Awareness in Mental Health: You don't have to struggle in silence.


 



Awareness in Mental Health: You don't have to struggle in silence

   WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?

        According to the World Health Organization, mental health is "a condition of well-being in which an individual recognizes his or her capabilities, can cope with typical stresses of life, can work successfully and fruitfully, and can contribute to his or her community."

        Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being are all part of our mental health. It has an impact on the way we think, feel, and act. It also influences how we deal with stress, how we interact with others, and make decisions. Mental health is vital at all stages of life, including childhood, adolescence, and maturity.  In this type of situation, our society faces a slew of challenges. However, in today's world, mental health is a serious concern for our generation. Mental health is not only a major social issue in and of itself, but it also commonly arises as a result of people's numerous social issues. People's relationships with their children, spouses, relatives, friends, and coworkers are influenced by their mental health. Poor mental health frequently leads to issues like social isolation, which hinders a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. 

    Social relationships are protective of mental health for all people. People with mental illness are, however, less likely to have such protective relationships, and when their social links are poor their recovery is compromised and they are at heightened risk of relapse (Pevalin & Goldberg 2003).


A good condition of mental health or a negative state of mental health are the two possible outcomes.

                                      



         

 Good mental health is characterized by a person's ability to fulfill several key functions and activities, including the ability to learn. the ability to feel, express, and manage a range of positive and negative emotions. the ability to form and maintain good relationships with others.

Mental illness, also called mental health disorders, refers to a wide range of mental health conditions — disorders that affect your mood, thinking, and behavior. Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and addictive behaviors.


Your mental health is going bad if you experience this:


Feeling anxious or worried

We all get worried or stressed from time to time. But anxiety could be a sign of a mental health disorder if the worry is constant and interferes all the time. Other symptoms of anxiety may include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, headache, sweating, trembling, feeling dizzy, restlessness, diarrhea, or a racing mind.


Feeling depressed or unhappy

Signs of depression include being sad or irritable for the last few weeks or more, lacking motivation and energy, losing interest in a hobby, or being teary all the time.


Emotional outbursts

Everyone has different moods, but sudden and dramatic changes in mood, such as extreme distress or anger, can be a symptom of mental illness.


Sleep problems

Lasting changes to a person’s sleep patterns could be a symptom of a mental health disorder. For example, insomnia could be a sign of anxiety or substance abuse. Sleeping too much or too little could indicate depression or a sleeping disorder.


Weight or appetite changes

For some people, fluctuating weight or rapid weight loss could be one of the warning signs of a mental health disorder, such as depression or an eating disorder.


Quiet or withdrawn

Withdrawing from life, especially if this is a major change, could indicate a mental health disorder. If a friend or loved one is regularly isolating themselves, they may have depression, bipolar disorder, a psychotic disorder, or another mental health disorder. Refusing to join in social activities may be a sign they need help.


Substance abuse

Using substances to cope, such as alcohol or drugs, can be a sign of mental health conditions. Using substances can also contribute to mental illness.


Feeling guilty or worthless

Thoughts like ‘I’m a failure, ‘It’s my fault’ or ‘I’m worthless’ are all possible signs of a mental health disorder, such as depression. Your friend or loved one may need help if they’re frequently criticizing or blaming themselves. When severe, a person may express a feeling to hurt or kill themselves. This feeling could mean the person is suicidal and urgent help is needed. Call Triple zero (000) for an ambulance immediately.


Changes in behavior or feelings

A mental health disorder may start out as subtle changes to a person’s feelings, thinking, and behavior. Ongoing and significant changes could be a sign that they have or are developing a mental health disorder. If something doesn’t seem ‘quite right, it’s important to start the conversation about getting help.



What causes bad mental health?

    Mental health problems can have a wide range of causes. It's likely that for many people there is a complicated combination of factors – although different people may be more deeply affected by certain things than others. For example, the following factors could potentially result in a period of poor mental health: childhood abuse, trauma, or neglect. social isolation or loneliness. experiencing discrimination and stigma.


    Although lifestyle factors including work, diet, drugs, and lack of sleep can all affect your mental health, if you experience a mental health problem there are usually other factors as well. Research suggests that some mental health problems may run in families. For example, if you have a parent with schizophrenia, you are more likely to develop schizophrenia yourself. But no one knows if this is because of our genes or because of other factors, such as the environment we grow up in, or the ways of thinking, coping, and behaving that we may learn from our parents.


    The development of some mental health problems may be influenced by our genes, researchers haven't found any specific genes that cause mental health problems.

And many people who experience a mental health problem don't have any parents, children, or other relatives with the same condition.




Mental illness is a general term for a group of illnesses that may include symptoms that can affect a person’s thinking, perceptions, mood, or behavior. Mental illness can make it difficult for someone to cope with work, relationships, and other demands. The relationship between stress and mental illness is complex, but it is known that stress can worsen an episode of mental illness. Most people can manage their mental illness with medication, counseling, or both. This page lists some of the more common mental health issues and mental illnesses.


TYPES OF MENTAL DISORDERS:


Anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health disorders that includes generalized anxiety disorders, social phobias, specific phobias (for example, agoraphobia and claustrophobia), panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder. Untreated, anxiety disorders can lead to significant impairment in people’s daily lives.

For more information see: Anxiety disorders

Behavioral and emotional disorders in children

Common behavior disorders in children include oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Treatment for these mental health disorders can include therapy, education, and medication.

For more information see: Behavioural disorders in children

Bipolar affective disorder

Bipolar affective disorder is a type of mood disorder, previously referred to as ‘manic depression. A person with bipolar disorder experiences episodes of mania (elation) and depression. The person may or may not experience psychotic symptoms. The exact cause is unknown, but a genetic predisposition has been clearly established. Environmental stressors can also trigger episodes of this mental illness.

For more information see: Bipolar disorder

Depression

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by a lowering of mood, loss of interest and enjoyment, and reduced energy. It is not just feeling sad. There are different types and symptoms of depression. There are varying levels of severity and symptoms related to depression. Symptoms of depression can lead to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

For more information see: Depression

Dissociation and dissociative disorders

Dissociation is a mental process where a person disconnects from their thoughts, feelings, memories, or sense of identity. Dissociative disorders include dissociative amnesia, dissociative fugue, depersonalization disorder, and dissociative identity disorder.

For more information see: Dissociation and dissociative disorders

Eating disorders

Eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia nervosa, and other binge eating disorders. Eating disorders affect females and males and can have serious psychological and physical consequences.

For more information see: Eating disorders

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder. Obsessions are recurrent thoughts, images, or impulses that are intrusive and unwanted. Compulsions are time-consuming and distressing repetitive rituals. Treatment include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and medications

For more information see: Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Paranoia

Paranoia is the irrational and persistent feeling that people are ‘out to get you’. Paranoia may be a symptom of conditions including paranoid personality disorder, delusional (paranoid) disorder, and schizophrenia. Treatment for paranoia include medications and psychological support.

For more information see: Paranoia

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop as a response to people who have experienced any traumatic event. This can be a car or other serious accident, physical or sexual assault, war-related events or torture, or natural disasters such as bushfires or floods.

For more information see: Post-traumatic stress disorder

Psychosis

People affected by psychosis can experience delusions, hallucinations, and confused thinking.. Psychosis can occur in a number of mental illnesses, including drug-induced psychosis, schizophrenia, and mood disorders. Medication and psychological support can relieve, or even eliminate psychotic symptoms.

For more information see: Psychosis

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a complex psychotic disorder characterized by disruptions to thinking and emotions and a distorted perception of reality. Symptoms of schizophrenia vary widely but may include hallucinations, delusions, thought disorder, social withdrawal, lack of motivation, and impaired thinking and memory. People with schizophrenia have a high risk of suicide. Schizophrenia is not a split personality.

For more information see: Schizophrenia

Where to get help


IT'S A DISORDER NOT A DECISION
“Take your time healing, as long as you want".





    HOW TO AVOID HAVING BAD MENTAL HEALTH?

Take good care of yourself.
Sufficient sleep, healthy eating, and regular physical activity are important. Try to maintain a regular schedule. Talk to your primary care provider if you have trouble sleeping or if you have questions about diet and physical activity.

How to look after your mental health

  1. Talk about your feelings. Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled.
  2. Keep active
  3. Eat well
  4. Drink sensibly
  5. Keep in touch
  6. Ask for help
  7. Take a break
  8. Do something you're good at.



"Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it."

References:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-to-mental-health

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/mental-health-problems-introduction/causes/#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20the%20following%20factors,experiencing%20discrimination%20and%20stigma 

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/signs-mental-health-issue

https://www.psychguides.com/mental-health-disorders/

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/types-of-mental-health-issues-and-illnesses

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/your-mental-health/about-mental-health/what-good-mental-health#:~:text=Good%20mental%20health%20is%20characterised,maintain%20good%20relationships%20with%20others

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968#:~:text=Mental%20illness%2C%20also%20called%20mental,eating%20disorders%20and%20addictive%20behaviors




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