Made of flesh and blood, we often seem to overlook the so-called subtle matter of life. Perhaps because mental health is not as concrete as physical, we fail to take it seriously.
Until…
As a collective concept, mental health comprises our psychological, social, and emotional well-being. In other words, our behavior, mood, feelings, and thoughts are part of what is called mental balance.
From childhood to when we’re young at heart, mental health is the key to handling stress and making the right choices and well-thought decisions. Besides, our bodies (the physical) can’t function properly without a healthy and balanced mind (the mental). The good news is that not all people experience mental health disorders over the course of life. The bad news – the reps of the World Health Organization are sure that every person will have a difficult experience with mental health at this or that point.
While some mental health issues are like strong undertows with causes that are hard to dig down to, many known mental balance problems have quite clear roots:
- Familial risks.
- Past experiences (abuse, trauma, etc.).
- Biological factors (brain chemistry, genes).
Mental health issues are as real as physical diseases and sometimes are a more frightening phenomenon than physical disorders. However, when equipped with information, we’re better prepared to stay mentally fit. To know both the physical and mental as ABC is the key to the perception of the human soul and its vulnerability.
Without much ado, meet our quick ABC mental health guide for a better understanding of the topic under study.
ABC Mental Health Manual for Non-Professionals
Anxiety Disorders
We’ll start our ABC mental health guide from anxiety. A chronic fear and feeling of anxiety that seems to have no obvious causes and grows without proper treatment. Physical symptoms like dizziness, sweating, and heart rhythm disturbances tend to accompany the anxiety.
Bipolar Disorder
This manic-depressive illness is known for dramatic mood swings ranging from excessive depression to extreme happiness. Episodes with signs of bipolar disorder (hours, weeks, months) alternate with phases of absolute freedom from any sort of symptoms.
Catatonic
A disorder that is characterized by a lack of connection between a mental function and reaction to the surroundings. The symptoms may include inappropriate posturing, stupor, excitement without any particular reason, or negativism that lasts for long periods.
Diagnosable Mental Conditions
Even those mental disorders that haven’t received an official diagnosis yet are referred to either as “diagnosable” or “brain” disorders.
Eating Disorder
A serious mental condition characterized by excessive overeating or life-threatening food restriction. As a rule, people suffering from eating disorders are extremely concerned about body weight, shape, and general look. The most common issues include anorexia and bulimia nervosa, pica, night eating syndrome, rumination disorder, and avoidant food intake. Without professional treatment and recovery, these conditions can lead to severe physical consequences, such as muscle weakness, kidney failure, amenorrhea, poor immune system function, and even death.
Females…
…are 40% more likely to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorders than males. At the same time, men are more prone to substance use disorder. In general, more females (13.5%) than males (12.5%) suffer from mental health conditions.
Gadgetized Instagram Life Is No Good
On the one hand, we’re living in a connected world. We post our lives online and spend hours scrolling tons of images from the lives of others (sometimes complete strangers!). On the other hand, social isolation persists like never before.
In contrast to the promises made by social platforms’ developers a long time ago, social platforms actually intensify the feeling of loneliness. Instead of connecting with new friends, online users lack social interaction. This, in turn, increases the risk of mental health problems.
Half of…
…all mental health disorders during a human’s lifetime start by the age of 14 while 75% of mental diseases begin by the age of 24.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
By means of informal interchange of tête-à-tête conversations, Interpersonal Psychotherapy is focused on the current relationships and life of a person, and how s/he interacts with the reps of work and social environments. As a result, the expert identifies and helps to solve problems and develop one’s strengths.
Junk Food Is a Taboo
Based on multiple researches, the food we consume affects both our physical and mental health. Meals rich in minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins that together make a nutritious and well-balanced diet are highly recommended for people suffering from mental disorders.
Kisses Help
When it comes to keeping the levels of stress under control, kisses are some of the best tools for stress management.
LGBTQ+ Community
…members are 3 times more likely to suffer from mental health conditions like generalized anxiety disorder or major depression.
Most Transgender People…
…are 12 times more likely to commit suicide compared to the rest of the population.
Neither Healthy nor Ill
We’re always somewhere in-between. Mental health episodes range from optimal well-being to a state of great pain and emotional suffering. Thus, neither the presence nor absence of mental health disorder can define mental health. The latter falls on a continuum with mental disorder on the one end and mental well-being on the other.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
A condition in which a person displays hostile and defiant behavior toward authority. Usually diagnosed in early childhood years.
PTSD
Known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, this mental health issue occurs when a person faces unexpected and usually shocking events. The experience is usually so severe that the existing coping mechanisms aren’t enough to combat feelings of helplessness, despair, and fear.
Quality of Sleep Matters
There’s a strong connection between mental health balance and sleep. Poor sleep habits directly affect mental health while suffering from any of the existing disorders may impact how well you sleep.
Rest Is Getting Rare
All over the globe, people tend to work more. 33% of employees report regularly working on weekends or holidays. As a result, they stay busy on weekends and holidays as well (33% of employees report to work on days off). This, in turn, leads to extreme fatigue and exhaustion. Ultimately, the diagnosis of mental illness will come to light.
Schizophrenia
…first appears in males during late adolescence years or in their early 20s. When it comes to ladies, the mental disease is usually first diagnosed when they’re in their 20s or early 30s.
The Chronic Fear of Environmental Change
…is real!
The so-called eco-anxiety is especially common among young people. A huge part of the world’s population is particularly concerned by climate cataclysms. They feel helpless and despaired when faced with the irremediable destruction of the planet, and questions like “What is waiting for us in the future?” are matters of serious concern for them.
Use of Substances
SUD or a substance use disorder is a mental health issue that affects both a person’s behavior and brain. As a result, individuals can’t control their use of substances (alcohol, drugs, medications, etc.) both legal and illegal.
Violence
A physical, emotional, and/or sexual abuse towards a person with the main goal – to control or to have power over one person or a couple of people.
Wellbeing
A state of feeling happy and being healthy and comfortable both alone or surrounded by other people. Feeling and knowing that you can cope with stress and achieve your goals.
Young Onset Dementia
A pretty rare mental health disorder. People usually begin to have its symptoms when they are under the age of 65.
Based on our ABC of mental health guide, mental health issues challenge everyone differently. When mental health is neglected, behavioral conditions are increasing worldwide regardless of gender and age. However, recognizing the first signals of disorders, using ABC app mental health, getting help, or offering support to someone in need is crucial to change the above-mentioned facts and stats for the better.
