Although it is important for an individual to have good mental health, many people do not understand it or regard it as important. Mental health is very similar to physical health: both mental and physical health will determine how we react to our daily lives and how we think, feel, and act. If a person has a good understanding of mental health, he/she will be able to identify potential mental health problems and seek help.
This ultimate guide will give you the basics of mental health so you can become more aware of your mental health, decrease your negative thoughts about mental health, and determine how to create an effective treatment plan for mental health problems.
Definition Of Mental Health
Mental health is the state of your emotional, psychological, and social wellness. Mental health influences how you cope with life, how you relate to people, how you make choices, and how you manage your everyday life. A positive state of mental health means a person can successfully cope with life’s obstacles, adapt to change, and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Mental health is important throughout an individual’s life, from childhood through adulthood, and also into old age.
Common Types of Mental Illness
Mental illness is a worldwide phenomenon that can impact people at any age, from any social, economic or cultural background. Among the most prevalent forms of mental illness include:
- Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Phobias)
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Schizophrenia
- Eating Disorders
Although the degree of severity and symptoms of the above constitute different forms of mental illness, all these forms have been shown to affect many aspects of an individuals’ daily life in a large number of cases.
Signs of Mental Illness
The ability to recognize mental health symptoms early is important for effective intervention. There are many differences in the symptoms people experience based on the condition and the individual. However, from an emotional, behavioral, and physical perspective, the following are some of the most frequent symptoms:
Emotional Symptoms:
- Feeling sad or low for an extended period.
- Excessive fear, worry, or anxiety.
- Fluctuations in mood or feeling of numbness.
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.
- Becoming overly irritable or angry due to situations that are viewed as not serious.
Behavioral Signs
- Isolation from loved ones and/or loss of interest in hobbies.
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits.
- Difficulty with focus or decision-making.
- Decreased productivity at work and/or school.
- Increased consumption of alcohol and/or drugs.
Physical Signs
- Tiredness/lack of energy.
- Unexplained headaches and/or other pains.
- Problems with digestion.
- Changes in appetite and/or weight.
If the symptoms appear to be ongoing for a period greater than several weeks or have negative impact upon daily living, it is important to seek professional assistance.
Causes of Mental Health Disorders
A mental health disorder will usually not occur due to a single cause. Rather, it is usually a result of the interplay between many biological, psychological, and sociological factors.
Biological Factors
- Genetics and family history
- Brain Chemistry Imbalances
- Hormonal changes
- Chronic medical illness
An individual with a family history of mental illness may be more susceptible to developing a mental health disorder as a result of hereditary factors; however, genetic predisposition does not solely dictate the outcome.
Psychological Factors
- Recent trauma or abuse
- Negative patterns of thinking
- Low self-confidence/self-worth
- Ineffective coping skills
- Unresolved emotional stress or unhealthy coping strategies.
Unresolved emotional stress and unhealthy coping methods may lead to mental health problems in your life.
Environmental and Social Factors
- Ongoing stress (work, financial situations, relationship problems)
- Social isolation/loneliness
- Exposure to violence or natural disasters
- Childhood neglect or instability
- Lifestyle factors such as inadequate sleep, insufficient exercise, and substance abuse.
These factors are generally believed to contribute negatively to a person’s mental health.
Importance of Mental Health Awareness
By raising awareness and reducing stigma associated with mental illness, individuals will feel safer and more comfortable in seeking assistance without the fear or embarrassment. Delaying treatment has been very common for many people because they view mental illnesses as a weakness or failure rather than an illness that requires treatment in much the same way as other physical illnesses.
Bringing awareness to the forefront of society will promote the following:
- Early assessment and treatment of potential mental health issues
- Improved quality of life for individuals who suffer from severe mental health conditions
- Reduction in the possibility of severe mental illness complications
- Development of supportive environments and communities.
It is vital for society to openly discuss issues regarding mental health so people can learn how to live healthier and happier lives.
How is Mental Health Diagnosed?
A mental health diagnosis is established by:
- A Clinician’s interview with the Patient
- The assessment of the patient’s symptoms
- Reviewing the patient’s medical history
- Using Psychological testing @ least once in an evaluation.
Healthcare Professionals such as Psychiatrists, Psychological Counselors, Psychologists, and licensed Therapists who use the Diagnostic Criteria which allows the expert to determine what conditions to diagnose so that appropriate treatment can be initiated.
How Are There Different Types of Treatments for Mental Health?
There are a wide range of mental health treatments available depending on the severity and type of mental health condition a patient may suffer from as well as each individual’s personal preferences. Treatments offered will usually consist of 1 or more types of these approaches:
1.Psychotherapy (Talking Therapy):
Psychotherapy is generally viewed to be the most effective form of mental health treatment. With psychotherapy, the patient works with a qualified Therapist to gain insight into their own thoughts, feelings, and Actions & Responses.
Examples of therapy:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which is geared toward changing the negative or distorted thoughts a person has about themselves.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) focuses on teaching people how to regulate their emotions.
- Psychodynamic Therapy focuses on a Patient’s unconscious influences on their behaviors & thoughts.
- Support Group Therapy – provides emotional support through other individuals.
Through Therapy, Patients can learn how to manage their symptoms, cope better, and build strong relationships with others.
2.Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceuticals are typically used to treat symptoms as well; particularly for patients suffering from moderate-to-severe mental health issues. Drug categories include:
- Antidepressants
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Mood stabilizers
- Antipsychotics
Always consult a licensed physician when considering pharmaceutical treatment options so that you know what to expect regarding both possible side effects and possible results from treatment.
3.Lifestyle/Balanced Living/Self-Care
Creating a healthy lifestyle can be one of the greatest contributions to recovery and mental well-being. Such choices could include:
- Regular exercise
- Keeping a balanced diet
- Getting enough rest each night
- Using stress management techniques
- Limiting your use of alcohol and drugs
Utilizing mindfulness, meditation or relaxation techniques can greatly reduce anxiety and improve emotional stability.
4.Community Support and Social Well-being
Community support can help strengthen individuals’ sense of belonging which promotes mental health and wellness and provides individuals with outlets to express feelings of loneliness. Family, friends, professional caregivers and peers provide understanding, compassion, and non-judgmental emotional support in addition to helping ease feelings of loneliness.
Serious mental illness may require structured treatment interventions through fully supervised inpatient and outpatient treatment programs).
There are ways an individual can proactively manage his/her mental illness through lifestyle changes:
- The creation of healthy coping strategies;
- The establishment of a work-life balance;
- Seeking assistance at an early point in disorder development;
- Maintaining interpersonal connections;
- Creating a positive self-care regimen.;
Creating awareness of mental illness issues and developing daily habits of maintaining a healthy mental state is key in preventing a serious mental disorder.
Factors That Indicate When to Seek Professional Assistance
Professional help should be sought when:
- The symptoms have continued beyond two weeks;
- Your day-to-day functioning is impaired;
- You have thoughts of self-harm/suicide; or,
- Coping is too much to handle.
Early intervention produces more successful outcomes and no doubt speeds recovery.
Final Thoughts
Mental health is equally essential as physical health; hence, people should prioritize mental health care. When individuals know the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders, as well as their causes and ways to treat them, they can be empowered to be in charge of their own lives and offer assistance to others.
Mental health disorders can be managed with a combination of awareness, professional support, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Asking for assistance is not a weakness, it is the first step to healing and strength, leading to higher quality of life.
