Would a mental well-being thread be suitable for such a cultivated forum? Let’s try it!
Mental well-being, like physical health, can be seen as a continuum. We can have minor physical health problems, such as sprained ankles, colds, stomach bugs, and then always life-threatening illnesses. Similarly, mental well-being can range from mild annoyance and stress to severe depression, which can completely incapacitate a person.
Mental well-being, just like physical well-being, is formed by the influence of three factors. Firstly, there are external influences. On the physical side, we catch a cold as an infectious disease. On the mental side, we read a news item in the evening that causes worry and prevents us from sleeping.
Secondly, there are internal influences. Some are naturally endowed with stronger physical health, and similarly, some have inherently stronger mental well-being. This means that hereditary traits affect how well we endure adversity and maintain balance. Finnish trading star Jebbez said that he treats his investments as if they were “play money.” Most people cannot approach investments as casually as Jebbez. He possesses exceptional innate mental qualities that the rest of us must manage without.
The third dimension is our own actions and choices, through which we can influence both our physical and mental health. We can promote physical health by exercising, losing weight, eating healthily, and avoiding intoxicants. Similarly, we can make conscious choices for mental well-being: for example, by skipping discussion threads or social media channels that cause us anxiety. Understanding these three factors helps us towards better mental well-being.
Talking about mental health is often more difficult than talking about physical health. Shame is still associated with mental problems or illnesses. For example, discussing the use of mood medication can be difficult. The situation is different with physical health: if one has diabetes, for instance, there is hardly any shame associated with using insulin. It is also easier to say at work that I am going to the dentist in the afternoon than that I am going to therapy.
This forum has already hosted valuable discussions on improving mental well-being, in the coffee room section. For example, the effect of music on mental well-being has been discussed. And how to avoid looking at one’s portfolio on red days. We also have a discussion thread that addresses exercise, which promotes both physical and mental health. A human being is a whole, where mental and physical health go hand in hand – mental well-being affects physical health and vice versa.
The purpose of this thread is to share tips and experiences for improving mental well-being – whether they are small or large achievements. Have you managed to stay out of the politics thread? Have you been able to avoid checking your portfolio’s value when Hezulin collapsed? Perhaps you have found a new job that better supports your well-being? Have you found the right mental health medication? Have mindfulness exercises been helpful? Have you discovered a way to sleep better? Whether you have already found “the light” or are still searching for it, all experiences are welcome.
, so get a grip, Mr. Investor Rookie! 
