Mental health plays a vital role in a person's overall wellbeing, as it significantly impacts their physical, emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. Optimal mental health can help one manage life's challenges, recognize their strengths, and succeed in personal and professional life while contributing positively to their community. However, as it has always been portrayed, mental health is not merely the lack of mental illness; instead, it is a complicated ubiquitous process with diverse experiences of challenges and pain that might need different social and clinical approaches to understand. 

Several spontaneous and constant factors in life can influence mental health which can either threaten or safeguard the mental wellbeing of a person. Nevertheless, as every individual has unique living circumstances, their risk and protective factors will vary based on their distinctive experiences and life stages.

Importance of mental health awareness

Mental health awareness refers to actions that aim to decrease the social stigma around mental illness by sharing personal experiences; hence it is a necessary step in designing a proactive model of mental health and wellbeing. Misconceptions about mental health often result in people keeping silent about their conditions, leading to untreated illnesses. Mental health awareness helps improve understanding of psychological complexities and access to healthcare providers, psychiatrists, or therapists in time for mental health and behavioral treatment.

There are four primary benefits of mental health awareness:

• It helps individuals understand their symptoms and access the required treatment in time.
• It encourages individuals to open -up about their mental health, which can be therapeutic and supportive for those with mental health conditions.
• It educates caregivers, employers, parents, family members, and loved ones to understand the impact of mental health on daily life, making it easier to prioritize mental health care.
• It also promotes mental fitness, which is a positive approach toward maintaining better emotional health, wellbeing, and cognitive agility.

Reducing the stigma associated with mental health is the key to improving mental fitness in the community. This awareness movement expands understanding of mental health issues and wellness to promote mental fitness, which allows individuals to live life with more purpose, clarity, and passion. Thus, by shunning misconceptions about mental health, this awareness movement can help individuals to receive appropriate care, support, and resources to manage their mental health and achieve their goals.

Daily habits and tips to improve mental wellness

Following are some regular habits and tips one can follow to improve their mental health and wellbeing:

● Following a healthy and nutritious diet
The impact of what one eats and drinks can have a subtle but consequential effect on an individual's mental health. A healthy and nutritious diet is hence important to promote mental wellbeing. For example, including non-caffeinated tea and food sources full of vitamin B, magnesium, vitamin D3, and omega-3 in the diet can aid in managing depression.

● Engaging in physical activities regularly
Physical activity can boost mental and behavioral health and reduce symptoms of many mental health conditions. Engaging regularly in physical activities releases chemicals that bolster the wellbeing of human neurons.

● Engaging in physical activities regularly
Physical activity can boost mental and behavioral health and reduce symptoms of many mental health conditions. Engaging regularly in physical activities releases chemicals that bolster the wellbeing of human neurons.

● Laugh-it-out!
Laughter has therapeutic benefits; laughing triggers the release of dopamine in our brains, which induces feelings of happiness.

● Engage in social interaction
Studies suggest that social interaction is crucial for maintaining good mental health, even for introverted individuals or those who experience anxiety in social gatherings. Engaging in occasional conversations or forming relationships, regardless of the frequency, can significantly improve one's mental wellbeing.

● Practicing mindfulness and meditation
Mindfulness and meditation can provide several advantages, like waning negative rumination and stress while enhancing personal and mental satisfaction. To practice mindfulness and meditation, one can consider approaches such as mindfulness-based therapy, tea meditation, or spending time in nature.

● Developing a habit of being grateful
Gratitude helps individuals appreciate their privileges, people in their lives, and material possessions, enabling them to break free from constraints that limit their happiness. By doing so, individuals can improve their physical and mental wellbeing, foster fulfilling relationships, and improve sleep quality, along with many other benefits.

● Consulting a therapist
Hundreds of studies have indicated that seeking therapy, whether in-person or online, can enhance an individual's quality of life and mitigate symptoms of mental health issues. A therapist serves as a coach, constantly encouraging and challenging individuals to prioritize their mental wellbeing.

Mental health services in UAE

From expanding mental health services to making them more accessible to the public, the UAE is taking every possible initiative to promote mental health awareness among its residents, both expats and citizens. The authorities are also taking steps to address the stigma surrounding mental illness. The National Policy for the Promotion of Mental Health in UAE aims to improve mental health awareness, develop responsive mental health services, and bolster multi-sectoral collaboration. Additionally, the number of mental health professionals has also increased in the Emirates as part of efforts to strengthen capacities for mental health research.

Accessing mental health services in the UAE is determined by whether an individual has public or private health insurance. The UAE's hybrid health insurance system offers both public and private insurance.

Cigna and its effort to improve mental health awareness

The effects of mental health issues on individuals, families, and societies are significant in terms of disability and costs. Hence, investing substantially in mental wellness is essential. Keeping this in mind, Cigna provides wellbeing programs to its members to promote physical and mental health awareness initiatives. The company has implemented a comprehensive wellbeing program by creating strategies and providing customized content to develop successful physical and mental health awareness initiatives. Following are some initiatives launched by Cigna to increase awareness of mental health among its clients:

● Free mental health assessment every month to monitor, evaluate and improve the mental wellbeing of our clients.

● Employee Assistance Program, a wellbeing program offered by Cigna to enhance employees' physical and mental health. The program provides virtual and in-person counselling services on various topics, including physical health, mental health, and financial wellbeing.

● In partnership with LVL, Cigna has initiated a platform combining digital and physical services to assist employees in achieving their fitness and wellbeing objectives. The LVL Wellbeing program is a one-stop solution for employees to prioritize their physical and mental wellness needs.

● Cigna Envoy App empowers its members to manage their overall health and wellbeing needs instantly and conveniently.