Mental Health

Mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, influencing emotional resilience, cognitive function, and life satisfaction. The Mental Health Measure in the Giji Index evaluates emotional regulation, stress management, and overall psychological well-being to determine how effectively respondents maintain mental health.

This measure uses scientifically supported indicators such as the frequency of stress, feelings of sadness or numbness, and self-worth. By providing an objective evaluation of respondents' mental health status, the Mental Health Measure identifies areas where improvement is needed and offers insights for building emotional resilience and psychological balance.

Sadness, Numbness, & Apathy

These emotional states can significantly impact one's mental health and daily functioning. Research indicates that persistent feelings of sadness, numbness, or apathy are often associated with conditions like depression, which can impair decision-making, relationships, and overall well-being. Addressing these emotions early through support, therapy, or self-care practices is crucial for maintaining emotional balance. 

Anger & Frustration

Frequent experiences of anger or frustration that disrupt decision-making and interpersonal relationships can be indicators of emotional dysregulation. Chronic anger can contribute to physical health problems such as high blood pressure and can strain personal and professional relationships. Learning techniques like emotional regulation or mindfulness can help manage these intense feelings. 

Stress, Anxiety, & Overwhelm

Experiencing frequent stress or anxiety that impacts decision-making or relationships may signal chronic stress or an anxiety disorder. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones can affect physical health, emotional well-being, and cognitive functioning. Mindfulness, exercise, and therapeutic interventions are often effective in reducing stress and improving emotional resilience. 

Proactivity

The ability to use proactive methods such as journaling or meditation to control strong emotions reflects emotional resilience. Regular practice of these techniques is associated with better mental health outcomes, including reduced stress and improved emotional regulation. Developing these proactive coping strategies is essential for maintaining emotional well-being during challenging times. 

Social Media

Excessive social media use has been linked to negative effects on mental health, including increased anxiety, depression, and social comparison. Research suggests that spending more than two hours per day on social platforms can contribute to feelings of loneliness, lower self-esteem, and reduced productivity. However, moderate and intentional use of social media for social connection or professional networking can have positive effects. Tracking time spent on social media can provide insights into how these platforms influence emotional well-being and mental health. 

Body Image

Positive self-image is closely tied to mental well-being and resilience. Studies suggest that individuals with a positive self-image experience higher levels of self-esteem, lower levels of anxiety, and better overall life satisfaction. Negative self-image can contribute to conditions like depression and social withdrawal. 

Independence

Satisfaction with personal independence, such as decision-making autonomy and financial independence, is strongly linked to mental health and well-being. Studies have shown that higher levels of perceived independence contribute to greater life satisfaction, resilience, and personal growth. A lack of independence, particularly in financial or personal decision-making, can lead to feelings of helplessness or reduced self-efficacy. 

Optimism

Optimism about the future is a strong predictor of mental health and life satisfaction. People who feel hopeful about their future are more likely to engage in goal-setting and experience fewer symptoms of depression. On the other hand, a lack of optimism may be associated with anxiety and low motivation. 

Purpose

Having a sense of direction and purpose is essential for mental well-being, as it motivates individuals to set and achieve goals, providing meaning to daily activities. Research indicates that a strong sense of purpose is associated with higher levels of life satisfaction, emotional resilience, and lower stress. Conversely, a lack of purpose can lead to feelings of aimlessness, depression, and anxiety. 

Locus of Control

This indicator measures the extent to which you believe you are in control of your life. This is the extent to which you assess that your own actions and abilities are the determining factor in the direction of your life, versus whether you consider yourself at the mercy of external forces. For instance, which of these statements most closely aligns with your belief: 'whether I become rich or poor depends upon my own abilities' or 'a person's wealth is based on luck.'