Is there a link between mental illness and health problems
What is mental health?
Mental health does not mean only the absence of any mental illness. Mental health is the way we realize our capabilities and our tolerance for the pressures of normal life. It affects the way we think, how we feel, how we act, and how we make life decisions.
Mental health is an essential part of health and therefore it is an inherent right of human rights, as the percentage of mental illnesses is estimated at 14% of the global burden of diseases as a whole, and the most common mental illnesses globally: depression, anxiety, mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, mania, drug abuse, and others.
Is there a link between mental illness and health problems? And how?
Some mental disorders have a role in increasing the risk of infectious and non-communicable health diseases.
On the other hand, certain health conditions can increase the risk of developing certain mental disorders.
What does the stigma of mental illness mean and what is its impact?
Stigma is the view of others towards a person in a negative way because of his or her special characteristics or different personality traits.
Unfortunately, it is common for people suffering from mental and mental illnesses to be subjected to this stigma, which may affect the willingness of a person who suffers from any mental or psychological health condition to share his suffering and thoughts with others, which may cause him to delay his request for support from others to face the disease. Therefore, efforts to raise awareness of mental and psychological illnesses are very important to counteract stigma.
Who can provide mental health and psychosocial support services?
Mental health and support are not provided by specialized persons (psychiatrists or psychologists) only, but everyone can have a role in psychological support, including the person himself through some coping mechanisms.
Coping mechanisms include many activities and techniques such as slow breathing, meditation, light exercise, and other activities capable of relieving stress and increasing a sense of self-worth and self-confidence.
Basic psychological support is provided by family members, friends, and communities.
Then comes a higher level of support, which is called psychosocial support. Examples of this support are counseling and education sessions, positive education, support groups, stress and anxiety management techniques, and others.
Techniques are provided by teachers, community leaders, family physicians, psychologists, social workers, and others who have received adequate training.
Then comes the role of specialists from doctors and specialists to provide an advanced level of services such as psychological treatment, pharmacological treatment if necessary, and others.
read also: Cultivate Your Happiness With These Seven Daily Habits
What are the main mental health problems?
Mental health problems have many different symptoms and signs. The prevailing mental illness is based on: anxiety and stress; Especially related to previous trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, mood disorders, and panic attacks.
Seek help if any of the following signs develop:
My current mood prevents me from continuing with life
I feel like I'm negatively affecting the people I live or work with.
My mood changes have been going on for several weeks.
I have thoughts of harming myself or thoughts of harming others.
At work, or while doing housework and other things, I feel more tired than usual, or I make unusual mistakes,
Lately, I prefer to isolate myself
Should a person take medication if he has a psychological problem?
Pharmaceutical treatment may be part of the treatment plan … and the doctor may decide that it is not needed at a certain stage of treatment and that it is limited to a certain period that does not last, and that is in most cases.
Do psychiatric drugs lead to addiction?
Most psychiatric medications do not lead to addiction, and if the prescribed treatment is received and stopped by the attending physician according to his instructions and written doses, this leads to the medication reducing the possibility of any addictive or medical symptoms appearing.
Can I have a mental health problem and still be active / can work / can study?
Yes, doing the usual daily activities does not mean that there is no psychological problem because the psychological problem often does not lead to the inability to coexist. Which entails seeking help and support... And seeking early support is much better for treating and understanding mental illness.
Tips for taking care of mental health:
Our mental health is not a luxury. It is a necessity. Our psychological well-being is crucial, helping our physical health, improving our productivity, and making us happier.
We must take care of our mental health by looking after our physical health, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly (including walking), and engaging in various activities (some UNHCR partner agencies and community centers offer the opportunity to include yourself and your family in various activities.
Psychological problems are very common, and they happen to all of us, regardless of our circumstances and ages.
Having a psychological problem is not a shame. Seek support from your network of acquaintances, your close circle, your community, humanitarian workers from associations, initiatives, and organizations, or mental health care providers, in that order.
