What is Mental Health?
Mental health is often overlooked, and yet it is vital to our overall well-being. According to WHO, Mental health is defined as a state of emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It is the capacity to cope with the stresses of everyday life, work productively, and make meaningful contributions to our communities. Mental health is not just the absence of mental illness.
It is about feeling good about oneself, having positive relationships, and engaging in activities that bring joy. It is about having the resources and skills to cope with life’s challenges. Mental health can be positively or negatively impacted by physical health, relationships, work, and environmental factors; therefore, it is essential to be aware of and take it seriously for overall well-being.
What Are Mental Health Disorders?
Mental health disorders are conditions that affect an individual’s mental well-being, Mental disorders is ranging from mild to severe. It can have a wide range that affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. According to research In 2019, 1 in every 8 individual around the world were living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depression being the most prevalent.
Mental health disorders impact the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves and affect their ability to work or form healthy relationships.
What Causes Mental Health Problems?
The causes of mental illness are complex and vary from person to person. In some cases, mental illness is caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
- Biological Factors, mental illness can be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, which can be caused by genetics (heredity), Infections, brain defects or injuries. This can cause changes in the way a person thinks, feels, and acts.
- Psychological Factors that may be involved in development of mental illness includes exposure of traumatic events, the loss of a parent at a young age or going through other stressful events in life.
- Environmental Factors, a person’s lifestyle choices, such as substance use, feeling of low self-worth, anxiety, loneliness, poor nutrition, or lack of sleep, can lead to mental illness. These choices in life can make a person more likely to get a mental illness.
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Disorder
Mental health Disorder are conditions that cause significant changes in a person’s thinking, mood, and behavior. These changes can lead to problems with daily functioning, such as difficulty in relationships and at work.
The signs and symptoms of mental illness can vary depending on the type of disorder, but there are some common signs that can indicate that a person may be suffering from a mental health disorder. These signs may include:
- Long-lasting changes in mood, such as feeling depressed, nervous, or irritable
- Changes in behavior, such as withdrawing from social activities or displaying sudden outbursts of anger
- Changes in sleep, such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Changes in appetite, such as overeating or undereating
- Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
- Feeling of hopelessness, worthlessness or guilt
- Violence, hostility, or excessive anger
- Inability to deal with stressful situations
- Concentration issues or unclear thoughts
- Thoughts of suicide or death
- Engage in risky activity
It is important to note that these symptoms can vary from person to person, and that not everyone with a mental health disorder will experience all of them. It is also important to remember that these symptoms can be caused by other factors, such as physical health problems or changes in life circumstances. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional.
Types of Mental Health Disorders
There are more than 200 types of mental health disorders. Here are some of the most common types of mental health disorders:
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders involve persistent feelings of fear or worry that can interfere with daily activities. Generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and various phobia-related disorders are common types of anxiety disorders.
Depression
Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities. It can also involve difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, and loss of energy.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and behavior. It can cause periods of mania, during which a person may feel very energized and happy, and periods of depression, during which a person may feel very lethargic and sad.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that can develop after a person has experienced a traumatic event. It can cause intrusive thoughts and memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and difficulty sleeping.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder characterized by changes in a person’s thinking, behavior, and emotions. It can cause hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech and behavior, and difficulty concentrating.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses (obsessions) that cause a person to feel compelled to perform certain behaviors (compulsions). Some common obsessions are washing hands, counting, or checking.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder characterized by difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It can affect a person’s ability to concentrate and can cause disruptive behavior.
Autism
Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulty with social interaction and communication, as well as repetitive behaviors. It can cause difficulty understanding social cues, difficulty interacting with others, and difficulty expressing emotions.
Coping with Mental Health Disorders
Treatment for mental health disorders can vary depending on the type and severity of the disorder. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health disorder, it’s important to seek professional help.
- Participate in activities you enjoy
- Get plenty of sleep
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Spend time with friends and family
- Find purpose and meaning
- Seek professional help
Final Thoughts
It’s important to talk about mental health disorders. Your complete well-being depends on maintaining your mental health. It’s critical to get assistance if you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms of a mental health issue. To manage with a mental health issue, it’s also critical to exercise self-care and promote a healthy environment.
There are many ways to treat mental health disorders, such as medication, therapy, making changes to your lifestyle, online resources, support groups, and seeing a mental health professional. Remember that you’re not alone and that you can get help.
