How this mental health approach is saving lives

The importance of mental health in society has been increasingly recognized in recent years. Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being are all part of it and impact how we think, feel, and act. It also influences how we deal with stress, interact with people, and make general life decisions.

Mental wellness is crucial at all stages of life, including childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.  Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, mental illness and poor mental health are not the same in the sense that a person’s mental health might be wrong without being diagnosed with a mental condition.

Types of mental health issues

A doctor or licensed medical professional must be the one to always diagnose an individual with any mental health issues. While some of the symptoms mentioned here are felt in our everyday lives, they are peculiar to specific issues that affect mental health 

Stress

Stress is a state of tension, either emotionally or physically. Your body’s response to a demand or challenge is stress. Stress can occasionally be advantageous, such as when it keeps you safe or helps you reach a deadline. However, chronic stress can be bad for your health.

Anxiety and panic attacks 

Feelings of anxiety are not only normal but also essential for survival when a person encounters potentially dangerous or frightening triggers. 

Symptoms  Although there are many other diagnoses that fall under the category of anxiety disorders, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms frequently include the following: 

• Feeling “on-edge” and a sense of restlessness 
• Uncontrollable anxiety raised the irritation level. 
• Trouble paying attention 
• Trouble falling or staying asleep are examples of sleep issues. 

Bipolar Disorder 

A mental health condition called bipolar disorder mostly affects your emotions. Bipolar disorder is characterized by recurrent bouts of high and low moods. Changes in a person’s energy levels, sleeping habits, capacity to concentrate, and other characteristics can have a profound effect on their behavior, relationships, employment, and other elements of their life. 

Symptoms 

• Manic or hypomanic episodes signify feeling ecstatic 
• Depressive episodes. 

Your doctor may determine that you have a specific type of bipolar illness based on how you experience these moods and how much they affect you. 

Depression 

A prolonged sense of sadness and loss of interest are symptoms of depression, a mood illness. It is distinct from the mood swings that people typically encounter daily. 

Symptoms 

• A loss of sexual desire 
• Changes in appetite 
• Unintentional weight loss or gain 
• Agitation, restlessness, and pacing up and down 

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 

OCD is not often characterized by behaviors like nail-biting or negative thinking. Washing your hands seven times after handling something that might be unclean might be a compulsive behavior. You may not want to think or act in these ways, but you are unable to stop. 

Postnatal depression and perinatal mental health 

Having a baby is a major life event and comes with a variety of emotions that are normal to feel both throughout pregnancy and after giving birth. However, if any challenging emotions start to significantly impact your daily life, you may be dealing with a perinatal mental health issue. 

This could be a brand-new mental health issue or a recurrence of an old one. 

Symptoms

• Always feeling sad 
• Lack of interest and enjoyment in the world 
• Lack of energy and constant exhaustion 
• Difficulty bonding with your infant 

What other factors contribute to mental health issues? 

The following factors, for example, could lead to a period of poor mental health: 

• Child maltreatment, trauma, or neglect 
• Loneliness or social isolation 
• Discrimination and stigmatization, including racism 
• Social exclusion, poverty, or debt 
• Long-term or severe stress 
• Having a long-term physical health problem. 

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Mental Health Diagnosis 

You might have the following to establish a diagnosis and look for associated complications: 

A medical checkup: The medical conditions that might be causing your symptoms will be ruled out by your doctor. 

A psychological assessment: Your symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behavioral patterns are discussed with a medical or mental health expert. To assist in addressing these inquiries, you might be requested to complete a questionnaire. 

Treatment 

Your course of treatment will depend on the type and degree of your mental illness as well as what is most effective for you. The best course of action is frequently a mix of therapies. 

Medications 

Prescription psychiatric drug classes that are often utilized include: 

• Antidepressants. 
• Anti-anxiety medications. 
• Mood-stabilizing medications. 

Psychotherapy 

Talking about your ailment and any difficulties with a mental health expert constitutes psychotherapy, commonly known as talk therapy. You gain knowledge about your disease as well as your moods, feelings, ideas, and behavior during psychotherapy. You can develop coping mechanisms and stress-reduction techniques with newfound understanding and insights. 

There are numerous varieties of psychotherapy, each with a unique strategy for enhancing your mental health. Psychotherapy can frequently be effectively finished in a few months, but occasionally, long-term care may be required. It can happen in a group setting, one-on-one, or with family members. 

Brain-stimulation therapies 

Depression and other mental health conditions are occasionally treated using brain stimulation.

Steps to take

1. Acknowledge and recognize the symptoms or thoughts
2. Analyze and express or talk about your feelings
3. and emotions
4. Call a friend to talk to or a helpline (Depression/suicide thoughts) for needed support
5. Form and strengthen relationships, keep them healthy and talk openly and be honest.
6. You can schedule to talk to one of our clinical psychologists.