10th October is observed as World Mental Health Day annually, with the objective of raising awareness regarding mental well-being issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of it.
Let's understand what mental health and mental disorder actually means, the types of mental illness and factors contributing to mental health problems, the importance of mental stability in today's fast-paced world and most importantly, ways through which we can maintain our mental health.
What Is Mental Health?
Mental health is an essential health component. It includes not only emotional and psychological fitness but also social and physical well-being. It helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and contribute to our decision-making ability. A part of mental health is mental illness, often referred to as mental health disorders. These are a wide range of mental conditions that impact your mood, thinking and behaviour, affecting how you think, feel, and behave. Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviours.
Importance of Mental Health:
Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Emotional well-being and mental stability are important because it’s a vital part of your life and impact your thoughts, behaviours and emotions. Being healthy emotionally promotes productivity and effectiveness in daily life. In addition to enhancing the health of your relationships, it further allows you to adapt to changes in your life and also cope with adversity.
Types of Disorders:
There are almost 300 mental disorders listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a handbook used by health professionals to help diagnose mental illness.
Some of the main groups into which mental disorders can be divided are:
- mood disorders
- anxiety disorders
- personality disorders
- psychotic disorders
- eating and sleeping disorders
- trauma-related disorders
- substance abuse disorder
Understanding Most Common Disorders
- Depression: Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders worldwide. It affects people of all ages and backgrounds and can lead to persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in daily activities. Factors contributing to depression may include genetics, brain chemistry, and life experiences. It's crucial to recognize the symptoms early and seek professional help when needed.
- Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder, are characterized by excessive worry and fear. These conditions can be debilitating and impact one's daily life. Therapy, medication, and relaxation techniques can help manage anxiety disorders effectively.
- Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings, ranging from depressive episodes to manic or hypomanic episodes. People with bipolar disorder may experience periods of intense energy and creativity followed by deep depression. Treatment often involves medication and therapy to stabilize mood and manage the condition.
- Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It often involves hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Treatment typically includes antipsychotic medications and psychotherapy to help individuals manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.
- Eating Disorders: Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, are characterized by unhealthy relationships with food and body image. Treatment may include therapy, nutritional counselling, and medical supervision to address both physical and psychological aspects of these disorders.
Causes:
Many different factors contribute to mental health problems. Some of these may include:
- Biological factors ( brain chemistry)
- trauma or abuse
- Genes or family history of mental health problems
- loneliness
- experiencing discrimination, bullying or harassment
- social disadvantage, poverty or debt
- anxiety/stress
- physical health conditions
- excess drinking or smoking
Early Symptoms:
Some of the early symptoms to look out for include:
- extreme mood swings
- feeling gloomy and sad almost all the time
- lack of focus and concentration issues
- unable to cope with stress, fears and anxiety issues
- anger issues
- paranoia
- insomnia
- suicidal thoughts
Boosting Mental Wellness:
The good news is that people with mental health problems can get better and even recover completely. Here are some strategies to nourish your mental well-being:
- Talk About Your Feelings: Don't keep your emotions bottled up. Share your thoughts and feelings with someone you trust, whether it's a friend, family member, or mental health professional.
- Be Active: Regular physical activity, meditation, yoga, or even a simple walk can have a positive impact on your overall health.
- Eat and Sleep Well: Maintain a balanced diet and ensure you get enough quality sleep. Nutrition and rest play a significant role in mental well-being.
- Avoid Smoking and Drinking: Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can worsen mental health issues. Reducing or eliminating these habits can help.
- Find a Hobby: Engaging in activities you're passionate about can be an excellent way to reduce stress and boost your mental well-being.
- Socialize: Connect with friends and loved ones. Social support is crucial for mental health.
- Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you're struggling with your mental health, don't hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. Therapy and medication can be highly effective in managing mental health disorders.
In conclusion, World Mental Health Day serves as a reminder that mental well-being is just as important as physical health. Therefore, understanding mental disorders, their causes, and the strategies for maintaining wellness is crucial for individuals, families, and communities. By fostering awareness and providing support, we can undoubtedly work towards a world where mental health is a priority, and everyone has the resources they need to lead a healthy life.
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