Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects the way we think, feel, and act. It also helps us determine how to handle stress, relate to other people, and make decisions.
Mental health is important at all stages of life, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood. During your life, if you have mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior can be affected.
Mental health conditions
Mental illnesses are disorders, ranging from mild to severe, that affect a person’s thinking, mood, and/or behavior. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five adults lives with a mental illness.
Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:
- Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
- Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
- Family history of mental health problems
- Environmental stressors
- Chronic illness or physical health problems
- Substance abuse or addiction
- Lack of social support
- Poor coping skills
- Childhood adversity
- Socioeconomic disadvantage
- Work-related stress
- Sleep disturbances
- Hormonal imbalances
- Cultural or societal factors
- Stigma and discrimination
- Access barriers to mental healthcare
Some mental disorders include:
- antisocial personality disorder
- Anxiety disorders (include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and social anxiety.)
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Depression
- Eating disorders (include anorexia nervosa, binge eating, and bulimia.
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- Schizophrenia
- seasonal affective disorder
- self-harm
- Suicide and suicidal behavior
A serious mental illness (SMI) is a mental illness that interferes with a person’s life and ability to function. Despite common misperceptions, having a serious mental illness is not a choice, a weakness, or a character flaw. It is not something that just “passes” or can be “removed” with willpower.
Early warning signs
Not sure if someone you know has mental health issues? One or more of the following feelings or behaviors may be the first warning sign of a problem:
- Eating or sleeping a lot or little
- Withdrawing from usual people and activities
- Having little or no energy at all
- Being numb or feeling like nothing matters anymore
- Having unexplained pain or discomfort
- Feeling hopeless or helpless
- Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
- Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, nervous, angry, upset, worried, or fearful
- Yelling or fighting with family and friends
- Having significant mood swings that cause relationship problems
- Having persistent thoughts and memories that you can’t get out of your head
- Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
- Thinking about hurting yourself or others
- Not being able to perform daily tasks, such as taking care of the children or going to work or school
Tips for Living Well with a Mental Health Condition
Having a mental health condition can make it difficult to work, keep up with school, stick to a regular schedule, have healthy relationships, socialize, maintain hygiene, and more.
However, with early and consistent treatment, often a combination of medication and psychotherapy, it is possible to manage these conditions, overcome challenges, and lead a meaningful and productive life.
Today, there are new tools, evidence-based treatments, and social support systems that help people feel better and achieve their goals. Some of these tips, tools, and strategies include:
- Follow a treatment plan. Even if you feel better, don’t stop going to therapy or taking medication without a doctor’s guidance. Work with a doctor to safely adjust doses or medications if necessary to continue with a treatment plan.
- Keep the primary care physician updated. Primary care doctors are an important part of long-term treatment, even if you also see a psychiatrist.
- Learn about the condition. Knowing more can help you stick to your treatment plan. Education can also help your loved ones to be more supportive and compassionate.
- Practice self-care. Control stress with activities such as meditation or tai-chi; eat healthy and exercise; and get enough sleep.
- Communicate with family and friends. Maintaining relationships with others is important. In times of crisis or difficult times, reach out to them for support and help.
- Develop coping skills. This can help people deal with stress more easily.
- Get enough sleep. Sleeping well improves brain performance, mood, and overall health. Constant lack of sleep is associated with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
You should also read about an unhealthy lifestyle: Sedentary lifestyle: an unhealthy lifestyle