Mental health has become one of the trending topics in the healthcare industry and among the general public. It is high time that we reflect on mental health issues and speak openly about them without worrying about social stigma. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people were confined to their homes, and many of them lost their jobs as well as their loved ones. In such times of crisis, people felt lonely and helpless within their homes.
The aftereffects of the lockdown restrictions continue to influence the mental health of millions of people worldwide. As the discussions around mental health gain momentum, it is important to understand mental health and the potential problems with mental health. In addition, you must also learn about the causes of the problems and find effective solutions recommended by experts.
Begin with an Understanding of Mental Health
The definition of mental health is probably the first thing you should learn before uncovering the causes of problems with mental health. One of the most common definitions of mental health depicts it as a combination of an individual's emotional, social, and psychological well-being. You may assume that the absence of mental health problems is a perfect indication of sound mental health of an individual.
However, the World Health Organization has come up with a simple yet accurate definition of mental health. According to the WHO, mental health is a state of wellbeing in which a person can recognize their abilities, work productively, cope with stress in daily life, and contribute to the community.
Start Exploring the Actual Meaning of Mental Health Issues
Many of you might assume that mental health disorders are only specific to internal factors. However, there are many external factors responsible for problems with mental health. The combination of different internal and external factors influences the emotional health of an individual. When you come across terms such as mental health disorder or problem, then you have to think of the conditions that affect the mood and way of thinking of an individual. The inability to cope with stress also qualifies as one of the prominent issues with mental health.
You can face multiple mental health issues, which could affect your everyday life. The alarming fact about mental health problems is that you may not even realize you have one unless you seek help. Even in a developed country like the United States, almost 18% of the population faces anxiety disorders annually.
The long list of problems with mental health creates difficulties in self-diagnosis. You have to rely on a professional mental health specialist or practitioner to identify the type of mental health problem affecting your emotional wellbeing. Some of the common issues with mental health include mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, and anxiety disorders. On top of that, you can also find multiple subcategories for each disorder. Therefore, you should reach out to professional diagnostic services and mental health experts for an accurate diagnosis of your problem.
Eye-opening Reasons for Focusing on Mental Health
Why are people all over the world worried about something that was not discussed a few years ago? The sudden rise in interest among the global healthcare community and the general public in mental health is promising news. Mental health is not about complicated disorders that affect the cognitive abilities of an individual.
On the other hand, determining the causes of mental illness from the standpoint of factors such as personal well-being and relationships is critical. How does mental illness affect these aspects of your life? You can find the answer by reflecting on the link between these factors and your mental health.
Mental Health Affects Your Personal and Societal Relationships
The mental health of an individual plays a crucial role in building personal and social relationships. People struggling with mental health problems could experience difficulties in building and maintaining relationships. When a person cannot form meaningful relationships, they feel isolated and left out of society.
Your Overall Wellbeing Depends on Your Mental Health
The next important reason to focus on mental health revolves around safeguarding your overall health and wellbeing. For example, people with disorders such as depression are more likely to experience cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
Try the Proven Solutions for Safeguarding Your Mental Health
The importance of mental health shows why you need to learn the best practices recommended by experts for ensuring better mental health. Here are some of the solutions that can help you take care of your mental health with best results.
Do Not Hesitate to Seek Help
The most common problem for people suffering from mental health disorders is the fear of social stigma related to mental health issues in society. Most people are afraid to talk about mental health with their friends and family due to the prevailing stigma or taboo around mental health. However, the first step to dealing with any mental health problem begins with seeking professional help. Never hesitate to talk to a professional mental health expert or community member and discuss your problems with them to find the ideal solution.
Treatment Begins with Identification of the Signs
The best way to deal with problems in mental health involves identification of the signs. If you can learn about the causes of mental illness, then you can identify the early signs of a problem. Awareness of the signs of poor mental health can help you take the necessary action before it is too late.
A Healthy Mind Lives in a Healthy Body
More often than not, people forget how our mental health is intrinsically related to our physical health. As a matter of fact, many research studies have established the link between physical activity and mental health. Regular physical activity could help with getting proper sleep and managing stress and anxiety. Physical activity can also help overcome depressing thoughts by developing a positive outlook on life.
Never Give In To the Bane of Addiction
People who struggle with mental illnesses and stress are likely to resort to harmful and intoxicating substances for relief. For example, tobacco, drugs and alcohol. However, it is important to understand that these substances are not medications for mental health illnesses. Addiction would only cause more problems for your mental health and overall wellbeing in the long run.
Meditation Can Help You Bring Stability to Your Mind
Mental health experts also emphasise the role of meditation and mindfulness exercises in treatment plans for ensuring positive mental health. Meditation and mindfulness can help manage mental health issues such as depression, aggression, and anxiety. These techniques help you concentrate and focus on the positive aspects of your life.
Also Read: 5 Best Home Workout Exercises During Coronavirus Lockdown
Parting Words
You learned that the importance of mental health extends beyond dealing with stress and anxiety in everyday life. Evidence highlighted in different survey results and research studies establishes a strong link between mental health and your overall wellbeing. However, it is also important to find the right course of action to deal with mental health disorders under the guidance of experts.
You can take the initiative to protect your mental health by talking to a professional mental health specialist or practitioner. On top of that, you should rely on effective and comprehensive diagnosis by service providers such as Agilus to determine the root cause of your problems. It is time to step up to the challenge of safeguarding your mental health with best practices recommended by experts right now.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
