At the same time, physical health conditioning about mental health or as far as even expressing undesired emotions had been considered a stigma since times immemorial, with men and women being asked to shut up. However, with time progressing, the stigma associated with mental illnesses is fading, with more and more people understanding its gravity.
Government initiatives have brought attention to mental health, with funding for resources like counseling and online support networks. We can also see a jump in advocacy from celebrities and influencers advocating for greater awareness of mental health topics and publicly sharing their experiences.Â
With further support, we can continue to make mental health part of mainstream conversations and erase the barrier between those who understand it and those who don't.
Mental health implicates our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It impacts how we feel, think, and act. It also actuates how we handle stress, make choices, or relate to others. Mental health is important through every stage of life, right from childhood and adolescence to adulthood.
People often use the term ‘mental health’ to imply the absence of a mental illness. Mental health can affect day-to-day lives, routines, relationships, and physical health. However, this link typically also works the other way around.Â
Various aspects of an individual’s life, interpersonal relations, and physical and environmental factors can contribute to mental turmoil. Mental conditions such as stress, anxiety, or depression can affect mental health and disrupt the sufferer’s entire routine.
Mental health is essential for our overall well-being, and many factors influence it. Genetics, environment, culture, lifestyle, nutrition, economic security, and stress can impact mental health.Â
Other psychosocial factors, such as self-esteem and social support, also contribute to the risk of developing a mental health condition.Â
Conditions like chronic pain or illnesses can also impact mental health status. It's important to be mindful of all these various aspects in order to help keep our mental well-being in perfect shape.
Over the past couple of decades, suicide rates have risen, especially among young adults. The increase of various viruses has accelerated the already dire crisis, giving way to what many mental health professionals have labeled as the ‘second pandemic.’Â
The pandemic confronted people all over the world with isolation, loneliness, anxiety, depression, frustrations, insecurities, addictions, and fear psychology. However, mental health is gaining amplified traction with the help of increased literacy rates, the use of social media, and people more open and willing to discuss the subject.
Mental health care and treatment are very important for a healthy life, as they can significantly improve our physical and mental well-being. The type of care and treatment provided will be tailored to the individual's specific needs, which may include therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or medications to help manage depression and anxiety.Â
Having a good support network of family and friends can also be beneficial in helping an individual with their recovery. Mental health services are accessible to those who need them, whether it's through face-to-face or online counseling or an NHS mental health team. Acting quickly when you notice signs that your mental health might be slipping is key. Act soon for a better future.
Unfortunately, Mental health issues are largely unnoticed and often misunderstood. Paying attention to early signs of mental health issues is important and can help you seek help before the problem spirals out of control.Â
Some common signs may include
Also, look for physical symptoms such as unexplained aches or headaches, unexplained weight gain/ loss, or regular stomach upsets.Â
It's not always easy, but if you feel something isn't quite right, it's better to talk about it with someone trustworthy rather than try to suffer alone. Mental health issues don't have to be the end of the world; those feelings are more common than you'd think.
Mental health conditions can arise from a number of risk factors, from significant life events to chronic stress. Genetics also plays an important part in mental health conditions; if you or someone in your family has a history of mental health issues, you may be more likely to experience similar problems.Â
Furthermore, many medical conditions and substances, such as alcohol and drugs, can contribute to mental health challenges.Â
Lastly, inadequate social support or damaging relationships with others can further lead to psychological distress. It's important to remember that even if many of these risk factors are present, it doesn't necessarily mean that you will develop a mental health condition but looking out for the warning signs or seeking professional help is always advisable.
In 2019, WHO launched the Special Initiative for Mental Health: Universal Health Coverage for Mental Health (2019-2023). This initiative aims to ensure 100 million more people in 12 priority countries have access to affordable and quality care for mental health conditions.
Self-help for mental health is a key tool in managing depression, stress, and Anxiety. It allows people to take responsibility for their own well-being. This could involve setting goals and practicing coping strategies like mindfulness or journaling to manage difficult emotions.Â
It could also be taking steps to improve sleep hygiene, nutritious diet, and exercise since these can significantly impact our mental health.Â
Self-help efforts should always be complemented with professional therapy services if needed. Still, ultimately it's our responsibility to do what we can care for ourselves, and that doesn't have to cost a lot or mean tons of drastic life changes.
Some tips that will help you to get started with self-help
Everyone deserves to live happily without being held back or even disabled by mental illnesses. If you or any of your loved ones may be struggling with any mental health condition, seek help immediately.
In 2016, mental health saw many breakthroughs and came to the forefront of personal and societal consciousness. From increased coverage in mainstream media to a push for comprehensive mental health care in the U.S., we're certainly experiencing a shift in how mental health is viewed by society, and it's encouraging to witness.
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