“Contrary to what is often taught in schools, mental health is not merely about the absence of disease”
— Gabor Mate
Simplified Meaning:
People commonly think that being mentally healthy just means not having any mental illness, but there's more to it than that. Think about physical health: just because someone isn't sick doesn't mean they're fit or feeling great—they might still need to eat well, exercise, and get enough rest to truly be healthy. In the same way, mental health involves actively doing things that make you feel happy and balanced, like spending time with friends, pursuing hobbies, and managing stress well. For example, a student who never feels joy or constantly feels stressed, even without having a diagnosed mental illness, still isn't mentally healthy. To really take care of your mental health, you should also focus on positive activities and good habits that keep your mind in a good place. This approach helps you live a more fulfilling and happy life.