Mental illness, also called mental health disorders, states a broad range of mental health problems that affect your mood, attitude, and thinking. Which ultimately hurt your normal routine and daily life functions such as at working place or educational institute or in any kind of relationship.
Mental health is an intrinsic and essential part of our health that includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, make choices, and are able to contribute to the community.
“you should Never make any choice that is unhealthy for your body and mind”.
Facts and Figures:
★ It has been stated that approximately 792 million (10.7%) of the global population worldwide living with mental problems and 178 million were alcohol/drug dependent. However, 20 million and 264 million were diagnosed with schizophrenia, and depression respectively.
★ It has been reported that one in 5 Americans is affected by major psychiatric illness.
★ A study has shown that 21 percent of Canadian have been affected by mental conditions at some time in their lives.
★ A study published in 2010, suggested that an increased mortality rate was observed in patients with mental illness.
★ 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24, reported in 2005.
What are the causes of mental illness?
★ Family history (Genetic or heredity): Mental illness is more common in people whose blood relatives also have experienced any kind of mental illness.
★ Brain Chemistry: Brain chemicals or chemical messengers, known as Neurotransmitters which are involved in the signal transmission. Any disturbance or impaired functioning can lead to mental health problems.
★ Injurious Exposure: Maternal alcohol or drug use may affect the off-spring mental health.
Risk Factors: Potential chances of developing mental health problems
Some risk factors may potentiate the chances to develop a mental illness:
★ Long run physical health issues
★ Poor relationships
★ Chronic disease i.e. diabetes
★ Brain injury
★ Socio-Economic Problems of unemployment
★ Loss of a loved one or the death of a parent
★ Traumatic experiences
★ Child abuse
★ Discrimination and stigma
★ Alcohol and drug abuse
What are the symptoms of mental health problems?
Symptoms vary with different types of mental illnesses. Some common symptoms include:
★ Disturb sleeping pattern
★ Weight and appetite changes
★ Mood swings
★ Social avoidance
★ Lack of focus or concentration
★ Deprive decision making
★ Aggressive behavior
★ Suicidal thoughts
★ Unable to cope up with the problems
★ Confusion or unnecessary thought
★ Feeling helpless and hopeless
★ Hallucinations (seeing objects or hearing voices or believing things that are not true)
Potential Complications of mental health problems
Complications could lead to serious consequences if untreated or poorly controlled and even life-threatening in some cases. Complications of psychological disorders include:
★ Family conflicts
★ Self-harm or violence
★ Substance abuse
★ Relationship difficulties
★ Weakened immune system
★Cardio-metabolic and other health-related problems
★ Reduce performance at the workplace
Why is mental health important?
Because it can help you to;
★ Understand the meaning of life
★ Face daily life challenges
★ Be physically healthy
★ Have good relationships
★ Make meaningful contributions to your society and community
★ Improve productivity
★ Realize your full potential
“Maintaining positive mental health should be your top priority. Being mentally fit leads to a healthy and happy life.”
How to maintain positive mental health?
There are different strategies to boost your mental health, such as
Learn to overcome stress
It’s very difficult to avoid stress but understanding the factors that provoke your stress and how to deal with such stresses is key in maintaining good mental health. Try to prioritize your issues based on seriousness and importance, then find-out the best way to resolve each problem.
Take care of your body
★ Being physically active. Exercise can alleviate feelings of stress, anxiety, depression and improve your mood.
★ Sufficient sleep affects your mood in a good way. If you do not get proper sleep, you may become more easily provoked or annoyed and get angry.
★ Healthy eating can make you feel healthier physically and mentally, but it would also improve your mood and reduce your anxiety and tension. Eating a well-balanced diet will help you get all of the nutrients as per your need.
★ Avoid smoking and drugs
Surround with good people
Humans are social creatures, and it’s important to have good, strong, and healthy relationships with others. People with strong social or family connections are generally healthier than those who lack family support.
Develop purposeful life and helping others
Spend your time, energy, and money to help someone else. You will feel better about doing something good to help someone in need and of course, it’s a great way to meet new people.
Routine medical checkups
No need to avoid checkups or skip visits to your primary healthcare professional, especially when you are not feeling well.
Stay positive
Some ways to stay positive. Such as;
★ Break from negative information
★ Try to avoid false arguments
★ Find-out positivity in your surrounding
★ Always count your blessings
★ Avoid comparing your life with others
★ Practice forgiveness
Final thought: Ask for help when you need it
Remember you are not alone and when you feel that you are not well. Go and ask for help because you are not here just to fight alone all the battles.
