Mental health is psychological well being. It also includes our emotional and social well-being. It shows how we think, feel, act or react to things. Mental health also affects our daily life choices. An individual’s behavior also indicates his mental health. Mental health is a condition of soundness of mind that allows individuals to cope up with stress, maintaining healthy relationships, making right decisions, and solving problems. Mental health not only impacts mental well being but impacts physical health and even the entire growth of a person. Mental health influences the life of an individual on a daily basis. From waking up with no idea of how to deal with the day to laying in bed with lots of stress at night. Poor mental health can be a curse to an individual. The manner in which we keep ourselves, our style, our lifestyle i.e. how we appear, what we consume, where we go, with whom we meet, who we speak to and what activity occupies the maximum amount of time in our day, all of this impacts our mental well-being.
Fear of judgment
Mental well-being is as important as physical well-being but is neglected until it turns serious. One of the biggest problems is stigma in regard to mental health. For combating this stigma, it takes open discussions and learning, enabling individuals to realize what their problems are. Individuals get embarrassed or ashamed to talk about the way they feel and about their problems, fearing judgment. Not talking about one’s mental health creates larger issues. Earlier, no one was aware of mental health and its illness and they used to show disrespect to the feelings of others by not admitting them but today there is a realization about mental illness and people now try to understand others feelings. People in this contemporary world are still attempting to suppress their own selves, they try to be someone who would be likeable and interesting eventually but the harsh reality is there is no such need to be likeable in front of everyone because if one tends to open up about their fears or attempt to express themselves people make fun, mock around or avoid and judge, this scares people and they never attempt to express what they are facing.
But we must reveal what we actually are and not attempt to be a person who would be liked. Perhaps some may dislike us or criticize us but people who truly cared for us would approach us and assist us. Lack of Awareness There is a dearth of awareness about mental health in India, people still remain ignorant about mental health, its problems, symptoms and effects. There are limited professionals even now making it hard for people to approach them. Some good steps from authorities should be taken regarding mental health. Schools must have programmes to teach students about mental health. Seminars, free online counseling should also be present to make people aware.
A person’s lifestyle also plays a major role in maintaining mental health i.e. having a balanced diet, sufficient sleep and exercising regularly can improve mental health. One can add meditation and yoga to their daily routine. Self-care is very necessary these days.
Social well-being
Social relationships form a vital aspect of life. Forming close ties with relatives, friends, colleagues and neighbours can offer emotional support and can minimize the sense of loneliness. Social isolation, bullying and abusive relationships can have adverse effects on mental health.
Those around us also influence our mental health.
The way one is treated in a group can influence mental health.
Particularly individuals with good friends develop better mental health or recover faster because good friends are someone who never criticizes you, always inquires if everything is okay or not and are always present to support and assist during worst times.Maintaining relationships that make us better benefits a great deal to individuals with mental disorders. Effects of poor mental health At times because of the agony of an individual his relationship gets damaged. A person not working over his own problem can destroy his relationships without realizing it.
An individual with poor mental health is not capable of communicating effectively, either he communicates in a poor manner that others choose to interpret differently whatever he attempts to convey or he does not communicate at all which results in the accumulation of unsaid words which develop unresolved misunderstandings gradually resulting in communication gaps.
Poor communication further develops intimacy problems between the couple which results in strained relationships. Bad mental health also impacts one decision making power. Not being fully into your senses can lead to bad decisions. It also comes in between concentration, one cannot properly concentrate on important matters as there are thousands of unrelated things going on in mind and it is tough to concentrate on one.
Also bad mental health gets worse with overthinking. Overthinking is something that is difficult to manage since one would require much effort to manage it. Bad mental health not only impacts psychologically but physically as well. One may get tired the whole day without doing anything. It may also result in an unhealthy diet (i.e. either eating junk or unhealthy food or remaining starved). At times, bad mental health results in weight gain or loss. It may also result in a lot of diseases or deficiencies. When mental health gets worse it can also affect badly, one can do self harm or get suicidal thoughts. When this happens there is an immediate need to seek help. Options like therapy, medications, yoga, meditations can help.
Types of Disorders
Anxiety
Anxiety is characterized by excessive worry, nervousness, or fear that is out of proportion to the actual threat.
It is based on expectation — an exaggerated anxiety of what may occur.
Anxiety disorders constitute constant and unwarranted worried thoughts that interfere with everyday functioning.
All human beings experience things at various levels but anxiety can disrupt daily living.
Worrying is commonplace. It keeps us on track and keeps us on our toes but anxiety is the ongoing trigger that makes one feel anxious, it is slightly more intense, it is even difficult to control and if a person has anxiety, it may become an ill mental health condition that affects all aspects of our day-to-day life.
Depression
Depression is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and the absence of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities. It results in a weighty emotional state wherein motivation is lost and life lacks meaning or energy. Depression is a multifaceted disorder which is difficult to comprehend. It can destroy a person’s entire personality and it can impact a person’s life in its daily sense. It is a silent struggle which is a persistent feeling of sadness, nervousness, fatigue, tiredness and hopelessness.
Depression also creates a change in appetite.
Despite being in this modern world depression stays in the stigma and it has not been openly talked about in public.
If someone is suffering from depression he is not able to talk about it even with his friends and family. It becomes difficult for an individual to express himself freely in public or even when he is among his own folks. Depression sucks out the capability of a person to carry out day-to-day work or think about things that are important. Depression is a public health issue of great concern which has to be dealt with. WHO (World Health Organisation) has also highlighted depression as an issue which has to be tackled. Bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder is not desperate, it is just slightly difficult. Harmony is just what is required the most since the process entails ups and downs. Individuals with bipolar disorder experience mood fluctuations which are extremely extreme, severe and disturbing. A person experiences atypical changes in mood and energy level artwork which can differ from hypomania or mania that is depression, sadness or low energy and excitement or high energy respectively. Everything a person does whether working, in a relationship or sleeping, bipolar disorder does get in the way and breaks a lot.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an illness that is developed when an individual experiences some very serious situations which are threatening, horrendous, or life-threatening. The trauma may develop as a result of an abuse, natural disaster, an accident or a sudden loss of someone dear to you. Since survival mode instinct is felt at the time when the trauma starts. When one has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) it is as if there isn’t a real danger but that individual experiences persistent fear or flashbacks or nightmares. Negative mood and thinking changes of an individual exist. The symptoms may persist for years and can truly affect our daily life.
Individuals who experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may find it difficult to adapt and deal with time but they tend to improve over time by taking proper care of themselves.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder which is largely misconceived. It tends to be misunderstood with violent tendencies or divided personalities but it is not the case. Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels and acts. Individuals suffering from schizophrenia may have negative thoughts, delusions or hallucinations making it split personality or multiple personalities which is not true. Schizophrenia causes distress, confusion and makes it difficult to spend the day. Schizophrenia is a very difficult disorder but can be treated with medication, therapy and support of family members.
Eating Disorder
Eating disorders today are as real as any other mental illness.
When a person is not at ease in his/her skin, either body weight or body image it sometimes makes an individual adopt an unhealthy relationship with food. But it’s often a false notion that these disorders are about food only, whereas actually they are intricately entangled with psychological, biological and social factors. Thousands of millions of people regardless of age, gender or social status have eating disorders and the trend is on the rise. These illnesses may start with an urge to better oneself or get healthier, they may soon transform into life-threatening and compulsive illnesses. Eating disorders not only have an impact on the body but also the mind.
Conclusion
Mental Health is an essential part of our well-being. Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, encouraging education and awareness, and ensuring access of help create mental mental health priority. Let’s join hands to raise mental health awareness and help people overcome their mental health challenges.
Let’s support people with mental health disorders and make them know this message “Speak about your emotions, eat healthy, stay connected with your loved ones, attempt to do things that make you smile, do not overthink”.
