Introduction
Physical, mental, and social health are the three main dimensions of an individual’s health. Giving equal importance to all aspects of health can help improve the quality of life. Ignoring health can have major consequences. For example, mental health is the overall psychological well-being that comprises emotional and cognitive aspects of life. Promoting good mental health aids an individual in coping with various circumstances and challenges in life. Prioritizing mental health by engaging in various self-care practices and seeking help can reduce the stigma around mental health issues.
What Is Mental Health?
Mental health focuses on how an individual thinks, feels, and behaves in response to a particular situation or circumstance. It could also have an impact on the physical health of the individual. Good mental health is crucial to cope-up with life, during childhood and adulthood, as most people undergo major transitions. Mental health should be highly treasured for the following reasons
-
Ability of an individual to handle various stresses in life.
-
To maintain good relationships.
-
To realize the full potential of an individual.
-
To be more productive.
-
To stay physically healthy.
-
Understanding the full potential of oneself.
What Are the Common Mental Health Disorders?
Some of the common mental health disorders are mentioned below
-
Anxiety disorders like phobias, panic attacks and social anxiety. The symptoms include excessive fear or worry and changes in behavioral patterns.
-
Mood disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, which could result in sadness, disturbed sleep pattern, and changes in appetite.
-
Personality disorders like antisocial personality disorder which includes difficulty with relationships and emotional dysregulation.
-
Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa can cause binge eating and distorted body image issues.
-
Substance use like addiction to alcohol and drugs can cause withdrawal symptoms and negative consequences in the health of an individual.
What Are the Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders?
The symptoms of a mental health disorder may widely vary from one individual to another, depending on the severity of the condition and type of disease progression. Some of the common mental health symptoms are listed below:
-
Changes in eating and sleeping habits.
-
Mood swings.
-
Low energy levels.
-
Feeling helpless.
-
Suicidal thoughts.
-
Lack of ability to perform well.
-
Hearing disturbing voices.
-
Smoking and drinking.
-
Unexplained aches and pains.
-
Avoiding social activities.
-
Confused.
-
Angry.
-
Worried or scared.
Are Mental Health Issues a Lifetime Disorder?
Mental health issues have different outcomes in each individual. Some people may suffer mental health issues for a longer duration, while others may experience it temporarily. Several factors and the severity of symptoms contribute to the duration of an illness.
Mental issues like anxiety and depression can be episodic, and symptoms may disappear with time. There are chances of remission or recovery, which vary from one individual to another. Severe mental health conditions like bipolar disorder can be chronic and may require ongoing treatment and management. With appropriate treatment and the support of family and friends, one can aid in the healing process.
How Are Mental Health Issues Diagnosed?
In order to diagnose mental health issues, the doctor may ask a series of questions regarding the mood, thoughts, and behavior. The following are some of the methods in diagnosing mental issues
-
A clinical interview is conducted by a psychologist or psychiatrist to gather information on the person's symptoms.
-
A few psychological tests are conducted to evaluate the cognitive and emotional functioning of a person. These tests are helpful in diagnosing specific health disorders like depression and anxiety.
-
Sometimes, medical tests like blood tests and imaging studies also help to diagnose mental problems caused due to trauma or other health issues.
-
Most health professionals follow an outlined criteria when it comes to diagnosing the health of an individual.
Mental health diagnoses may change over time, so it is crucial to follow-up with the patient post recovery to prevent relapse and ensure they lead a quality life.
How to Promote and Prevent Mental Health?
In order to promote and prevent mental health, it is best to determine the social and structural aspects of mental health. Intervening in the earlier stages may help reduce the progression of the disease. It is important to build resilience and establish an environment to be supportive of mental health. Reshaping mental health requires the contribution of health sectors and multiple mental health awareness programs to help build the mental health of every individual.
In addition, efforts to prevent suicidal thoughts have now become a global priority, and various helplines are reaching out to value the precious life of an individual. Mental health is important for both children and adults to thrive in life. Ignorance can become a serious complication and impair the regular activities of an individual. It is important to understand the signs exhibited by the individual to take necessary actions. In addition to the above, mental health at work has also been a growing area of interest, which is being supported by legislation and regulations.
How Are Mental Health Issues Treated?
To strengthen mental health, it is important to understand the needs of an individual and the causes and triggers for mental health issues. Various mental health programs are available, which help provide counseling and cope with an individual's situation. Most mental health disorders are treatable. However, patient cooperation plays a major role in the treatment. Psychiatrists may suggest various routes to get over unwanted stress and problems by incorporating changes in behavioral aspects. Mental health issues may take a longer time to recover, depending on the trauma and degree of damage, but they can be effectively treated.
Conclusion
Mental health plays a crucial role in an individual’s life. Ignoring mental health could take a setback on physical health and quality of life. Some mental health issues are temporary, while others could be permanent. Various mental health programs can aid with the recovery of symptoms. Most mental health issues can be treated and managed with proper care and therapy. However, a follow-up may be required to guide the individuals through a complete healing phase and prevent relapse.
