What is Mental Health: A Mindful Approach To Your Mental Well-Being

Complex topics like mental health have likely affected more people than one can think - it is simply not discussed openly. Changing the stigma around mental health and having an honest discussion starts with YOU!

I know you cannot sleep, eat, or enjoy your day because you feel empty without knowing WHY? You turn to Google to help you with the best ways to manage your suppressed feelings. No matter your search terms, the results will be around - exercise daily, write a diary, sleep well, and so on…but that does not help much, right!

Awareness is the first step towards healing and maintaining a healthy mind.
Keep reading to know what mental health means, what mental health issues are, and what mental health looks like. 

What is Mental Health? The First Step Towards Healing

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a person is considered to be in a state of mental health if they can work productively and fruitfully and contribute to their community."

Sustaining a healthy mental state is crucial at any age, from early development to old age. Despite the widespread usage of the mental health definition in the medical community, it is essential to note that many mental health issues have physical causes. We can't help but let our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors be influenced by them. Social, occupational, or family functioning problems have been linked to mental health issues. It also plays a role in influencing our stress responses, interpersonal dynamics, and decision-making.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, about 20% of American adults will have a mental health issue in any given year.

If you struggle with your mental health, it may affect how you feel, think, and act over the course of your lifetime. Several different things can influence issues with mental health.

• Genes and brain chemistry are examples of biological influences
• Events in one's life, such as abuse or trauma
• The presence of a mental health disorder in the family,

But these mental health problems can be addressed. Most people who suffer from mental illness can still go about their regular lives with virtual mental illness therapy. 

Speaking of which, let me make you aware of early warning signs of mental health issues and how mental health therapy can help.

Early Warning Signs of Mental Health Issues You Should Not Ignore

Emotions, thoughts, communication, learning, resiliency, hope, and self-esteem depend on a healthy mind. Relationships, emotional well-being, and the ability to contribute positively to society depend on mental health. It is essential to understand the definition of mental wellness because a person's mental health can impact and affect their physical health.

There is a stigma attached to discussing mental health meaning, which is why many people choose not to talk about it. People of any age, gender, geographical location, socioeconomic level, race, ethnicity, religion or spiritual belief, sexual orientation, background, or another facet of cultural identity can be affected by mental illness.

One or more of the following emotions or actions may indicate a developing problem:

• Overindulging or undersleeping
• Social Isolation
• Apathy 
• Experiencing anguish 
• Feeling of hopelessness
• Substance abuse
• Experiencing disorientation
• Forgetfulness, anxiety, anger, 
• Extreme mood swings 
• A mental state characterized by intrusive, repetitive, and unavoidable thoughts and recollections
• Experiencing hallucinations
• Having suicidal thoughts 
• Incapability to take care of basic responsibilities
• Intense and ongoing economic and societal pressure

Trust me, the more you’re aware of the issue, the stronger you will become to face the challenges. We’ll overcome the problem areas together, but first, let’s understand the causes that may lead to mental health issues.

Our experts help you learn the signs, symptoms, and treatments for mental illness.

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Common Factors For Mental Health Conditions

Mental health issues can result from many factors, and unfortunately, no two cases are the same. That said, some frequent contributors can tip the scales, ultimately leading to mental health problems. 

These common factors can include genetics, environmental influences such as a traumatic event or ongoing stressors, inadequate coping mechanisms such as self-medicating with drugs, social isolation due to lack of support or discrimination based on gender or race, and an overall inability to manage everyday life experiences. 

With so many potential triggers for mental health issues, it is critical that individuals know that nothing is outside the realm of help. There are resources available in the community, online, and through therapy and right mental health therapist  in order to get individuals back on the path for psychological stability.

Childhood Adversity

Mental health in children is a growing concern. While the causes of mental health issues vary from individual to individual, there are some common factors that can contribute to mental health issues in children. 

These include unhealthy family dynamics, such as large amounts of family conflict or emotional detachment; difficult social and academic experiences, like bullying or poor grades; physical health conditions; and inadequate access to resources that are available to address their needs. 

Many times a combination of these factors can lead to mental illness in children, so being able to recognize them quickly is essential in getting the help they need.

Biological Factors

The presence of a predisposing gene in a family for the genetic risk factors for mental health disorders.  However, many additional elements play a role in the emergence of these conditions.

Just because you carry a gene for a mental health condition doesn't mean you'll definitely end up with that disorder. Similarly, mental health problems can occur in persons with no family history of the disorder.

Some physical illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, and chronic pain, have been linked to the development of mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

How Early Diagnosis & Mental Health Treatment Can Help Stay Above Water

Mental health problems can be managed and even improved when properly cared for. People with therapy mental health issues often make full recoveries.

The threshold between a minor mood or thought issue and a major mental health worry is not always apparent. For example, feeling sad or down is natural when someone has recently lost a loved one. However, medical attention may be necessary if the low mood persists, causes distress, or gets in the way of regular functioning. Even if you don't perceive the changes or problems, your loved ones may.

It's possible that a mental disorder is linked to or a symptom of a physical sickness. For instance, a thyroid disorder may contribute to the onset of depressive symptoms. Thus, a comprehensive health evaluation, including a physical exam, is typically required for a mental health diagnosis. 

Many individuals with mental health issues do not get the help they need because of the stigma that surrounds these issues and their treatment.

Seeking professional help from a mental health practitioner is a great way to start the process of understanding common factors for mental health issues and developing suitable strategies for managing them.

Treatment for Mental Health Conditions

There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in." ? Leonard Cohen.

You don't have to struggle in silence. Thanks to the revolution in the medical field, especially how we talk now about mental health is a welcoming sign. 

Even if you feel none of the mentioned symptoms apply to me or it's just minor, move beyond the stated and start investing in yourself. There is no harm in seeking therapy, irrespective of your condition.

A range of mental health treatments is available, depending on the severity and type of condition. This can include lifestyle adjustments such as exercising regularly and eating healthy foods, talking therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy that helps change negative thought patterns, medication, or sometimes other more invasive treatments like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). 

It’s best to work with a mental health therapist to determine which course of action is most suitable given the individual's diagnosis and circumstances. Above all else, it's important to remember that mental health issues can be effectively treated with many options available - so don't hesitate to reach out and get the help you need.

Outlook

Though prevalent, mental health issues range in intensity. With help and treatment, most persons with mental health issues may function normally again. Others may find that rehabilitation does not entail returning to their life before the mental health issue but rather learning new methods to manage and obtaining more control over their lives.

Peak rates of mental illness are seen in the 18–25 age range, with a subsequent precipitous decline beyond age 50.

Depression is the most common mental health issue and has been linked to various serious physical ailments.

Summary

When we talk about someone's mental health, we're referring to their mental, behavioral, and emotional fitness level. It has repercussions on coping mechanisms, social interactions, and decision-making.

When it comes to mental health concepts, the World Health Organization defines "peak" as more than merely the absence of symptoms. Maintaining a state of health and happiness under adverse circumstances requires coping adeptly.

Listen without passing judgment and reach to a mental health therapist who can help you when required.