When we discuss mental health, questions are our best allies. Like a flashlight in a dark room, they help us find what we need to know about ourselves. Let’s be real: We often give a ton of attention to our physical health, right? And that’s great. But the mind needs our attention, too, maybe even more than the body. So let’s do some healthy mental ‘lifting’ today.
Why is mental health so important?
Mental health isn’t just about not having mental illnesses. It’s about how we feel, think and behave. It’s about our emotions, our relationships and our social well-being. It’s a big part of life, affecting everything we do. It influences our self-perception, as well as the way we deal with stress, relate to others and make decisions.
So why do we need to care? Simply because mental health affects every single aspect of our lives. Think about it. If your mind is in a good place, dealing with life’s ups and downs is easier. It’s easier to connect with others, enjoy life, cope with stress and even work productively. In essence, mental health is fundamental for a fulfilling life.
That said, to better understand and manage our mental health, we need to ask ourselves some critical mental health questions. These aren’t always easy to confront, but trust me, they’re definitely worth it. Asking them will give us a deeper understanding of ourselves, which will help us navigate our lives more smoothly.
10 important mental health questions
We’ll now dive into the 10 important mental health questions you should ask yourself, and the key here is honesty. No sugar-coating or avoidance. Just raw, truthful introspection. This is a safe space in which you can be true to yourself.
Am I showing integrity to myself?
Integrity is about staying true to your words and doing what you say you’ll do. It’s the bridge between your words and actions. The more you follow through with your promises to yourself, the more confidence you’ll build. Your trust in your own words and actions will grow. This isn’t just about big promises; it’s about the small day-to-day commitments, too. So ask yourself, are you sticking to your word, to the promises you make to yourself? That’s where self-integrity begins.
Am I treating my body with care?
We often forget that our bodies aren’t just vessels carrying us through life, but an essential part of who we are. Just like a car, your body needs the right fuel and maintenance to run properly. Are you giving it what it needs? Are you moving your body enough? What kind of food are you feeding yourself—nutritious meals that give you energy or processed, sugary stuff that weighs you down?
Remember, your mind and body are two sides of the same coin; they constantly influence each other. So taking care of your physical health isn’t just about staying fit. It’s also about fostering a healthy mind. If your body is in a good state, it can be easier for your mind to follow. Therefore, you need to ask yourself, are you caring for your body the way it deserves?
Am I being “lazy”—or resisting success and happiness?
Believe it or not, laziness isn’t always about not wanting to do stuff. Most of the time, it’s a form of resistance. We tend to be lazy when we’re not excited about our day, work or life. But that’s not all. Sometimes, laziness is a way of holding ourselves back because some of us feel unworthy of success or happiness. Sound familiar?
Here’s what you can do: Start noticing when you feel lazy. What triggers it? Is it a specific task, a particular time of day or maybe certain situations? Following that, ask yourself, “Why am I feeling lazy right now? Could it be that I’m actually resisting something?” This can shed light on hidden fears or beliefs that might be holding you back. The sooner you address them, the sooner you can move forward towards a more fulfilling life.
Am I addressing myself with respect and love?
How do you talk to yourself? You might be surprised to find out that many of us are really harsh on ourselves. We often say things to ourselves that we’d never say to anyone else. And that’s not good.
Talking to yourself with respect and love doesn’t mean sugar-coating things or deceiving yourself. It’s about being honest, but also being kind and supportive. Think about it this way: How would you talk to your best friend if they were in your shoes?
That’s how you should talk to yourself. With honesty, care and full support. You don’t need to fake positivity, but you don’t have to be cruel, either. Next time you catch yourself in negative self-talk, stop and ask: “Would I say this to my best friend?” If not, then it’s time for a change in the conversation.
Am I showing my true self to others?
Are you expressing your true feelings and opinions to the world? Are you saying what you really want to say? Do the people around you know the real you, or are they just seeing a version you think they want to see?
Hiding your true self can lead to many mental health issues, including depression and social anxiety. It’s like your body is telling you, “Hey, I’m not OK with pretending to be someone else.” Pretending to be someone you’re not is like running a marathon nonstop. It’s exhausting, and quite frankly, it’s not sustainable.
What’s even worse is that when you’re not being yourself, you’re essentially telling yourself that the real you isn’t lovable or valuable enough. And that’s just not true. Every single one of us is unique and has something valuable to bring to the table.
So ask yourself, “Am I being true to who I am?” Remember, it’s not only OK to be yourself—it’s necessary. Your authenticity is your superpower. Use it.
What am I most afraid of?
Fear can be a big factor that holds us back from reaching our full potential, but identifying what scares us is the first step to overcoming those fears. So what are you most afraid of? It could be anything—failing, being judged, losing someone, being alone—the list is practically endless.
Let’s make this a bit more specific. Can you name your top three fears? And don’t just list them. Take a moment to really understand why these fears exist. Are they based on past experiences? Are they fears of the unknown? Or are they linked to self-doubt?
Understanding the ‘why’ behind your fears can be a powerful tool in overcoming them. It’s OK to be afraid, but it’s not OK to let fear control your life. So take a deep breath and confront your fears by asking yourself, “What am I most afraid of?”
Who am I surrounded by?
It’s commonly said (and often attributed to Jim Rohn) that we’re the average of the five people we spend the most time with, and I believe this holds true. So who are those people for you? Think about it for a moment. Who are the five people you’re closest to? Do they want you to grow? Do they support you? Are they good for you?
It’s easy to underestimate how much the people around us influence our mindset, our behaviour and our self-perception. But the truth is, they can make a big difference in our lives, so it’s crucial to surround yourself with people who lift you up, encourage you and support your growth.
If you find that someone in your life is constantly bringing you down or holding you back, it might be time to rethink that relationship. At the end of the day, your mental health should always be one of your top priorities. So ask yourself: “Who are the people I’m surrounded by, and are they good for me?”
Who and what inspires me?
Ever watched a movie, read a book or followed someone on social media who made you think, “Wow, I want to be more like them”? These are your inspirations. They could be celebrities, athletes, authors or even fictional characters.
Now, ask yourself: Why do they inspire me? What is it about them that draws me in? Is it their confidence, kindness, resilience or passion? Whatever it is, there’s probably a reason why you’re drawn to it.
It’s often said that the traits we admire in others are the ones we want to develop in ourselves, so think about what you admire in your inspirations. Is it something you want to work on? If so, here’s the good news: If you can see it in someone else, you can develop it in yourself, too. So take a moment to ask, “Who and what inspires me, and why?” It’s a great way to discover the person you want to become.
Am I taking responsibility?
This one can be a tough pill to swallow, but it’s absolutely crucial. Are you taking responsibility for your life? Or are you constantly blaming others or circumstances for your situation? The hard truth is this: You are where you want to be.
Now, don’t get this wrong. This isn’t about beating yourself up over past mistakes or current situations. No. It’s about understanding that you have control over your life. If something’s not right, you have the power to change it.
Think about it this way: If everything was always someone else’s fault, then you’d be just a victim, right? Helpless, powerless, without hope. But when you take responsibility, you take control. You realize that, yes, life can be tough, and no, it’s not always fair. But you also realize you have the strength and power to shape your life.
With that being said, you must ask yourself, “Am I taking responsibility for my life?” Remember, this isn’t about blame. It’s about empowerment. It’s about standing up and saying, “I’m in control of my life, and I can make it better.”
Do I like my daily activities?
Think about what you do every day. Your routine, your chores, your work, your hobbies. These daily activities make up a big part of your life, and ideally, they should bring you a sense of fulfillment and joy.
Are you working towards something? Are you striving for your goals? Does your daily life excite you? If not, it might be time for a change.
Our daily activities aren’t just tasks to be checked off a list. They’re opportunities for growth, for joy, for satisfaction. They’re what make up our life. If they’re not making you happy, what’s the point?
Ask yourself, “Do I like my daily activities?” If the answer is no, then it might be time to rethink how you’re spending your days.
True introspection is worth it
As we wrap up this conversation on mental health questions, I’d like to share a powerful quote by Dr. Carl Jung that resonates deeply with me: “That which you most need will be found where you least want to look.”
Yes, these mental health questions aren’t easy to ask, and that’s precisely why they’re often avoided. But remember, what we resist persists. Avoiding these hard questions could lead to more hardship and misery in the long run. We need to bravely confront the things we’d rather not face to gain clarity and achieve true introspection.
The process can be challenging, I won’t deny that. But the alternative—not asking these questions—will lead to a far tougher path. So as you continue your daily life, keep these mental health questions in mind. They might just be the flashlight you need to illuminate the path to better understanding and improved mental health.
Take care and remember that it’s OK to seek professional help if you need it. There’s always someone who will be willing to listen, help and support you on this path of self-discovery and better mental health. You’re not alone.
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