Mental Health

About Mental Health

Mental health is a very important component of a person’s overall well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined mental health as the state of mental well-being that enables a person to cope with stressful situations, realize their abilities, work well, learn well, and contribute to the community.

A person’s mental health is just as important as physical health. This is crucial at every point of life, from childhood, adolescence, and up to late adulthood. Any problems with mental health can affect a person’s mood, behavior, and way of thinking.

Based on the data and statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), developing a mental illness is among the most common medical conditions. About 50% of the population will be diagnosed of having a mental disorder or mental illness at some point in their lives. About 1 out of 5 Americans will experience certain medical illnesses in a given year.

Signs of Mental Illness

Knowing the early warning signs or developing symptoms of mental illnesses is important. While symptoms may vary depending on the specific condition that you have, the American Psychiatric Association has identified the following general signs and symptoms:

• Changes in sleep pattern – Sleeping too much or having a lack of sleep can be among the signs
• Appetite and weight changes – An increase or loss of appetite is possible
• Withdrawal – Loss of interest in people or activities that they previously found enjoyable
• Problems thinking
• Nervousness
• Increased sensitivity
• Drop in functioning – an unusual decline in functioning at work or in school
• Apathy or loss of desire
• Illogical thinking
• Feeling disconnected – This is also referred to as the sense of unreality
• Frequent mood changes

Having one or two of the symptoms listed above is not conclusive of having a mental illness but may indicate the need for further evaluation. Experiencing these symptoms would usually warrant a consultation with a healthcare professional. Undergoing a thorough assessment and being monitored closely is important in preventing the progression of a mental illness.

How to Treat Mental Disorders?

Most mental disorders do not get resolved unless they are treated accordingly. Further, untreated mental illness can get worse over time and may pose other serious health problems. Thus, any mental disorder should be managed right away.

Here are some treatment options:

• Medications – Using mental health prescriptions is commonly given to help manage symptoms of medical disorders. The common medications given are:
  • Antidepressants – These are used for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses.
  • Anxiolytics – These can help treat different types of anxiety, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. It also helps reduce agitation and insomnia.
  • Antipsychotic medications – This mental health prescription is usually given to those with psychotic conditions, like schizophrenia.
  • Mood-stabilizing medications – Mood stabilizers are used for bipolar disorders, especially if involving episodes of depression and mania.
• Psychotherapy – This is also called “talk therapy”. This is done with a mental health professional, and it involves talking about the condition while learning ways to manage the condition.
• Brain stimulation therapy or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) – This is a safe procedure that involves sending electric currents into the brain.
• Hospitalization
• Joining a support group

References:

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/warning-signs-of-mental-illness

https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health

https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response

https://familydoctor.org/different-types-mental-health-treatment/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374974

https://mhanational.org/mental-health-treatments