Mental health is the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional wellness of an individual. Mental health determines how an individual responds to normal life stresses. An individual’s mental health determines how they interact with others and apply their skills to solve life problems. According to the World Health Organization, health is a state of complete wellness physically, mentally, and socially. This makes mental health an important aspect in addressing health issues around the world. Many mental health institutions have been set-up to combat mental health challenges. Some of these institutions are privately owned while others are run by the government.
Common Mental Health Issues
There are many mental disorders that affect people in the world today. Some of these disorders are due to genetics. However, a majority of mental health disorders arise due to the environment and past experiences of an individual. Here are some of the mental disorders that people suffer from.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental illness. People suffering from anxiety disorders tend to have high intense fear or anxiety when faced with certain situations. Anxiety disorders are mostly caused by past experiences of an individual. As a result, people with anxiety disorders tend to avoid all situations that might trigger the anxiety. There are many anxiety disorders. These include Generalized Anxiety disorder (GAD). Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a disproportionate worry that affects the daily life of an individual. With GAD, an individual tends to exhibit anxiety in conditions that present no direct danger. One might experience too much anxiety for things such as chores or keeping appointments.
Another form of anxiety disorder Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD greatly affects an individual’s response to certain situations that they might encounter in life. PTSD arises as a result of past life experiences. When one is faced with a life-threatening situation, their mental health is greatly affected even after the event has passed. PTSD is experienced by soldiers after wars or people who were mistreated at some point in their life. Accidents can also cause PTSD.
Mood Disorders
Mood disorders are also referred to as depressive disorders. They greatly affect the way an individual changes mood in different situations. Mood disorders include major depression. People who suffer from major depression tend to have a low mood at all times. Depression is characterized by loss of interest in activities and events that a person previously enjoyed. In most cases, depressed people have a lot of thoughts and might be suicidal if not taken care of.
Another mood disorder in Bipolar disease. With Bipolar, an individual experiences unusual mood changes. A bipolar person will exhibit a sudden drop in energy and activity levels. This affects one’s ability to work and relate with the people around them. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is another form of mood disorder. SAD is a seasonal major depression. The disorder is triggered by the onset of reduced daylight seasons such as winter. SAD is most common in Polar Regions.
Schizophrenia Disorders
Schizophrenia is known to be a group of related mental disorders that manifest at the same time. Currently, it has not been established whether schizophrenia is one disorder or a combination of several disorders that manifest at the same time. Symptoms of schizophrenia include thought disorders, hallucinations, and lack of motivation. The symptoms tend to manifest between the ages of 16 and 30 years.
Treatment for Mental Health Issues
There are many methods for handling mental health problems. In most cases, mental health treatment varies from one person to another. However, some treatment methods are more effective when done in groups. The national center for health literacy is working to provide training for experts who would help in controlling the impact of mental health issues. The most common treatments include;
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy treatment refers to the application of psychology in treating mental health problems. Forms of psychotherapy include cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. The treatment is strictly carried out by trained specialists for effective results.
Medication
This is the most common treatment for people with anxiety disorders. An individual is given prescribed drugs and advised on when to take them. However, medication is not a permanent solution for a mental health disorder. It just helps an individual to successfully carry on with their daily activities.
Self-Help
Self-help is the most effective way of controlling substance addictions. The treatment involves taking time to resolve personal issues that might contribute to mental disorders. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, are important for people who suffer from anxiety disorders. Family and self-help groups are a necessary support network that one might need to recover from mental illness.
Important Things to Consider When Choosing A Mental Health Facility
Ensure They Have Qualified Professionals
Several factors make a good mental health facility. One of the most important aspects to consider is the availability of required specialists. A good mental health facility should have the best psychiatrists or any other skilled staff. The institution should have the necessary personnel to guarantee efficient substance recovery.
Check If They Have the Right Equipment
Another important factor to consider is the available amenities at the mental health facility. The amenities in a mental health facility determines whether an individual should go for residential treatment or opt for outpatient sessions. A mental health center should have the required behavioral health facility furniture. This ensures the comfort of the patients, especially if they are undergoing residential treatment.
Inquire About Their Treatment Plans
When choosing a mental health facility, one should have in mind the treatment plans that they might be subjected to. Facilities offer different treatment plans depending on the patient’s response to treatment. In some cases, the choice of a treatment plan is enforced by the center for health literacy. One should ensure they are aware of all treatment procedures before going through them.
Additional care by a mental facility is also an important factor to consider. The mental facility should have a good therapeutic community into which recovered patients can join to improve their mental well-being. These communities should be watched by experts who can detect whether an individual is recovering or needs special care.
Mental health issues destroy an individual’s productivity and social life. In most cases, people affected by mental disorders, either directly or indirectly get traumatized. This affects their view of life and might lead to bad decisions such as suicide. There are no direct medical tests that show when one has mental health problems. Therefore, it is important that everyone checks on the people around them to know what they are going through.
