Mental health

Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being are all parts of our mental health. It influences how we feel, think, and behave and influences how we handle stress, interact with others, and make decisions

Every period of life, from childhood and adolescence to maturity, is vital for mental health. If you have mental health issues, they may have an impact on your thinking, mood, and behaviour over the course of your life.

Psychiatric Disorders
Mental disorders, which can range in severity from mild to severe, have an impact on a person's behaviour, mood, and/or way of thinking. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that almost one in five adults have a mental illness.

There are numerous elements that affect mental health disorders, such as:

biological components, including DNA or the chemistry of the brain
Experiences with trauma or abuse in life
a history of mental illness in the family
Topics related to mental health include:

Depression
Eating disorders (including Anorexia Nervosa, binge eating Disorder, and Bulimia Nervosa)
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Schizophrenia
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Self-harm
Suicide and suicidal behavior
Antisocial personality disorder
Anxiety disorders (including generalized anxiety, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, and social anxiety)
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Bipolar disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

An SMI is a mental illness that significantly impairs a person's life and capacity to operate. Contrary to popular misconceptions, having a SMI is not a decision, a weakness, or a deficiency in one's personality. It can't be "snapped out of" with willpower or something that merely "passes" by doing so.

View the Public Message on Serious Mental Illnesses from SAMHSA.

Early Warning Symptoms & Signs
Not sure whether you or a loved one is dealing with mental health issues? An early indicator of a problem could be one or more of the following feelings or actions:
consuming too much food or getting too little sleep
Removing oneself from people and routine tasks
lacking or having no energy
Feeling numb or as if nothing is important
Experiencing undiagnosed aches and pains
Sense of helplessness or despair
Consuming alcohol, tobacco, or drugs more frequently than normal
Experiencing exceptional levels of confusion, forgetfulness, agitation, rage, sadness, anxiety, or fear
Arguing or shouting at loved ones or friends
Enduring extreme mood swings that complicate relationships
Having persistent recollections and thoughts
You are stuck in your head.
Hearing voices or accepting false information
Consideration of self- or other-harm
A lack of ability to carry out regular chores like caring for your children or travelling to work or school

Do you suspect a friend or family member of having a mental health issue? It can be challenging to discuss mental health issues. Discover the truths and beliefs surrounding common mental health issues, and read about discussion starters.

Tips for Managing a Mental Health Condition Well

A mental health disorder might make it challenging to work, finish school, maintain a regular schedule, maintain hygiene, have good relationships, and more.

However, these diseases can be managed, difficulties overcome, and a meaningful, productive life can be led with early and persistent treatment—often a mix of medicine and psychotherapy.

New technologies, evidence-based therapies, and social support networks are available today to help people feel better and achieve their goals. Among these ideas, resources, and tactics are:

Maintain a treatment schedule. Even if you start to feel better, keep taking your medicine and attending therapy sessions as directed by your doctor. If necessary, work with a doctor to safely modify dosages or medications to keep up with a treatment plan.

Update your primary care doctor frequently. Even if you also see a psychiatrist, primary care doctors are crucial to long-term management

Discover more about the illness. Having knowledge about your treatment options can help you follow them. Additionally, education might make your family members more understanding and kind.

Take good care of yourself. Exercise, a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, and practises like tai chi can all help you manage your stress.
Speak with your loved ones and friends. Relationships with other people must be kept up. Ask them for assistance and support while you're going through a difficult period or a crisis.

Create coping mechanisms. People can handle stress better if they develop appropriate coping mechanisms.

Get adequate rest. Your emotions, overall health, and brain function all improve with adequate sleep. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues are linked to chronically poor sleep.