Spread Durga Counseling Centre
Half of World’s Population Will Experience a Mental Health Disorder
Mental illnesses are health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking or behavior (or a combination of these). Mental illnesses can be associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities.
Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a medical problem, just like heart disease or diabetes. Mental illness is treatable. The vast majority of individuals with mental illness continue to function in their daily lives.
About Mental Health
Mental Health
Mental Illness
Involves effective functioning in daily activities resulting in:
Productive activities (such as in work, school or caregiving).
Healthy relationships.
Ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity.
Refers collectively to all diagnosable mental disorders — health conditions involving:
Significant changes in thinking, emotion and/or behavior.
Distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities.
Mental health is the foundation for emotions, thinking, communication, learning, resilience, hope and self-esteem. Mental health is also key to relationships, personal and emotional well-being and contributing to community or society. Mental health is a component of overall well-being. It can influence and be influenced by physical health.
Many people who have a mental illness do not want to talk about it. But mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of! It is a medical condition, just like heart disease or diabetes. And mental health conditions are treatable. We are continually expanding our understanding of how the human brain works, and treatments are available to help people successfully manage mental health conditions.
Mental illness does not discriminate; it can affect anyone regardless of your age, gender, geography, income, social status, race, ethnicity, religion/spirituality, sexual orientation, background or other aspect of cultural identity. While mental illness can occur at any age, three-fourths of all mental illness begins by age 24.
Mental illnesses take many forms. Some are mild and only interfere in limited ways with daily life, such as some phobias (abnormal fears). Other mental health conditions are so severe that a person may need care in a hospital. Similar to other medical illnesses, the optimal ways to provide care depend on the illness and the severity of its impact.
Who gets which illnesses? The study showed that the most common mental illnesses were mood disorders, such as major depression or anxiety, and that the risk of certain mental disorders differed by sex.
The three most common mental health disorders among women were:
Depression. Specific phobia, a disabling anxiety that interferes with daily life. Post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD.
The three most common mental health disorders among men were:
Alcohol abuse. Depression. Specific phobia.
Understanding how and when disorders arise The researchers also found that mental health disorders typically first emerge in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood.The researchers said the results demonstrate the high prevalence of mental health disorders worldwide, with 50 percent of the population developing at least one disorder by the age of 75.
Diagnosis Mental health conditions are treatable and improvement is possible. Many people with mental health conditions return to full functioning. Some mental illness is preventable.
It is not always clear when a problem with mood or thinking has become serious enough to be a mental health concern. Sometimes, for example, a low or depressed mood is normal, such as when a person experiences the loss of a loved one. But if that depressed mood continues to cause distress or gets in the way of normal functioning, the person may benefit from professional care. Family or friends may recognize changes or problems that a person doesn’t see in themselves.
Some mental illnesses can be related to or mimic a medical condition. For example, depressive symptoms can relate to a thyroid condition. Therefore, a mental health diagnosis often involves a full health evaluation including a physical exam. This may include blood work and/or neurological tests.
People of diverse cultures and backgrounds may express mental health conditions differently. For example, some are more likely to come to a health care professional with concerns about physical symptoms that are caused by a mental health condition. Some cultures view and describe mental health conditions in different ways from most doctors in the U.S.
Stigma around mental illness and treatment prevents many people from seeking needed treatment.
Treatment and Self-help The diagnosis of a mental disorder is not the same as a need for treatment. Need for treatment takes into consideration how severe the symptoms are, how much symptoms cause distress and affect daily living, the risks and benefits of available treatments and other factors (for example, psychiatric symptoms complicating other illnesses).
Mental health treatment is based upon an individualized plan developed collaboratively with a mental health clinician and an individual (and family members if the individual desires). It may include psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication or other treatments. Often a combination of therapy and medication is most effective. Complementary and alternative therapies are also increasingly being used.
Self-help and support can be very important to an individual’s coping, recovery and well-being. Lifestyle changes, such as good nutrition, exercise, and adequate sleep with good sleep hygiene can support mental health and recovery. A comprehensive treatment plan may include individual actions (for example, lifestyle changes, support groups or exercise) that enhance recovery and well-being.
Primary care clinicians, psychiatrists and other mental health clinicians help individuals and families understand mental illnesses and what they can do to control or cope with symptoms in order to improve health, wellness and function.
Signs and Symptoms If several of the following are occurring, it may useful to follow up with a mental health professional.
Sleep or appetite changes — Dramatic sleep and appetite changes or decline in personal care.Mood changes — Rapid or dramatic shifts in emotions or depressed feelings, greater irritability.Withdrawal — Recent social withdrawal and loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed.Drop in functioning — An unusual drop in functioning, at school, work or social activities, such as quitting sports, failing in school or difficulty performing familiar tasks.Problems thinking — Problems with concentration, memory or logical thought and speech that are hard to explain.Increased sensitivity — Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells or touch; avoidance of over-stimulating situations.Apathy — Loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity.Feeling disconnected — A vague feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one’s surroundings; a sense of unreality.Illogical thinking — Unusual or exaggerated beliefs about personal powers to understand meanings or influence events; illogical or “magical” thinking typical of childhood in an adult.Nervousness — Fear or suspiciousness of others or a strong nervous feeling.Unusual behavior — Odd, uncharacteristic, peculiar behavior.Changes in school or work — Increased absenteeism, worsening performance, difficulties in relationships with peers and co-workers.
One or two of these symptoms alone can’t predict a mental illness but may indicate a need for further evaluation. If a person is experiencing several at one time and the symptoms are causing serious problems in the ability to study, work or relate to others, he/she should be seen by a physician or mental health professional. People with suicidal thoughts or intent, or thoughts of harming others, need immediate attention.
Taking Action, Getting Help More than a decade of research around the world has shown that early intervention can often minimize or delay symptoms, prevent hospitalization and improve prognosis. Even if a person does not yet show clear signs of a diagnosable mental illness, these “red flag” early warning symptoms can be frightening and disruptive.
Just as with other medical illnesses, early intervention can make a crucial difference in preventing what could become a serious illness.
Encourage the person to:
Have an evaluation by a mental health or other health care professional.Learn about mental illness , including signs and symptoms.Receive supportive counseling about daily life and strategies for stress management.Be monitored closely for conditions requiring more intensive care.
Recognize that stigma may pose a significant barrier to seeking help.
Each individual’s situation must be assessed carefully and treatment should be individualized. Comprehensive treatment to prevent early symptoms from progressing into serious illness can include ongoing individual and family counseling, vocational and educational support, participation in a multi-family problem-solving group, and medication when appropriate.
Family members are valued partners and should be involved whenever possible. Learning about mental illness and what is happening in the brain can help individuals and families understand the significance of symptoms, how an illness might develop and what can be done to help.
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