• ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH

     

    Index


    What is mental health?

    Mental health is an aspect of one’s well-being that considers their social, emotional, and psychological space. Mental health dictates thoughts, emotions, and daily behavior. How an individual interacts with their work, diet, environment, and those around them can be reflections of one’s mental health. Mental health can affect one’s physical condition and can also be brought on by one’s physical condition. Mental health can also fluctuate over time, like any other illness.

     

    Common Mental Illnesses


    • Depression - Also known as major depressive disorder, depression is characterized by an empty or irritable change in one’s long-term mood, losing interest or enjoyment in activities, poor concentration and destruction of one’s self-worth, and the loss of energy or appetite.
    • Anxiety Disorder - Anxiety disorder includes disturbances in one’s daily life caused by excessive fear and worry, which is often severe enough to impair normal functioning. The most common types of of anxiety disorder include general anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (fear in social situations), and panic disorder (panic attacks).
    • Eating Disorders - Disorders such as anorexia nervosa (restrictive eating), and bulimia nervosa (binge eating followed by purging) are characterized as eating disorders, in which an individual experiences abnormal eating patterns, fear of gaining weight, and concerns regarding their body image. Eating disorders can be especially detrimental to one’s physical health due to the lack of nutrients being provided to the body and can cause significant impairment in functioning, suicidal thoughts, and other medical concerns.
    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - PTSD is a mental illness that results after exposure to horrific or exceedingly threatening conditions. It is characterized by the reliving of these exposures in the form of flashbacks or nightmares, exaggerated perceptions of the threat of a current situation, and avoidance of any locations, activities, or thoughts relating to the traumatic event experienced.
    • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - OCD is characterized by the long-term recurrence of thoughts (obsessions) or repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that can impair daily living. These obsessions and compulsions often take time and cause excessive distress. Examples include excessive handwashing or cleaning, repeatedly checking certain objects such as doors or stoves, and the desire to have everything organized in a certain fashion.

     

    Causes of Mental Illness

    Mental health can be brought on by multiple different environmental and emotional situations


    • Biological or hormonal factors
    • The use or abuse of drugs and alcohol
    • Loneliness, isolation, or feelings of not fitting in
    • Childhood adversities, including exposure to abuse or violence
    • The presence of other illnesses

     

    The Progression of Mental Illness


    Mental illness can lead to suicidal thoughts, including thoughts of ending one’s own life and thoughts about how life would be without oneself. If you are experiencing these thoughts, please dial 988 immediately to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

    Promoting Good Mental Health

    Certain habits and behaviors can be helpful in constructing a more supporting environment around oneself, which can assist in the prevention of mental illnesses.

    • Getting eight hours of comfortable sleep every night and constructing a consistent sleep schedule
    • Eating nutritious and enjoyable foods that encapsulate a balanced diet
    • Getting some form of daily exercise and sunlight
    • Taking a break from social media and phone usage
    • Creating a daily routine that suits your preferences and lifestyle
    • Connecting with others and practicing good communication
    • Cutting back on caffeine
    • Creating a clean, organized, and comfortable environment
    • Reach out to a professional to understand and get used to your emotions

     

    Mental Health Treatment


    Suspicions of mental health illnesses should first be discussed with a healthcare provider. Treatment for mental health illnesses is best found in mental health services online and in one’s community. The extent of a mental illness often decides the type of treatment, which includes alternative therapies such as aromatherapy and yoga, therapy through communication with a therapist or support group, and medication.




    Reference

    The Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, April 16). About mental healthhttps://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm

    World Health Organization: WHO. (2022, June 17). Mental healthhttps://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response

    Meridian HealthCare. (2023, May 16). 35 Good mental health habits to tryhttps://meridianhealthcare.net/35-good-mental-health-habits-to-try/

    World Health Organization: WHO. (2022a, June 8). Mental disordershttps://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders