Mental health definition

Share on Pinterest CACTUS Creative Studio/Stocksy United A mental health crisis is when someone’s behaviors prevent them from functioning or indicate they might harm themselves or others. A crisis can feel overwhelming, and it might seem as if the coping skills you usually have no longer work. Psychiatric crises and emergencies are unique to the person, but they can look similar in how a person experiences and behaves during the crisis. Many people are unable to take care of themselves, have worsened symptoms of preexisting mental health conditions, and threaten or attempt self-harm. Though untreated mental health conditions can lead to a crisis, it’s a misconception that this is the only time they occur. Things happen — mental health crises can occur in people without a diagnosed mental health condition and in people following a treatment plan. If you feel like you’re having a mental health emergency, you can: • Call the • Chat with professionals at • Text “HOME” to the • Check out If you decide to call an emergency number like 911, ask the operator to send someone trained in mental health, like Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) officers. There’s some disagreement over whether there’s a difference between a “mental health emergency” and a “mental health crisis,” but most people use these terms interchangeably. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) uses the terms “crisis” and “emergency” with the same meaning in its Others define a mental health emergency as a li...

Stigma is when someone views you in a negative way because you have a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait that's thought to be, or actually is, a disadvantage (a negative stereotype). Unfortunately, negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition are common. Stigma can lead to discrimination. Discrimination may be obvious and direct, such as someone making a negative remark about your mental illness or your treatment. Or it may be unintentional or subtle, such as someone avoiding you because the person assumes you could be unstable, violent or dangerous due to your mental illness. You may even judge yourself. Some of the harmful effects of stigma can include: • Reluctance to seek help or treatment • Lack of understanding by family, friends, co-workers or others • Fewer opportunities for work, school or social activities or trouble finding housing • Bullying, physical violence or harassment • Health insurance that doesn't adequately cover your mental illness treatment • The belief that you'll never succeed at certain challenges or that you can't improve your situation Here are some ways you can deal with stigma: • Get treatment. You may be reluctant to admit you need treatment. Don't let the fear of being labeled with a mental illness prevent you from seeking help. Treatment can provide relief by identifying what's wrong and reducing symptoms that interfere with your work and personal life. • Don't let stigma create self-doubt and...

According to the The The state of your mental health affects your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It also affects how you navigate life, relationships, work, school, and other daily activities. An endless number of factors can affect your mental health, including but not limited to: • biological factors (e.g., genetics, hormones, chemicals) • where you live • your job and finances • physical health problems • mental health conditions • • how you were raised • • social and human rights injustices • previous and current relationships • other life experiences Simply put: If you have a brain, you have mental health. That’s why it’s necessary for us to take care of our mental health starting as early as possible. Positive mental health can help you navigate life more confidently and feel secure within your relationships, career, and more. • an ability to cope with • self-management strategies • social skills • presence of significant relationships with loved ones • physical and • a sense of the meaning of life • a sense of quality of life If your mental health is in a generally healthy state, you may also experience: • • ease at managing your emotions • a general sense of • a general positive outlook • consistent quality You’ll also be able to What is a mental health condition? The Mental illnesses are extremely common. According to the The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that There are several types of mental health conditions that people may have. So...

Everyone has mental health, but not everyone receives a diagnosis involving a mental illness. Mental health includes your overall well-being. Mental illnesses are diagnosable mental health conditions. The definitions of mental health and mental illness will vary, depending on who you ask. Even within the medical community, these terms have no single definition. But many agree that while mental illness falls under the umbrella of mental health, the two terms aren’t interchangeable. Just because your mental health isn’t in great shape doesn’t always mean you have a mental illness. And just because you live with a mental illness doesn’t necessarily mean your mental health is currently in a bad place. Mental illnesses — also called mental health conditions or mental disorders — are diagnosable conditions. They often involve a highly distressing change in your thinking, emotions, or behaviors and can affect how you perform some daily activities. To receive a diagnosis involving any mental health condition, a mental health professional will interview you to learn about: • the symptoms you’re experiencing • how long they’ve been happening • how severe they are • potential causes of your symptoms Many people live with mental health conditions. More than In 2019, • • • • • • • neurodevelopmental disorders like • While “mental illness” is still well-known and used, many people prefer to use “mental health condition.” This helps us separate further from stigmatizing phrases like “men...

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 critically important for everyone, everywhere, and goes beyond the mere absence of a mental health condition. It is integral to well-being, enabling people to realize their full potential, show resilience amidst adversity, be productive across the various settings of daily life, form meaningful relationships and contribute to their communities. Physical, psychological, social, cultural, spiritual and other interrelated factors contribute to mental health, and there are inseparable links between mental and physical health. Promoting and protecting mental health is also critical to a well-functioning society. It fosters social capital and solidarity, which are essential during times of crisis. The Western Pacific Region faces a looming mental health crisis, driven by social pressures, vulnerabilities and unrest, amplified by the wide ranging impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on communities everywhere. Over 215 million people are living with a mental health condition in the Region. Suicide continues to be a leading cause of death among young people, and for every death, there are many more suicide attempts. At the same time, demographic shifts in some countries is increasing the proportion of older people contributing to the growing prevalence of dementia and other mental health conditions related to ageing. Rapid and unplanned urbanization give rise to built environments that are not conducive to health and well-being. Economic pressures, toxic online interact...

by Laura Vismara Content warning: This article deals with the sensitive topic of suicide. If you (or someone you know) need support, call the toll-free, 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You can also text HOME to 741741 for free, which offers 24/7 support from the Crisis Text Line. This article also covers a range of difficult topics on mental health, including eating disorders and substance use disorders, that might be upsetting to some readers. According to the The month of May, which is known as Mental Health Awareness Month, gives us the opportunity to reflect on these statistics and consider the way we talk about mental health in general and specific disorders. Though medicine has come far in providing services and effective strategies for recovery, there is work we can all do in advocating for and promoting acceptance of those who have mental disorders, as well as increasing awareness of and striving to end the stigma that still surrounds mental health. This glossary of terms related to mental illness will provide correct terms and usage tips so that you can respectfully and knowledgeably discuss mental health disorders. This list isn’t exhaustive by any means, and with time, these terms may evolve and vary in their actual use among different settings or communities. Challenging the mental health stigma According to the American Psychiatric Association, approximately half of those with a mental illness don’t receive the help they need. Many...