WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION "WHO", Stresses that mental health is more than just the absence of mental disorder or disability. It exists on a complex continuum, which is experienced differently from one person to the next.
MENTAL HEALTH
Mental Health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in. Mental Health is a basic human right. And is crucial to personal, community, and Socio-Economic Development.
It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Although the term is often used interchangeably, poor mental health and mental illness are not the same. A person can experience poor mental health and not be diagnosed with a mental illness. Likewise, a person diagnosed with a mental illness can experience periods of physical, mental, and social well-being.
RISK FACTORS FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Continuous Social Economic Pressure:
Having limited financial means or belonging to a marginalized ethnic group can increase the risk of mental health disorders. A 2015 Study of 930 families in Iran, identified several socioeconomic causes of mental health conditions, including poverty and living on the outskirts of a large city. The researchers also explained the difference in the availability and quality of mental health treatment for certain groups in terms of modifiable factors, which can change over time, and non-modifiable factors, which are permanent.
Modifiable Factors for mental health disorders include:
- Socio-Economic Conditions
- Occupation
- A person's level of social Involvement
- Education
- Housing Quality
Non-Modifiable factors for Mental Health disorder Includes:The study lists gender as both a modifiable and Non-modifiable factor. The research also has it that, being female increased the risk of low mental health status by 3.96 times.
Biological FactorThe NIMH Suggests that genetic family history can increase the likelihood of mental health conditions, as certain genes and gene variants put a person at higher risk.
However, many other factors contribute to the development of these disorders. Having Gene with links to mental health disorders, such as depression or schizophrenia, does not guarantee that a condition will develop. Likewise, people without related genes or a family history of mental illness can still have mental issues.
Mental Health conditions such as stress, depression, and anxiety may develop due to underlying, life-changing physical health problems, such as cancer, diabetes, and chronic pain.
MOST COMMON MENTAL HEALTH DISORDER
Anxiety Disorder:
People With these conditions have severe fear or anxiety, which relates to certain objects or situations. Most people with an anxiety disorder will try to avoid exposure to whatever triggers their anxiety. Examples of anxiety disorders include:
- Panic Disorder: People with a panic disorder experience regular panic attacks, which involve sudden, Overwhelming terror or a sense of imminent disaster and death. Find Out More about Panic Attacks Here
- Phobias: There are different types of Phobia;
Simple Phobia: This involve a disproportionate fear of a specific object, scenario, or animal. Find Out More about Simple phobia Here
Social Phobia: Also Known as Social Anxiety, this is a fear of being subject to the judgment of others. People with social phobia often restrict their exposure to social environments. Find Out More about Social phobia Here
Agoraphobia: This term refers to a fear of situations in which getting away may be difficult, such as being in an elevator or moving a train. Many people misunderstand this phobia as a fear of being outside. Find Out More about Agoraphobia Here
Phobias are deeply personal, and doctors do not know every type. There could be thousands of phobias, and what might seem unusual to one person may be a severe problem that dominates daily life for another.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
People with OCD have obsessions and compulsions. In another word, they experience constant, stressful thoughts and a powerful urge to perform repetitive acts.
Mood Disorder:
People may also refer to mood disorders as affective disorders or depressive disorders. People With these conditions have significant changes in mood. Examples of mood disorders include:
Mental Health authorities are still trying to determine whether schizophrenia is a single disorder or a group of related illnesses. It is a highly complex condition. According to the NIMH, Signs of schizophrenia typically develop between the ages of 16 and 30 years.
Schizophrenia has negative and positive symptoms. Positive symptoms include delusions, thought disorders, and hallucinations. Negative symptoms include withdrawal, lack of motivation, and inappropriate mood. Read More
Early Signs
There is no physical test or scan that reliably indicates whether a person has developed a mental illness. However, people should look out for the following as possible signs of a mental health disorder: - Withdrawing from friends and family
- Avoiding activities that you would normally enjoy
- Sleep too much or too little
- Feeling Hopeless
- Having Consistent Low energy
- Using Mood Altering substances, Like alcohol, more often
- Displaying negative emotions
- Being Confused
- Having Persistent thoughts or memories that reappears regularly
- Thinking of causing physical harm to yourself or others
- Hearing Voices
- Experiencing Delusions
Treatment
There are various methods for managing health problems. Treatment is highly individual, and what works for one person may not work for another. Some strategies or treatments are more successful in combination with others. A person living with a chronic mental disorder may choose different options at various stages in living their life.
The individual needs to work closely with a doctor who can help them identify their needs and provide them with suitable treatment. Treatments can include:
- Psychotherapy: this type of treatment takes a psychological approach to treating mental illness Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Psychotherapists, and some primary care physicians carry out this type of treatment. It helps people understand the root of their mental illness and start to work on more healthful thought patterns that support everyday living and reduce the risk of isolation and self-harm.
- Medication: Some people take prescribed medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytic drugs.
- Self-Help: A person coping with mental health difficulties will usually need to make changes to their lifestyle to facilitate Wellness.
Such changes might include reducing alcohol intake, sleeping more, and eating a balanced diet. People may need to take time away from work or resolve issues with personal relationships that may be causing damage to their mental health.
People with conditions such as anxiety or depressive disorder may benefit from relaxation techniques, which include deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness.
It is not the bruises on the body that hurts, it is the wounds of the heart and the scars on the mind 😌😌, So talk to someone instead of dying in Silence.
Comments
Post a Comment