Contributed by: Priyaish Srivastava
introduction
Mental health is the foundation of everyone’s overall wellbeing as it is an integral part of health, made up of emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing and directly related to the ability to think, feel, and respond. The “World Mental Health Day” is celebrated every year on October 10th to raise awareness of the importance of mental health around the world.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the incidence of mental health problems in India is 2,443 disability-adjusted years of life (DALYs) per 10,000 population, and the suicide rate per 100,000 population is 21.1.
Mental health is a serious problem that affects a person’s overall wellbeing, and yet it is considered a taboo subject by most of the people. Concern for mental health increases the ability to live healthy and productive lives. The process requires a balance between daily activities, responsibilities, and psychological perceptions.
Biological factors such as genes or brain chemistry, life experiences such as trauma or abuse, family history with psychological problems, emphasize, Anxiety, and depression are some factors that can potentially affect mental health and disrupt a person’s lifestyle.
This article will walk you through the causes of mental disorders, some common mental disorders and their symptoms, and what preventive measures can help better manage the conditions.
Common mental disorders
Below are some of the most common and prominent factors in mental disorders:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD is a condition that causes severe anxiety that disrupts the daily routine. People with GAD can experience high levels of anxiety attacks even without a trigger from situations that pose no direct or indirect danger.
Some physical symptoms are:
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- Restlessness
- Extreme tiredness
- Tight muscles
- Interrupted sleep pattern
Panic disorder
Panic disorder involves sudden episodes of anxiety or fear in which people experience overwhelming fear or feelings of impending death and disaster.
phobia
Phobia is an anxiety disorder that is defined as persistent and excessive fear of an object or situation. Phobia is divided into three categories:
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- Simple phobias
- Social phobia (social fear): Fear of being judged
- Agoraphobia: Fear of places and situations that pose no risk, but the patient feels that way because of the phobia.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have suffered severe trauma or injury, such as an accident, war, or the death of a loved one. It can make the person think that a particular situation is a danger to their life or the lives of others.
Major depression
Depression is a serious mental disorder characterized by experiences such as persistently depressed mood or a lack of interest in activities. The condition leads to several disabilities in daily life.
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is characterized by persistent changes in mood, energy levels, activity, and lifestyle. Episodes of high spirits are referred to as manic phases, while episodes of depression are referred to as depressive phases.
schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder that primarily affects people between the ages of 16 and 30. It is a serious condition in which people interpret reality abnormally. Schizophrenia requires lifelong treatment and can lead to hallucinations and delusions that interfere with daily functioning.
Symptoms of mental disorders
Identifying a mental illness through physical or medical tests may not accurately reflect the state of the brain, which can affect the person’s general well-being. However, some possible signs of mental illness that can be identified in a person’s daily life include:
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- Stay away from friends, family, and co-workers
- Not participating in activities that they normally enjoy
- Sleep a lot or very little
- Eat a lot or a lot less
- A feeling of hopelessness
- Constantly low energy
- Show negative emotions
- Looking for alcohol and smoke
- Can’t concentrate
- Can’t do daily tasks
- Persistent memories that come back regularly
- Can physically injure yourself or others
- hear voices
- Experience delusions and hallucinations
Preventive measures for the treatment of mental disorders
There are no proven methods to prevent mental illness from occurring. However, if you notice any of the symptoms above, or know someone who does, some preventative measures can help manage and slow the worsening of the condition, including:
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- Take measures to manage stress
- Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga
- Eating healthy and getting regular exercise to help strengthen brain health
- Talk to a friend or family member about the situation
- Advice from a psychologist
- Never skip prescribed medication
- Reduce your intake of caffeine, tea, cola and chocolate
- Eat a healthy diet
- Try to maintain a regular and improved sleep cycle
- Avoiding alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs such as cannabis
- Get regular health checks
Final thoughts
Mental health disorders are a serious condition that shouldn’t be ignored or left untreated. While there are no permanent cures for such diseases, they can be prevented by taking appropriate measures.
Therefore, if you or someone you know shows the above symptoms persistently or has been exposed to a situation that may lead to a mental disorder, contact an expert at the earliest and take the necessary preventive measures. Regular checkups can also help you get a complete picture of your overall health and take preventative measures if something goes wrong.
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Reference: blog.healthians.com