Mental Health

[Rupa Sahithi]

We live in a society where people don't give so much importance to mental health.Be it the educated,highly professional, corporate folks or the regular,ordinary ,lower middle class people-No one talks about mental well being as they talk about other aspects.

Imagine waking up and feeling anxious or depressed and asking for a leave about it.Would you tell your boss that you're anxious? Would you tell your boss that you're distressed?Most of the people wouldn't. Because we have this fear of being judged for vulnerability. Many of us think that vulnerability is weakness.Some of us also have doubts such as what if my boss thinks that I'm someone who cannot deal with pressure and it may impact my professional career. Because this world expects you to be strong even though you're crumbling inside.This world wants you to smile even when you're heart is empty..This world expects you to hide the vulnerable side of you and it expects you to fake your emotions. And what's the result of it - Anxiety, Stress,Depression, Increase in number of suicides.People forgot to show the real side of their self because when they do that they are judged for being imperfect,inefficient and unworthy.

This has to change. Mental health should become a discussion among the people.Schools should start teaching about it.Awareness should be spread amongst the students, youngsters, middle-aged, and ofcourse every single person in this planet!!

I hope there comes a day where going to therapy is as normal as going to cardiologist. Let's remove the stigma around the mental health!!

 

[Faazla Rizvi]

Hii

That's very true in the above article. Improving mental health in today's fast-paced world is essential for overall well-being. Here are several strategies to help you maintain and improve your mental health:

1. Prioritize Self-Care: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. This can include activities like exercise, meditation, journaling, or simply taking time for yourself to relax and recharge.
2. Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals and break them down into smaller, manageable steps. This can help reduce stress and boost your confidence as you make progress.
3. Establish a Routine: Creating a daily routine can provide structure and predictability, which can be comforting in a fast-paced world. Ensure you allocate time for work, relaxation, and social activities.
4. Connect with Others: Maintain meaningful relationships with friends and family. Social support is crucial for mental health. Make an effort to spend time with loved ones and engage in open and honest communication.
5. Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen time, especially on social media and news websites, can contribute to stress and anxiety. Set boundaries for your screen time and take regular breaks from screens.
6. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness exercises and meditation can help you stay present, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mental well-being. Consider incorporating these practices into your daily routine.
7. Exercise Regularly: Physical activity has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
8. Eat a Balanced Diet: Nutrition plays a crucial role in mental health. Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit your intake of processed foods and sugar
9. Get Adequate Sleep: Prioritize sleep and establish a consistent sleep schedule. Poor sleep can negatively affect mood and cognitive function.
10. Seek Professional Help: If you're struggling with your mental health, don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. Therapy or counseling can provide valuable support and coping strategies.

 

[rupalisoniii1101]

We must talk openly and with support about mental health because it is crucial to our entire well-being. There are various important factors to take into account while addressing or responding to mental health because it impacts all of us, whether directly or indirectly:

1. Normalise the Dialogue: Promote honest and nonjudgmental dialogues about mental health. We eliminate stigma and encourage seeking treatment when necessary when we foster a culture where people feel at ease discussing their mental health struggles.

2. It's Okay to Not Feel Okay: Remind them that dealing with mental health issues is a normal aspect of being human. It's crucial to recognise and validate these feelings since it's acceptable to have unpleasant days.

3.Seeking help is a sign of strength: Encourage individuals who are struggling to seek support from friends and family or from professionals. Asking for assistance is a brave move and does not indicate weakness.

4. Educate Yourself: Keep up to date on problems with and remedies for mental illness. You can support others more successfully if you are aware of the varied illnesses and the resources that are out there.

5. Exercise Self-Care: Stress the value of self-care practise that support mental health. Exercise, mindfulness, a healthy diet, and enough sleep are a few examples of them.

 

[sid96]

Important thread and post
Glad I came across this

 

[Rupa Sahithi]

We live in a society where people don't give so much importance to mental health.Be it the educated,highly professional, corporate folks or the regular,ordinary ,lower middle class people-No one talks about mental well being as they talk about other aspects.

Imagine waking up and feeling anxious or depressed and asking for a leave about it.Would you tell your boss that you're anxious? Would you tell your boss that you're distressed?Most of the people wouldn't. Because we have this fear of being judged for vulnerability. Many of us think that vulnerability is weakness.Some of us also have doubts such as what if my boss thinks that I'm someone who cannot deal with pressure and it may impact my professional career. Because this world expects you to be strong even though you're crumbling inside.This world wants you to smile even when you're heart is empty..This world expects you to hide the vulnerable side of you and it expects you to fake your emotions. And what's the result of it - Anxiety, Stress,Depression, Increase in number of suicides.People forgot to show the real side of their self because when they do that they are judged for being imperfect,inefficient and unworthy.

This has to change. Mental health should become a discussion among the people.Schools should start teaching about it.Awareness should be spread amongst the students, youngsters, middle-aged, and ofcourse every single person in this planet!!

I hope there comes a day where going to therapy is as normal as going to cardiologist. Let's remove the stigma around the mental health!!

 

[Rupa Sahithi]

Do you know that 1 in every 8 people suffers from mental illness? A research says that 8 million deaths a year are linked to mental illness. Few studies confirmed that mental health literacy is very low in India. A lot of people do not know what they are going through due to lack of awareness which prevents them from seeking medical help. Mental health has been making a lot of buzz from many years but, Are we well aware of all the things that we need to know about it?

Here is everything you need to know about to know Mental Health. “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well being.It effects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices”.

It’s normal that stress and anxiety are appropriate to situational triggers that job loss, emotional challenges or any other uncertain life changes but we need to know how to process these feelings before they start to negatively impact our wellbeing.

Warning signs and symptoms of mental health problems

• Self-medication
• Poor physical health
• Difficulty maintaining relationships
• Difficulty functioning at work or school
• Withdrawing from activities you normally enjoy
• Sudden Mood changes

Common mental health disorders

Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health disorder. Symptoms of anxiety include excessive worry, difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping, and unexplained pain.

Depression is a common mental health condition that can cause a persistent feeling of sadness or hopelessness, marked by a loss of interest in activities, fatigue, or changes in daily habits.

Bipolar disorder causes significant mood swings, from periods of mania to periods of depression. Symptoms of bipolar disorder can include insomnia, irritability, and extreme changes in energy levels.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after exposure to a traumatic event, such as abuse, near-death experience, or other harmful situation. Symptoms of PTSD can include night terrors, anxiety, and avoidance of people or places associated with the traumatic event(s).

Other conditions may affect behavior, such as ADHD and autism, and make it harder to cope with stress.

Steps to take when struggling with mental health

First, it’s important to take care of yourself –This includes the basics like eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and moving your body daily.

Get to know yourself – Your mental health is intertwined with your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Track your mood, and try to identify thought patterns, and what triggers changes in your feelings.

Seek professional help – A qualified holistic or integrative medicine doctor can assess your individual situation and make personalized recommendations.

Avoid self-medicating – Avoid substances that alter your thinking, such as drugs or alcohol. Self-medicating can lead to dependence and is not a healthy coping mechanism.

Identify your coping mechanisms – We all have different ways of coping with various ups and downs. Do you tend to stress eat? Or go for a run, call a friend, or pour a drink? Every kind of coping skill has benefits and risks, so try to focus on how well your coping skills actually work for you, and not whether they’re considered “good” or “bad”.

When to see a doctor

There’s never a bad time to meet with a therapist or doctor to discuss your mental health. You do not have to wait until your symptoms are severe. It’s greatly beneficial to begin treatment for mental health issues as early as possible.

An integrative team of physicians can recommend therapy and medication, in addition to diet and lifestyle changes that best support your individual needs.

It’s normal to feel stressed or anxious from time to time, but if your emotions are impacting your daily life in a negative way, it’s time to seek help. The good news is that most mental illnesses are treatable. If you think you might be experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Or if you see anybody showing these signs help them out

 

[Veigas]

Mental health is crucial for overall well-being but often goes unrecognized. Recognizing the signs of mental health problems is vital:

- **Persistent Sadness:** Long-term feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
- **Anxiety:** Constant worry or fear.
- **Social Withdrawal:** Avoiding social interactions.
- **Appetite/Sleep Changes:** Significant changes in eating or sleeping habits.
- **Fatigue:** Constant tiredness.
- **Difficulty Concentrating:** Trouble focusing or making decisions.
- **Mood Swings:** Extreme changes in mood.
- **Physical Symptoms:** Unexplained aches or pains.
- **Substance Abuse:** Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
- **Suicidal Thoughts:** Thoughts of self-harm or death.

Despite their importance, mental health issues often face stigma and are misunderstood. Many people view them as weaknesses, which discourages individuals from seeking help and leads to isolation and discrimination. Furthermore, a lack of awareness about mental health can delay diagnosis and treatment, while societal pressures can exacerbate stress and anxiety.

Addressing mental health involves increasing education and awareness to reduce stigma, expanding access to services and professional help, promoting open conversations in various settings, and building supportive community networks. By recognizing the signs and fostering a supportive environment, we can prioritize mental health and enhance overall well-being.

 

[Vaishnav krish]

Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, influencing how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is essential at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Understanding mental health and promoting mental well-being is crucial for personal and community health.

Importance of Mental Health​

1. Overall Well-being:
   • Emotional Stability: Good mental health contributes to emotional stability, allowing individuals to manage stress and adapt to changes and challenges.
   • Physical Health: Mental health is closely linked to physical health. Conditions like depression and anxiety can contribute to chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.
2. Quality of Life:
   • Productivity and Performance: Mental well-being enhances productivity and performance in personal and professional life.
   • Relationships: Healthy mental states foster positive relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.
3. Societal Impact:
   • Economic Costs: Poor mental health can lead to reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher healthcare costs.
   • Social Harmony: Mental health issues can lead to social problems such as crime, homelessness, and substance abuse.

Common Mental Health Disorders​

1. Depression:
   • Symptoms: Persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep, and thoughts of death or suicide.
   • Treatment: Psychotherapy, medications, lifestyle changes, and support groups.
2. Anxiety Disorders:
   • Symptoms: Excessive worry, restlessness, fatigue, concentration problems, and physical symptoms like heart palpitations.
   • Treatment: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medications, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle adjustments.
3. Bipolar Disorder:
   • Symptoms: Extreme mood swings ranging from manic episodes of high energy to depressive episodes of low energy.
   • Treatment: Medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.
4. Schizophrenia:
   • Symptoms: Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, and impaired functioning.
   • Treatment: Antipsychotic medications, psychotherapy, and supportive services.
5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
   • Symptoms: Flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about a traumatic event.
   • Treatment: Psychotherapy (including CBT and exposure therapy), medications, and support groups.

Factors Affecting Mental Health​

1. Biological Factors:
   • Genetics: Family history of mental health disorders can increase the risk.
   • Brain Chemistry: Neurotransmitter imbalances can contribute to mental health conditions.
2. Life Experiences:
   • Trauma and Abuse: Experiences of trauma or abuse can have long-lasting effects on mental health.
   • Chronic Stress: Persistent stress from work, relationships, or financial problems can lead to mental health issues.
3. Environmental Factors:
   • Living Conditions: Poor living conditions, such as poverty and violence, can adversely affect mental health.
   • Social Isolation: Lack of social support and isolation can contribute to mental health problems.

Promoting Mental Health​

1. Early Intervention:
   • Awareness and Education: Increasing awareness about mental health and early signs of disorders can lead to early intervention and better outcomes.
   • Screening and Diagnosis: Regular mental health screenings and early diagnosis can prevent the worsening of conditions.
2. Access to Care:
   • Affordable Services: Ensuring access to affordable mental health services is crucial.
   • Integrated Care: Combining mental health services with primary healthcare can improve overall health outcomes.
3. Support Systems:
   • Community Programs: Community-based programs and support groups can provide essential help and reduce stigma.
   • Family and Friends: Encouraging supportive relationships with family and friends is important for mental health.
4. Healthy Lifestyle:
   • Exercise and Nutrition: Regular physical activity and a healthy diet can improve mental well-being.
   • Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for mental health.
5. Stress Management:
   • Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices such as mindfulness and meditation can reduce stress and enhance mental health.
   • Time Management: Effective time management and setting realistic goals can alleviate stress.

Conclusion​

Mental health is a critical component of overall health and well-being. By understanding the importance of mental health, recognizing common disorders, and promoting effective strategies for mental well-being, individuals and communities can enhance their quality of life and reduce the burden of mental health issues. Efforts to improve mental health should focus on early intervention, access to care, support systems, healthy lifestyles, and stress management.