Oppose,
(v./n.) strength, or підтримка neglect
encouragement
Cope (v.) To deal successfully Справлятися Manage, handle Fail, give up
with a difficult
situation
Gratitude (n.) The feeling of being Вдячність Thankfulness, Ingratitude
thankful appreciation
Environment The surroundings or Середовище Surroundings, Isolation
(n.) conditions in which setting
people live
Healthy (adj.) Having good Здоровий Fit, well Ill, sick
physical or mental
condition
Hopeless Having no hope or Безнадійний Desperate Hopeful,
(adj.) chance of success confident
Calmness (n.) The state of being Спокій Serenity, peace Anxiety,
peaceful and quiet stress
Take care of To look after or Дбати про Look after, Neglect,
(idiom) protect someone or когось/щось protect ignore
something
Break down To lose control of Зламатися Collapse, give Recover,
(idiom) emotions or mental емоційно up strengthen
strength
References
1. Mental health. URL:
[Link]
our-response
2. Mental Health and Wellbeing. URL:
[Link]
3. Types of mental health problems. URL:
[Link]
4. Looking after your wellbeing. URL:
[Link]