Characteristics of mental health

There are many different types of mental illnesses, ranging from anxiety and depressive disorders to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These mental disorders are diagnosed and treated based on criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition ( DSM-5) issued by the American Psychiatric Association. • Genetics: Mental illness tends to run in families. Research has shown that children of parents with mental illness are at increased risk of developing mental illness. However, genetics alone do not explain all the risks. Added environmental factors can make someone more susceptible. For example, genetic risk for major depression alone may not result in the development of major depression, but a traumatic event on top of genetic risk may make someone more susceptible. Epigenetics looks at how genes and the environment interact to cause mental illness. • Physical environment: The environment in which a person lives also affects mental illness risk. Studies have shown that living in an urban area is a risk factor for mental illness. However, researchers note that urban environments may be a proxy for other underlying risk factors. For example, people living in urban environments may have greater exposures to pollutants or toxins or higher costs of living that lead to chronic stress. • Social environment: Stressful life events can significantly impact mental health. Stressful life events vary wi...

• A switch in eating habits, whether over or undereating • • Being more reclusive and shying away from others • Feeling persistent despair • Indulging in alcohol, tobacco, or other substances more than usual • Experiencing unexplained confusion, anger, guilt, or worry • • • Hearing voices with no identifiable source • Thinking of self-harm or causing harm to others • Being unable to perform daily tasks with ease • World Health Organization. • Lippard ETC, Nemeroff CB. Am J Psychiatry. 2020;177(1):20-36. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2019.19010020 • Helbich M. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018;15(10):2207. Published 2018 Oct 10. doi:10.3390/ijerph15102207 • Helbich M. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018;15(10):2207. Published 2018 Oct 10. doi:10.3390/ijerph15102207 • National Institutes of Health. • Zaman R, Hankir A, Jemni M. Psychiatr Danub. 2019;31(Suppl 3):217-220. • Medline Plus. • National Alliance on Mental Health.

In recent years, there has been increasing acknowledgement of the important role mental health plays in achieving global development goals, as illustrated by the inclusion of mental health in the Sustainable Development Goals. Depression is one of the leading causes of disability. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds. People with severe mental health conditions die prematurely – as much as two decades early – due to preventable physical conditions. Despite progress in some countries, people with mental health conditions often experience severe human rights violations, discrimination, and stigma. Many mental health conditions can be effectively treated at relatively low cost, yet the gap between people needing care and those with access to care remains substantial. Effective treatment coverage remains extremely low. Increased investment is required on all fronts: for mental health awareness to increase understanding and reduce stigma; for efforts to increase access to quality mental health care and effective treatments; and for research to identify new treatments and improve existing treatments for all mental disorders. In 2019, WHO launched the In 2022, WHO launched the Mental health conditions are increasing worldwide. Mainly because of demographic changes, there has been a 13% rise in mental health conditions and substance use disorders in the last decade (to 2017). Mental health conditions now cause 1 in 5 years lived with disability. Aroun...

Source: Radu Florin/Unsplash People often ask me what it means to be mentally healthy. Previously, I have discussed things we can all do to achieve better mental health, but people want to know what it looks like when they get there. While this looks a little different for everyone, there are some common characteristics of people who are able to maintain good mental health and build 10. You wake up every day and feel grateful for something. When you are having a bad day or a bad week, you can look around you and observe other people being happy. It can be hard, in times of suffering, to acknowledge things you appreciate. But the ability to think of at least one thing for which you are 9. You have something that you look forward to doing or experiencing. Maybe you have an event coming up with friends, a vacation, or something as simple as a quiet night at home watching a favorite movie. Planning something that you can look forward to and finding some contentment and enjoyment in it is a sign that you are seeking positive experiences, which can decrease 8. You let go of anger, and you do not spend time holding grudges against others who have hurt you. While we have all had tough relationships and conflicts in our lives at some point, holding onto them can prevent us from moving on with our lives. It can lead to internalized negative emotions, such as 6. You keep trying when the going gets tough. It’s difficult to stay motivated when you’re going through tough circumstances. ...

Many people have mental health concerns from time to time. But a mental health concern becomes a mental illness when ongoing signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and affect your ability to function. A mental illness can make you miserable and can cause problems in your daily life, such as at school or work or in relationships. In most cases, symptoms can be managed with a combination of medications and talk therapy (psychotherapy). Symptoms Signs and symptoms of mental illness can vary, depending on the disorder, circumstances and other factors. Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Examples of signs and symptoms include: • Feeling sad or down • Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate • Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt • Extreme mood changes of highs and lows • Withdrawal from friends and activities • Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping • Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations • Inability to cope with daily problems or stress • Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people • Problems with alcohol or drug use • Major changes in eating habits • Sex drive changes • Excessive anger, hostility or violence • Suicidal thinking Sometimes symptoms of a mental health disorder appear as physical problems, such as stomach pain, back pain, headaches, or other unexplained aches and pains. When to see a doctor If you have any signs or symptoms of a mental il...

Mental health is all about how people think, feel, and behave. Mental health specialists can help people with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, addiction, and other conditions that affect their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Mental health can affect daily living, relationships, and physical health. However, this link also works in the other direction. Factors in people’s lives, interpersonal connections, and physical factors can contribute to mental ill health. Looking after mental health can preserve a person’s ability to enjoy life. Doing this involves balancing life activities, responsibilities, and efforts to achieve psychological resilience. Stress, depression, and anxiety can all affect mental health and disrupt a person’s routine. Although health professionals often use the term mental health, doctors recognize that many psychological disorders have physical roots. This article explains what people mean by mental health and mental illness. We also describe the most common types of mental disorders, including their early signs and how to treat them. Share on Pinterest Chelsea Victoria/Stocksy According to the “Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.” The WHO states that mental health is “more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities.” Peak mental health is not only about managing active conditions...