“Blessed is he, who in the name of goodwill and charity shepherd’s the young/ weak/ blind/ ignorant through the valley of darkness; for he is truly his brother’s keeper and the finder of lost souls.” Ezekiel 25:17

Today, and for the days, weeks, months, and years to come, indeed, for the rest of my life. I want to talk about something very close to my heart, something I have grown deeply passionate about: mental health. This term has, in recent times, been volleyed back and forth in never-ending discussions, yet the majority of the population still lacks a full understanding of its meaning or importance.

“The purpose of life is the pursuit of happiness and the avoidance of pain,”- Epicurus 

So, what is mental health? Mental health is a state of well-being that enables a person to cope with life’s stresses. It can also be defined as an individual’s capacity to feel, think, and act in ways that enhance their ability to enjoy life and handle challenges and stress.

Growing up we are taught and conditioned to take care of our physical health. Even till this day I still hear echoes of;

                                                 “Keep your body clean,”

                               “Brush and floss to preserve your teeth,”

                                                      “Eat properly,”

                              “Drink lots of water, get enough rest and exercise,”

                              “Get medical attention if you feel any ache or pain.” 

Fair enough, our body is a temple and needs the utmost care. But what about our spirit? What about our mental, spiritual and emotional wellbeing?

So you may now be asking as to how one can care for and preserve their mental health. Well it is quite simple;

• Refrain from harmful drugs.
• Do not take excessive amounts of alcohol.
• Seek to live within the truth, and the law.
• Avoid promiscuity.
• Keep away from bad company, and in so doing you will avoid sin.
• And by simply doing unto others as you would like them to do unto you.

I personally feel that by sticking to these principles, you will find yourself well on the road to leading a happy, healthy and fulfilling life. You will find yourself on the road to happiness.

In coming days, weeks and months I shall attempt to touch on the various ways by which one can preserve and care for their mental health. With real-life references to my own experiences, I will primarily be speaking from firsthand knowledge, and it feels appropriate to begin by discussing how the company one keeps can impact an individual’s mental health.

Like what Ecclesiastes 3:10-11 says, “I know the heavy burdens that God has placed upon us. …… He has given us a desire to know the future, but never gives us the satisfaction of fully understanding what he does.” 

If I had been able to predict the future and foresee the storm ahead, I might have done certain things differently. I would never have nurtured relationships that were not meant to grow in my life. I would never have clung to the coat tails of people as they were swept away by waves of sin. Instead, I would have simply walked away, accepting that the stories of our lives were leading us down different paths.

However, I did not know what I know now. Sadly, I begged and pleaded for certain relationships to continue. Unbeknownst to me, I was pouring into others’ cups while letting mine run dry. It was these relationships that eventually broke me and led me down a path of self-destruction.

 “Do not associate with people who drink too much wine Or stuff themselves with food.”  Proverbs 24:20                                    

 “When sinners tempt you, my son, don’t give in.”  Proverbs 1:10

By allowing others into your life, however remotely, they will inevitably influence your survival in one way or another. By choosing wisely who to let in, who to allow into your intimate space, you can significantly enhance not only your own survival but sometimes theirs as well. This is a path to a happier life for both yourself and others.

True joy and happiness are invaluable, but they remain unattainable if one fails to navigate today’s chaotic, corrupt, and immoral society. The first step is choosing wisely who to journey through this hostile landscape with. From experience (regrettably), I have learned that this is not easy. It takes immense courage to let go of what is familiar and comfortable, even when it is dysfunctional (courage I lacked in my youth). But by moving on and choosing the people and things best suited for your journey, the road to happiness becomes much more manageable. Try it. Do not live with the regret I do, it is something you owe to yourself.

In life, every desire, hope, and aspiration we hold is driven by the conscious (and at times subconscious) need to be free from pain, tragedy, and sorrow. However, this can easily be compromised and threatened by the actions of those we allow into our lives.

From experience (regrettably), I have learned that one’s happiness can be turned into tragedy and sorrow not only by the dishonesty and misconduct of others, but also by our own dishonesty and misconduct toward others. So, I am saying, be aware that it is not only being wronged that can diminish your well-being and impair your happiness, but also wronging others.

It is crucial to understand that you have the power to lead yourself toward a happier life, a life that is only attainable if you take care of your mental health by avoiding external toxic influences and preventing toxic behaviors from upsetting the balance in your life.

So, I urge you, my brother/son/friend, to heed my words. The road to happiness is best travelled in the company of capable companions. That road becomes smoother when you walk with people who are trustworthy.

“Listen! Wisdom is calling out in the streets and market places, calling loudly at the city gates and wherever people come together.” Proverbs 1:20

And now it is calling out from the tip of my pen.