Psychological health is a vast topic that includes mental illness, stress, relationships and emotional well-being. It also encompasses different facets of one’s personality, lifestyle choices and ability to adapt to life changes. Various professionals exist to assist people with threats to psychological health, such as those resulting from work or family problems, emotional trauma, substance abuse and even genetic predisposition to mental illnesses.
According to the World Health Organization, emotional mental disorders are among the leading causes of disability around the globe. Untreated, they can lead to isolation, unemployment, poor work performance and social distancing. They are especially damaging to low and middle-income countries, which are less equipped financially to help their citizens with these conditions.
Those who are in good psychological health can focus their attention on tasks and goals, can solve problems, can tolerate distress, can regulate their emotions and maintain positive thoughts. Their sense of well-being is hedonic (pleasure, enjoyment) and eudaimonic (meaning, fulfillment). They experience healthy personal relationships that are caring, respectful and reciprocal, and they can control their anger, hostility, blame or excuse making.
Mental health professionals use a variety of treatment approaches to support individuals who are struggling. These include counseling and medication. Counseling, or psychotherapy, is an evidence-based approach that aims to change negative thought patterns and behaviors. This is typically done with the assistance of a trained therapist or counselor, although it can also be facilitated through a family member or a religious leader. Psychiatrists, psychologists and some primary care physicians practice this type of treatment.
Medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics and anxiolytics may be used to mitigate symptoms of mental illness. While these medications cannot cure mental disorders, they can improve a person’s quality of life by alleviating their discomfort and helping them resume daily activities.
The most important factor in achieving and maintaining good psychological health is consistency. Individuals who are able to stick with a treatment plan, whether it involves medication or psychotherapy, tend to find the most success. It’s also important to be aware of signs that indicate a need for intervention, such as suicidal ideations or depression that interferes with daily functioning.
A workplace with a strong commitment to the psychological safety of its employees can benefit from increased productivity, growth and innovation. This is accomplished through a variety of methods, such as employee wellness programs, training and education. It can also be achieved through creating a safe environment where workers are encouraged to discuss challenges and concerns. These programs often include a mixture of group and individual therapy, employee assistance services and health screenings. It is also helpful to provide an atmosphere where employees feel comfortable seeking support from management and coworkers. It’s also a good idea to establish a confidential hotline for those who need it. This will ensure that people who are in crisis get the help they need quickly and effectively. This is essential in preventing suicide, which is the number two cause of death for those ages 15-34 in the United States.