What is mental health?

Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences our thoughts, feelings, and actions, as well as how we deal with stress, interact with people, and make decisions.

Mental health is vital at all stages of life, from infancy and adolescence to maturity. If you have mental health difficulties throughout your life, it may impair your thinking, emotions, and behavior.

Mental Health Conditions

Mental diseases are problems that impair a person’s thinking, emotions, and/or behavior. They can range from minor to severe. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, roughly one in every five individuals has a mental illness.

Several factors contribute to mental health issues, including:

• Biological elements, like DNA or brain chemistry
• Life events, such as trauma or abuse
• Family history of mental health issues

Some mental health themes are:

• Antisocial personality disorder.
• Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, and social anxiety)
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Bipolar disorder.
• Borderline Personality Disorder.
• Depression.
• Eating disorders (such as Anorexia Nervosa, binge eating disorder, and Bulimia Nervosa)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Schizophrenia.
• Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.
• Suicide and suicidal behaviors.

A Serious Mental Illness (SMI) is a condition that impairs a person’s life and capacity to operate. Despite popular belief, having a SMI is not a choice, weakness, or character failing. It is not something that just “passes” or that can be “snapped out of” via effort.

Early Warning Signs & Symptoms

Not sure whether you or someone you know has a mental health problem? Having one or more of the following emotions or actions might be an early warning indication of a problem.

• Excessive or insufficient eating and sleeping, as well as withdrawal from social and routine activities.
• Having little to no energy.
• Feeling numb or as though nothing matters.
• Have inexplicable aches and pains.
• Feeling powerless and forlorn.
• Excessive smoking, drinking, or drug usage.
• Feeling abnormally confused, forgetful, on edge, furious, agitated, concerned, or afraid.
• yelling or arguing with relatives and friends.
• Having significant mood swings that cause relationship troubles.
• Symptoms may include persistent thoughts and recollections, hearing voices, or believing things you don’t understand.
• Inability to accomplish everyday duties, such as caring for your children or getting to work or school.
• Symptoms may include hearing voices, believing false information, and considering violence to oneself or others.

Tips for Coping with a Mental Health Issue

A mental health disorder might make it difficult to work, attend school, maintain a regular schedule, have good relationships, socialize, and maintain cleanliness, among other things.

However, with early and persistent treatment—often a mix of medicine and psychotherapy—these disorders may be managed, problems conquered, and a meaningful, productive life lived.

People may now feel better and achieve their goals thanks to improved technologies, evidence-based therapies, and social support networks. These advice, techniques, and methods include:

• Stick to your treatment strategy. Even if you feel better, do not discontinue therapy or medication without seeing your doctor. Consult a doctor to safely modify dosage or medicines if necessary to maintain a treatment plan.
• Practice proper self-care. Control stress with activities like meditation or tai-chi; eat well and exercise; and get adequate sleep.
• Understand the condition. Education might help you stay to your treatment strategy. Education can also help your family members be more supportive and sympathetic.
• Communicate with relatives and friends. Relationship maintenance is critical. Reach out to them for support and assistance during a crisis or difficult moment.
• Develop coping strategies. Building good coping skills can help people deal with stress more effectively.
• Get enough sleep. Good sleep improves your brain performance, mood and overall health. Consistently poor sleep is associated with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

How to Talk about Mental Health?

Mental health is just as important in a person’s life as physical health is. The reluctance to discuss mental health reinforces the perception that the subject is taboo. It is critical to normalize talks about mental health so that individuals feel empowered to seek treatment. The following materials will help you feel better prepared to discuss mental health with individuals in your life who may want your assistance.