Every year on 10 October, we celebrate World Mental Health Day — a date that reminds us of something essential: caring for the mind is just as important as caring for the body. And although today we have good doctors and services, the real challenge often lies not in resources, but in how to stay emotionally strong as the years go by.
The challenges of ageing in today’s world
Living longer is an achievement, but it also requires adaptation. When children leave home, loved ones pass away, or health changes, feelings of loneliness or sadness can appear. It’s easy to feel that you no longer have much to contribute, when in fact the experience and calm that come with maturity are of great value.
In modern societies, where almost everything can be done with a click, loneliness has become a silent problem. Families live further apart, the pace of life leaves little time, and many older people spend more hours at home than they would like.
How to look after your mind in everyday life
You don’t need to make big changes to take care of your mental health. Sometimes, small decisions are enough. Staying in touch with others — going out with friends, joining groups or simply having a chat — helps more than you might think. Moving your body also matters: walking, swimming or doing gentle exercise improves both your mood and your physical fitness.
Learning something new, returning to a hobby or daring to use technology are very effective ways to keep the mind active. And if sadness lingers, talking to a doctor or psychologist is not a sign of weakness, but of self-respect.
Finally, feeling useful is a powerful antidote to discouragement. Helping a neighbour, caring for someone or taking part in volunteer work brings back energy and a sense of purpose.
It’s never too late to start
World Mental Health Day is a good opportunity to remember that caring for your mind is caring for yourself. Every conversation, every walk and every act of kindness are small medicines for the soul.
You don’t have to do it alone. Families, communities and public services must also play their part and offer support. But the most important thing is to take the first step: to decide that your wellbeing deserves attention.
Mental health doesn’t depend on age, but on the desire to keep living with enthusiasm — and that is in your hands.
At DIDIER&co, we believe that good mental health is part of living well in Spain and we care about you and accompany you every step of the way — in your daily life, within the Spanish healthcare system, through Spanish administration and wherever you may need it. We provide translation, interpreting and personal support in several languages (English, Spanish, French and soon Dutch), so you always feel comfortable and supported.
If you need help related to the content of this article, please don’t hesitate to write us through our contact form.
DIDIER&co – We interpret. We help. We care.
Photos: courtesy of Freepik
