Mental health

What's the difference between normal mental health and mental disorders? Sometimes the answer is clear, but often the distinction isn't so obvious. For example, if you're afraid of giving a speech in public, does it mean you have a mental health disorder or a run-of-the-mill case of nerves? Or, when does shyness become a case of social phobia? Mental health is the overall wellness of how you think, regulate your feelings and behave. Sometimes people experience a significant disturbance in this mental functioning. A mental disorder may be present when patterns or changes in thinking, feeling or behaving cause distress or disrupt a person's ability to function. A mental health disorder may affect how well you: • Maintain personal or family relationships • Function in social settings • Perform at work or school • Learn at a level expected for your age and intelligence • Participate in other important activities Cultural norms and social expectations also play a role in defining mental health disorders. There is no standard measure across cultures to determine whether a behavior is normal or when it becomes disruptive. What might be normal in one society may be a cause for concern in another. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is a guide published by the American Psychiatric Association that explains the signs and symptoms of several hundred mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder an...

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...

Behavioral Health Services in Southeastern Massachusetts Southcoast Health strives to be a health care leader in our region, which is why we offer services for behavioral health in Fall River, Dartmouth, New Bedford and Wareham, MA. As a 120-bed psychiatric hospital, Southcoast Behavioral Health operates on the basis that all patients should be treated with respect, hope, dignity, compassion and kindness. We look to provide quality inpatient treatment for patients with diagnosed mental illness. Our center features a team of clinical psychologists , board-certified psychiatrists, social workers, registered nurses and other professionals who have the training needed to serve you or a loved one with skill and compassion. We understand that the family is a crucial part in management and recovery, so we encourage and equip family members to be involved in the process. Southcoast Resource Connect Connect with Southcoast behavioral health and community resources across the region. Visit Southcoast Resource Connect, Southcoast Health’s online resource directory. Here you can locate detailed information – specific to your needs – on various types of behavioral health and community resources across the region. Treat Mental Illness at Southcoast Behavioral Health Through interventions like individual and group therapy and medical management, we create a customized schedule for a patient’s stay, which is usually five to seven days. Southcoast Behavioral Health offers a specialty in mo...

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...

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...

Before mental health, "mental hygiene" was a term used in the 19th and 20th centuries to refer to the impact that mental processes have on overall health. A mental hygiene movement had formed in the United States in 1908. Its goal was to advocate for people who were "mentally sick," or people who had psychiatric conditions, in a more humane way as historically, people with mental illnesses were abused, neglected, and lacked adequate care. Resilience The ability to bounce back from adversity has been referred to as People who are resilient also tend to have a positive view of their ability to cope with challenges and seek out social support when they need it. Those who are more resilient are better able to not only cope with stress but to thrive even in the face of it. Flexibility Having rigid expectations can sometimes create added stress. Emotional flexibility may be just as important as cognitive flexibility. Mentally healthy people experience a range of emotions and allow themselves to express these feelings. Some people shut off certain feelings, finding them to be unacceptable. Mental health conditions can make it extra challenging to fulfill your sleep requirements, but there are ways you can improve your sleeping habits. Try adhering to a consistent sleep schedule (going to bed and waking up at the same times each night), limiting distractions like using your phone before bed, and making sure you get some exercise during the day. Be sure to consult a healthcare prov...