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well-balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods including fruits vegetables whole grains lean proteins and dairy products take prenatal vitamins as recommended by healthcare providers to supplement any nutrients that may be lacking in the diet, avoid substances that can harm fetal development, such as alcohol, tobacco, and certain medications not approved by a healthcare provider and attend regular prenatal check-ups to monitor both maternal and fetal health and receive any necessary guidance on nutrition and mental well-being

Mental health is a complex and multi-faceted concept that encompasses various dimensions of well-being and functioning These dimensions collectively contribute to an individual s overall mental health which also include: a Emotional Well-being: It refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s emotions effectively It involves having a positive outlook, experiencing a range of emotions in a balanced manner and being resilient in the face of challenges b Psychological Well-being: Psychological wellbeing encompasses aspects such as self-esteem, self-acceptance, and a sense of purpose or meaning in life It involves having a positive perception of oneself and feeling a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment c Social Well-being: Social well-being is related to the quality of an individual s social connections and relationships It involves having a support network, feeling a sense of belonging and connectedness with others and experiencing healthy social interactions d Cognitive Functioning: Cognitive functioning refers to mental processes like thinking reasoning problem-solving, and memory Good mental health involves having the ability to think clearly, make decisions, and concentrate effectively e Behavioural Functioning: Behavioural functioning refers to the patterns of behaviour and actions exhibited by an individual Positive mental health involves engaging in adaptive and healthy behaviours, managing stress effectively, and avoiding harmful or self-destructive behaviours f Physical Well-being: Physical well-being is closely linked to mental health Taking care of one s physical health such as maintaining a balanced diet engaging in regular exercise and getting sufficient rest, can positively impact mental well-being g Environmental Well-being: Environmental wellbeing is the relationship between an individual and their external surroundings It involves feeling safe and supported in one s environment and having access to resources that promote mental health h Occupational Well-being: Occupational wellbeing is related to satisfaction and fulfilment in one’s work or daily activities Feeling a sense of accomplishment and purpose in one s job or activities can contribute to overall mental health

The writer is head of the political science department of the B N Mandal University, Madhepura, Bihar, India and can be reached at rajkumarsinghpg@gmail com