How your personality affects your mental health

Your personality type does and will always directly affect your mental health. That is because personality encompasses the thoughts, feelings, traits, and behaviours that are unique to a person and distinguish them from others.

There are many theories and models used to define personality, for example, Trait theories, Birth Order theories and Psychoanalytic theories. Laymen commonly use Horoscopes. Now and then you'll hear a person say so and so is behaving like that because they are Gemini or Scorpio. Astrology has to do with constellations and elements of nature-water, air, earth and fire. For example, Sagittarius being a fire sign, aligned with planet Jupiter, tend to have optimism and enthusiasm as dominant traits.

My favourite is the Temperaments theory, and just like Astrology, personalities are attributed to elements of nature mentioned above. It is believed to have originated from the theory of Humourism in ancient Mesopotamia. It was Hippocrates, the 'father of medicine', however, who developed it into a medical theory.

The theory states that emotions, feelings, illnesses, moods and behaviours are caused by excess or lack of enough bodily fluids, then known as 'humours'. They are blood, yellow bile, black bile and phlegm from fire, air, earth and water respectively. The largest amount of humour in a person influences their personality. That is sanguine, choleric, melancholic and phlegmatic, also respectively.

Sanguines are the 'social butterflies', free-spirited, everyone's friend, the life of the party and extremely adventurous. They tend to be indulgent and impulsive since they get bored easily, have loose boundaries, lack discipline and are easily influenced. They are most likely to suffer from Impulse Control Disorders and Addiction- from drugs, and alcohol to sex, and obesity. If you are sanguine, cultivate discipline and consistency, most importantly, learn to say 'no', manage your time and keep your impulses and appetites under control.

Melancholics are the 'perfectionists', most organised, thorough, detail-oriented, punctual and could be the smartest of all temperaments. They are also reserved and make loyal friends. If you are melancholic you are very prone to Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Hoarding Disorder and General Anxiety because you are a worrier.

Depression was initially called Melancholia for a reason. Melancholia is sometimes even called the 'dark temperament' for the same reason, they are the most likely to suffer from mental illness. This is because they tend to overthink, overanalyse, be resentful, have a hard time forgiving, are sensitive, easily hurt and never forget a hurt. A melancholic will remember the date, the time and the place where they were wronged twenty years ago, no exaggeration. If you have this temperament, learn to forgive and remember that life doesn't have to be perfect or turn out the way you planned it, live for and at the moment.

Cholerics are the 'natural leaders', bossy, goal-oriented, independent, fast-paced, and leaping from one project to another. They tend to be brutally honest, vengeful and impatient and consequently end up hurting many egos along the way. A choleric will most likely become a control freak and have serious relational issues. Most of them end up with Psychosomatic illnesses like high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, stroke and even heart attack. If their projects fail they may get depressed and are most likely to be narcissistic as they can lack empathy and rate very high on Machiavellianism.

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If you are choleric, remind yourself that your worth does not lie in how much you make, learn to relax and take a break whenever necessary. A vacation or six hours of sleep is not a waste of time. Dedicate time to family, be patient with people and learn to let them be.

Phlegmatics are the 'peacemakers' of the temperaments, they are known for diplomacy and consistency. They are usually laid back and can be lazy since they lack motivation. Their emotions and tempers are even and toned down and are the least likely to suffer from mental illness. They can, however, seek inspiration from books, religion and friends.

All in all, taking care of your mental health is crucial and the environment plays an equally important role. Exercise, sleep enough, eat a balanced diet, and get a social support system.