How Studying Psychology can Help to Improve Mental Health
Around 17 million Germans suffer from mental health challenges, but only 18.9% of them seek any help. According to Expatica, this is generally people suffering from anxiety disorders, mood disorders or depression, and they don’t receive the necessary attention, possibly due to stigma surrounding mental health issues.
During the lockdown, a large part of the global population was impacted by mental health problems which also shifted the overall perceived attitude towards them. As mental health issues are on the rise, the importance of psychology is also becoming more and more apparent. There is an increased focus on consulting psychologists and getting therapy but it’s interesting to know that the benefits of studying psychology even extend to helping you maintain good mental health.
What is Psychology?
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. It explores how we think, feel and act, examining the intricate processes that drive our actions and feelings. From emotions and decision-making to memory and social interactions, psychology provides valuable insights into why we behave the way we do.
Psychologists study everything from brain functions and neurological responses to the influence of culture and environment on human actions. Studying psychology gives you the tools to understand these mechanisms, ultimately helping individuals and societies improve mental health, strengthen relationships and enhance overall well-being.
Benefits of Studying Psychology
Studying psychology equips you with valuable skills and knowledge. Here are some key benefits of studying psychology.
- Enhanced Critical Thinking: You will learn to analyse situations from multiple perspectives, fostering problem-solving abilities that are applicable in various aspects of life.
- Improved Interpersonal Skills: Understanding psychological principles enhances your communication and empathy, enabling you to build stronger relationships personally and professionally.
- Personal Growth: Delving into topics like human development and cognitive processes offers insights that promote self-awareness and personal development.
- Diverse Career Opportunities: A background in psychology opens doors to various fields, including counselling, education, human resources and more.
The study of psychology has been a preferred career choice for many and currently, job options in this sector have expanded. Many businesses employ psychologists or hire those with a background in this subject for training staff simply because these experts have great insight into the human mind.
Studying psychology can itself be a great healing tool as it increases self-awareness and helps you to address your anxieties as well as the anxieties of those around you.
Mental Health and Psychology
Your mental health can even impact your physical health. The importance of psychology in mental health is clear as it helps you to analyse your own behaviour, understand how your brain responds to certain situations and surroundings and can even teach you ways to switch negative reactions to positive responses.
Our mental health encompasses our emotional, social and psychological health which means that if you are afflicted by any mental health issue, it could impact the way you feel, think and act. It will influence your interpersonal relationship, affect your work and make it difficult for you to navigate through everyday situations which can be something as simple as cooking food to something more challenging, like meeting deadlines at work.
Additionally, the fast-paced lives that most of us experience nowadays have added to our stress levels, making it difficult for many to cope. The increased cases of depression are a clear example of how many are struggling to handle the pressure. An Economist Impact survey shared in 2021 states that 50% of absences for chronic illnesses from work in Europe are taken due to depression. Also, 1 in 14 of the European population is struggling with depression.
When you have an understanding of psychology, you will immediately be able to identify what triggers you and if certain thoughts make your anxiety worse. Instead of succumbing to negative stimuli of your environment, you will be able to address and understand them.
How Psychology Impacts Us?
The human mind is a complex machine capable of doing multiple tasks but it can also be prone to numerous problems. Like physical ailments, mental illness also has symptoms that with an early diagnosis can be easily treated.
An understanding of psychology can help you to address, diagnose and manage mental health issues well. It provides insight into thinking patterns, helps evaluate behaviour and gets to the root of the problem. When you study this subject, you will be able to apply psychological principles and applications to your everyday life.
This will help you to better understand three main areas – human cognition, inter-communication and emotions. Cognition refers to the process of knowledge and understanding your environment through senses, experience and thoughts. Communication is the base of our social environment and emotions impact our relationship with self and others.
Studying behavioural science will help you to understand all these important domains which are the central aspect of all human interaction and activities. Psychology not only broadens your knowledge but helps you understand your own behaviour and can also help the way you deal with negative thoughts. For example, if repetitive tasks make you unmotivated, it could help you to find newer ways to approach the task. You will also learn how to tackle tricky situations that cause you stress.
By applying what you’ve learnt when studying psychology you will be able to able to keep yourself and those around you in good mental shape. Psychology goes a long way in ensuring that mental health concerns are continually recognised and addressed.
A degree in psychology is an excellent investment for you and for your career. If you are looking for an excellent programme in this field then check out the MSc in Psychological Science programme offered by the Berlin School of Business & Innovation (BSBI)
This two-year master’s degree is offered in partnership with International Telematic University UNINETTUNO. It focuses on advanced theoretical and methodological knowledge of psychology and covers two areas of expertise – Neurosciences and Cyberpsychology.
Along with providing valuable knowledge, this degree will also help you to earn 180 European University Credits (ECTS). These credits can be transferred to the EU if you’d like to switch to another higher education institute.
Click here to check out other BSBI programmes!
Master in Psychological Science