The Importance of Mental Health

While most people are worried about their physical health — especially during the age of the COVID-19 pandemic — it’s not the only type of health you should be focused on. People everywhere are struggling to maintain their mental health, though it’s just as important.

In fact, more than 50% of all people will be diagnosed with a mental illness at least once in their life. Nearly 20% of Americans experience mental health related symptoms in any given year and 1 in 25 Americans suffer from some type of serious mental illness. It’s as common as anything.

If you’re struggling with mental health, there are people out there ready to help. You can always count on the help of therapists and psychologists in your area, thanks to our great friends over at BetterHelp. You can also call the SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

So, why is mental health so important?

Mental health is responsible for our social, emotional, and psychological well-being. It affects and impacts the way we think, feel, act, and behave. In a way, your mental health is what makes you who you are, what makes you unique, and what separates you from everyone else.

When your mental health is poor, it negatively affects the way you adapt to stress, the way you relate to others. In many situations, mental health and physical health are intertwined. Poor mental health can have a negative impact on your mental health, just like poor physical health can negatively impact your mental health. That’s why it’s important to always be aware of both of them.

Different Types of Mental Disorders & Illnesses

Much like there are a wide range of things that can physically go wrong with your body, there are a wide range of different mental illnesses and disorders that an individual can live with. Knowing what these are can help you find the help you need when things start going wrong.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common mental illnesses and disorders in the modern world today:

1. Anxiety Disorders – people with an anxiety disorder often have responses that aren’t appropriate for that specific situation. They show signs of panic, anxiety, sweating, and rapid heartbeat in these situations (panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, etc.). 
2. Mood Disorders – also known as affective disorders, a mood disorder involves feelings of extreme happiness or persistent sadness that impacts your ability to live a normal and healthy life (depression, bipolar disorder, etc.).
3. Psychotic Disorders – a psychotic disorder is characterized by distorted awareness or thinking, usually in the form of hallucinations or delusions. Schizophrenia is the most common type of psychotic disorder.
4. Eating Disorders – any extreme emotion, feeling, behavior, or attitude that involves weight or food is known as an eating disorder. Anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder are some of the most common types. 
5. Addiction Disorders – also known as impulse control disorders, an addiction disorder is characterized by an inability to resist urges that are harmful to you or others. Some common examples of this include alcohol, drug, and sex addictions.
6. Personality Disorders – someone with a personality disorder has traits and behaviors that differ from societal expectations. This can include patterns of thinking and behavior that cause them to struggle with everyday life.
7. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder – also known as OCD, individuals with this mental disorder are plagued by constant thoughts and fears that lead to a variety of different routines throughout the day. They have no control over these routines. 
8. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – also known as PTSD, individuals with this mental disorder have frightening thoughts and memories of a traumatic event, such as the loss of a loved one, assault, or harassment. 

Living with any of the above disorders and illnesses can have a negative impact on your ability to live a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life. If you believe you or someone you know is living with a mental illness, you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out for help — it could save that person’s life!

Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out For

When living with a mental illness, time is of the essence. The moment you start to experience signs or symptoms, it’s important you reach out to a mental health professional for a mental evaluation. Sometimes it could be something minor, but other times it’s something serious.

Here’s a look at some of the most common and prominent symptoms to pay attention to when living with poor mental health:

• Excessive or persistent feelings of sadness
• Extreme mood changes, from high mood to low moods
• Excessive fatigue, difficulty sleeping, or low energy
• Difficulty dealing with stress, problems, or issues
• Changes in eating habits, sex drive, or social interactions
• Confused thinking, difficulty concentrating, or inability to relate to people
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Thoughts of suicide
• Anger, acts of violence, or hostility
• Paranoid thinking, hallucinations, or delusions
• Excessive fears, worries, or guilt

The sooner you reach out for help, the sooner you’ll be able to find a treatment plan that works for you. Since poor mental health only gets worse as time passes, you don’t want to waste any time when getting better. There is help available, you just have to want it and actively seek it.

Can Mental Health Disorders Be Treated?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder, there are plenty of treatment options available. The type of treatment you receive will directly depend on the type of mental illness you’re living with, which is why seeking mental health advice is essential.

Some people might be directed to take medication, while others might be directed to take a form of therapy. In fact, some people will need a combination of both. If you think you need expert help when living with poor mental health or a mental illness, you should reach out for help immediately. For more information, click here: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/which-therapy-for-borderline-personality-disorder-is-best/.

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