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Why Do We Need to be Virtuous in Order to Prevent Mental Health Problems?

Making your mind on right decisions, act and mindset will pave the way to self-growth.

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Mental health can originate from varying aspects such as peer pressure, consumption of unhealthy content online, depression etc. although mental health progress in stages and it depends on what level your mental state has reached to fix that. To reduce or prevent mental issue there is a practice you need embody which is Virtuousness. In today’s fast-paced world, where people are constantly on the go, it is essential to take care of one’s mental health. Being virtuous and living a virtuous life can help prevent mental health issues. Virtue refers to a set of behaviors or habits that are morally good and beneficial for the individual as well as society. A virtuous person is someone who embodies the qualities of honesty, integrity, courage, kindness, and compassion.


This article will explore some of the cause of mental breakdown and how being virtuous can prevent mental health issues and improve one's overall well-being.


Behaviours that can possibly lead to mental health issues are:


Toxic friends

Being affected by toxic friends is a sign of experiencing mental health because if you cannot differentiate or make them know what is right from wrong then it leads to you joining them and engaging in detrimental activities which would be a great ordeal if you are trying to lead a good life.


Social media

Consuming social media contents is a bad habit that if not stopped can cause depression where you have a craving for attention or FOMO behaviour. People who consume social media are more likely to be depressed compared to those who do not use social media.


Pessimistic

One risky sign of depression is trying to be pessimistic in what you do, say or even believe. continuous act of this kind will not only cause you to be depressed but it could lead you down the rabbit hole of mental illness. People with more outlook of pessimism tend to have less social support, minimal ability to endure stress, more prone to giving up, and a great propensity for being depressed and having anxiety disorders with also an effect on their outlook in life.


Virtuousness impacts are:


Virtue and mental health

Virtue can play a significant role in mental health. People who live virtuous lives tend to be more resilient and have better coping skills. They are also more likely to experience positive emotions such as happiness, gratitude, and contentment. Being virtues makes it possible for us to coexist with others with also the ability to be resilient in the face of adversity and to thrive in situations and achieve a prosperous life. Virtue can help prevent mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress. People who practice virtues such as gratitude, forgiveness, and compassion tend to have lower levels of stress and anxiety. people who regularly practiced gratitude had better mental health outcomes, including reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.


Virtue can also improve self-esteem and self-worth. People who live virtuous lives tend to have a positive self-image and higher self-esteem. They are more likely to feel good about themselves and their achievements. This can help prevent mental health issues such as low self-esteem, self-doubt, and insecurity.


Virtue and resilience

Resilience refers to the ability to cope with adversity and bounce back from setbacks. Virtue can help improve resilience by providing individuals with a sense of purpose and meaning in life. People who live virtuous lives tend to have a keen sense of purpose and direction. They are more likely to feel fulfilled and satisfied with their lives, even in the face of adversity.


engaging in virtuous behavior have greater resilience in terms of being productive, hopeful and helpful during a global problem like Lockdown compared to those who do not. Virtuous behavior can provide individuals with a sense of control and agency over their lives. This can help them cope with difficult situations and bounce back from setbacks.


Virtue and social connections

Social connections are essential for mental health and well-being. Virtue can help improve social connections by promoting prosocial behavior and positive relationships with others. People who live virtuous lives tend to be more compassionate, empathetic, and kind towards others. This can help them build strong, positive relationships with others.


People who regularly engage in prosocial behavior have better mental health outcomes, including reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety . Prosocial behavior can help individuals build social connections and foster positive relationships with others. This can provide them with a sense of belonging and social support, which is essential for mental health and well-being.


Virtue and meaning in life

Meaning in life refers to the sense of purpose and direction that individuals derive from their experiences and actions. Virtue can help improve meaning in life by promoting behaviors that align with one's values and beliefs. People who live virtuous lives tend to have a strong sense of purpose and direction. They are more likely to feel fulfilled and satisfied with their lives, even in the face of adversity.


In conclusion, being virtuous is an essential aspect of maintaining good mental health. Virtues such as kindness, empathy, compassion, patience, perseverance, resilience, gratitude, joy, optimism, purpose, meaning, fulfillment, honesty, integrity, and authenticity all contribute to good mental health. By taking note of the causes and cultivating these virtues, we can prevent mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Being virtuous helps us build stronger relationships, manage stress, cultivate positive emotions, live a purposeful life and look forward to an evolving future.

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