Mental health: What it is and its importance Mental Health is an important part of our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, act, speak and cope with stress. Our daily habits and choices are determined by our mental health. Just like our physical health, mental health also plays an important role in our life. What is Mental Health? You may wonder what mental health is? Mental health is not only the absence of mental illness but the state of well-being. A sign of good mental health is being able to use your strengths, deal with everyday stress, and help those around you. Mental health changes throughout our lives, moving between feeling good and struggling. Everyone has good and bad mental health days, and many things can affect how we feel at different times. What causes mental illness? Mental illnesses are formed from a complex mix of genetic factors, brain chemistry imbalances, trauma or abuse, life stress, and family history. Exposure to poverty, isolation and discrimination also predispose mental illnesses. Risk factors for mental health conditions There are many reasons that contribute to mental health illnesses and understanding these reasons is important to understand how to prevent them. Mental health problems can develop at a very young age as well as throughout your lifetime and so keeping an eye for mental health symptoms is important. The most common factors are. Continuous social and economic pressure Unemployment, poverty, economic inequality and limited access to healthcare causes stress which can overwhelm the coping mechanisms and lead to mental illnesses. Exposure to violence and traumatic events can lead to psychological scarring that affects the daily functioning of people. Childhood adversity A person’s childhood shapes their lifelong mental health. Bullying, neglect, family conflict, abuse and other traumatic experiences create a trauma response that persists with them until adulthood. Biological factors Genetic predisposition, brain chemistry imbalances, hormonal changes, health conditions, and neurological development causes mental health issues and resilience. Types of mental health disorders Mental Health disorders affect thinking, behaviour, mood and daily functioning of a person. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions. This causes us to worry, fear and feel nervous. The types of mental health disorders are. Generalized anxiety disorder Generalized anxiety disorder makes us worry excessively about various things making it difficult for us to focus or relax. The worry that we feel is actually more than the likelihood of those events taking place making us struggle with fear and tension. Panic disorder Panic disorder features recurring, sudden episodes of intense fear with physical symptoms like heart palpitations and shortness of breath. The unpredictability of panic attacks leads to avoidance behaviors and social withdrawal that significantly disrupt daily life. Phobias Phobias are intense, irrational fears of specific objects, situations, or activities that pose little actual danger. Common examples include fears of heights, animals, or social situations. These fears often lead to avoidance of certain activities that restrict a person’s life. OCD Obsessive Compulsive Disorder(OCD) includes intrusive thoughts or repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce anxiety. Despite recognizing their irrationality, people feel they are unable to stop these patterns that they have created. Common symptoms involve symmetry needs, disturbing thoughts, excessive cleaning, checking, or counting rituals. PTSD Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is developed after experiencing or witnessing trauma, causing flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety. Sufferers of PTSD may relive their trauma through unwanted memories, experience mood changes, and suffer from heightened reactivity. Symptoms of PTSD can show immediately or years later, often triggered by reminders or new stressors. Why is mental health important for overall health? Mental and Physical health are deeply connected. Mental illnesses often are disguised as physical pains and discomfort such as headaches, fatigue and digestion issues. Our mental state affects our emotional behaviors such as exercise, nutrition, and sleep. Mental health issues can complicate the management of conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Good mental health contributes to better relationships, greater productivity, and a higher quality of life. Can your mental health change over time? All major life events affect our mental health. Mental health fluctuates throughout life. But it takes a lot of hard work and a healthy environment to change our mental health for the better. Seeking help from experts in the field and taking the correct steps towards improving mental health should be normalized. Frequently Asked Questions What are warning signs of mental health problems? Warning signs of mental sickness include persistent sadness, excessive fears or worries, extreme mood changes, social withdrawal, dramatic changes in eating or sleeping patterns, and thoughts of harm. When should I seek professional help for mental illnesses? When the symptoms are persisting for many weeks and are interfering with daily activities, relationships and distress, professional help should be asked for. How to find mental health support? Start by asking your primary physician, contact your insurance for covered providers, call mental health helplines, or use online provider directories. Government helplines numbers are also set up for assistance. Can lifestyle changes improve mental health? Yes. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, healthy eating, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and maintaining social connections all can lead to good mental health. How common are mental health issues? Mental health issues are very common. Approximately 1 in 5 adults experience some form of mental illness throughout their life.
