Dear Counsellor:

I am interested in health issues, especially mental health. What are the issues that involve mental health? Is it only about the street people or does it involve normal persons?

- Monica

Dear Monica:

Good mental health involves the mind, the body and the spirit. All these areas work together for optimum function. Self-esteem, self-image, self-love, self-care and appearances affect individuals. People need to love themselves and care for their bodies so that they can be healthy. Whatever we think or say, we may do.

We need to be positive in our speech and behaviour. Many people have gained great wealth by positive thinking. In this world, it is a task to think and act positive. We, therefore, need to practise positive thinking in small amounts and encourage ourselves. We need to be motivated to think positively, even in adversities.

If we compare ourselves with others, we will realise that our situations are better or worse than others'.

Self-care, self-respect, exercise, diet and spirituality will help you in life. Sexual health is important, particularly because of the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea.

When people hear 'mental', they think of madness and naked people on the street. Street people have been abandoned by family and community and those who are mentally ill are discriminated against. It requires society's members to be helpful to each other and to protect the unfortunate from abuse.

Mental health involves everyone, with no exception. Normal people need to have good mental health. The severely ill patient needs to improve his mental health. We need to manage the stressors of life and cope with both success and failure. We need to have coping strategies to deal with adversities and disasters. We need to adjust to the changes of life. It is guaranteed that there will always be changes.

Mental health also involves our relationship with others and our productivity at the workplace. It is also about our community involvement and our family interactions.

Dear Counsellor:

I am a graduate from a local university and I am unable to find a job. I have sent résumés and applications without much success.

- Apple

Dear Apple:

It has never been easy to find a job that we think we need. There are many different types of jobs at various levels. Entry-level jobs that will propel you up the career ladder are available.

You have to be prepared to be flexible and creative. Many of the skills gained at the university will help you in any job you take. Communication skills are always useful. Skills gained from co-curricular activities can also be useful in your job.

Networking in organisations is needed to enable you to make contact with leaders in the workplace. You need to get yourself known and to have a good reputation. Many service clubs have various projects that they are involved in, so you should get involved. Volunteering at various agencies is quite helpful as you will be in contact with the power players.

Networking is a skill that is vital. Continue to write applications but think widely.

A combination of factors will land you that job. Pray daily. Opportunities smile on those who are prepared.

For great counsel and tips on personal and family health matters, call Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at 978-8602 or email yvonniebd@hotmail.com.