Mental health is the foundation for the health and effective intellectual functioning of each individual. So, let’s learn more and pay attention to mental health care!
What is mental health?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which an individual recognizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work effectively and can contribute to the community.
Mental health is not only the state of being free from mental disorders or any mental problems, but also includes the ability to think, learn and understand one’s emotions and the reactions of others. . Physical, psychological, social, cultural, spiritual and other related factors are all involved in creating this balance.
A person’s mental health regardless of age or gender is as important as their physical health. Mental health conditions are also illnesses and there is an inseparable connection between mental and physical health.
A person’s mental health regardless of age or gender is as important as their physical health
Warning signs of mental health problems
Mental health is one of the most complex fields, some common mental health disorders include:
- Bipolar affective disorder;
- Persistent depressive disorder;
- Postpartum depressive disorder;
- Generalized anxiety disorder;
- Social phobia;
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder;
- Post-traumatic stress disorder;
- Schizophrenia;
- Eating disorder.
Each mental health disorder will have different characteristic symptoms, however some common signs can include:
- Loss of appetite or overeating;
- Memory loss and difficulty concentrating;
- Insomnia or sleeping too much;
- Feeling tired even after getting enough sleep;
- Being emotionally numb or having difficulty empathizing;
- Find it difficult to integrate with family, friends, and colleagues and withdraw from social activities;
- No longer interested in activities, even activities that were once enjoyed;
- Feeling worthless, hopeless, useless, a burden;
- Feeling sad, worried, scared, or hopeless continuously for more than 2 weeks;
- Unpredictable emotions, easily agitated, emotional outbursts;
- Problems in relationships, which can be conflicts, coldness, distance;
- Continuously having flashbacks or repetitive behaviors;
- Hearing or seeing things that do not really exist;
- Having thoughts of hurting or harming yourself or others;
- Finding it difficult to carry out daily activities and tasks, such as decreased academic performance and work efficiency for unknown reasons;
- Alcoholism or drug use.
Symptoms of this disorder are very difficult to notice and sometimes you don’t realize it yourself, so don’t subjectively ignore any small signs and ask for help from relatives to detect and intervene promptly.
Each mental health disorder will have different characteristic manifestations
Causes affecting mental health
Some factors are believed to cause symptoms of mental health disorders such as:
- Genetic factors: The disease occurs commonly in groups of people with a family history of mental disorders;
- Environmental factors: Frequent exposure to harmful agents such as alcohol, stimulants, drugs, etc. increases the risk of mental illness. In addition, hormonal imbalance can also affect mental health, so women during pregnancy and raising children are also at higher risk of illness;
- Biological factors : External trauma can lead to mental illness such as traumatic brain injury, exposure to toxic substances, viruses,…
- Changes in life: Pressure in daily life, education, study, and work causes mental decline. Prolonged stress increases the risk of mental disorders.
Mental health affects daily life, and the rapid development and change of social life contributes to increasing risk factors for mental health disorders.
Mental health disorders, if not treated with appropriate medication and therapy, can cause many serious health problems, even the risk of death.
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