10/10/2025
Every 10th of October is known the World over as World Mental Health Day โ the result of global advocacy and awareness program in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health. This yearโs theme, โ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐: ๐ ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐น๐๐ต ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ต๐ฒ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ด๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฒ๐,โ reminds us to show empathy and a helping hand for those who have inner battles in this time of crisis and ensure that they can still access various mental health services even during emergencies , that which are beneficial for their needs, most especially proper nutrition and well-being.
One of the most important attributes of a โgood lifeโ is our overall health, a holistic view of an individualโs health status, encompassing physical fitness, emotional stability, and social connections. Studies show that physical and mental wellโbeing have a major impact on one another โ cancer, diabetes, chronic pain, cardiovascular or respiratory disease should not be viewed in isolation from the possible mental and emotional issues of an individual.
As we acknowledge everyoneโs mental health today, know that your feelings are valid and you are not alone in this fight. One of the few steps to achieve total brain development is nourishing our body with the right foods that support brain function and concentration, such as foods rich in:
โข Omega-3 Fatty Acids: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that you consume 0.25 to 2 grams of EPA plus DHA per day. You can reach that amount by eating two servings of fatty fish weekly. You can get large amounts of omega-3 fats from fatty fish, algae, and several high-fat plant foods.
โข Folate (Folid Acid): Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is found naturally in many foods. It may also be found in the form of folic acid in fortified foods. Legumes, eggs, citrus fruits, and fortified grains are a few good sources of folate.
โข Antioxidants: According to the USDA, antioxidants remove free radicals from the body, which can run rampant and damage cells, causing serious illness. A study even suggests that they could improve brain function in those who have mild cognitive impairment. The foods rich in antioxidants are red grapes, papaya, dark chocolate, coffee, potatoes, spinach, avocado, asparagus, etc.
With proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle, we can gradually attain a positive mindset despite the catastrophes and inner battles we are still experiencing. Given the minimal access to goods and services, we must learn to utilize what we have without neglecting the importance of proper nutrition and remain hopeful for better days ahead of us.
References:
World Mental Health Day - PMC
12 Foods That Are Very High in Omega-3
15 Healthy Foods That Are High in Folate (Folic Acid)
Microsoft Word - Top 20 Foods High In Antioxidants
Best Foods for a Healthy Brain | Northwestern Medicine
