Mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being. It affects how people perceive themselves, interact with others, and make decisions. Depression, stress, and other factors can negatively affect mental health. However, there are also a number of strategies that are available to help improve the way people cope with these challenges.
Although mental health is often discussed as an individual’s ability to enjoy life, there is a much wider meaning of the term. For instance, the ability to work, function, and be productive in a community is a key component of overall well-being. Similarly, the social and emotional connections that individuals develop, along with the belief that they can contribute positively to society, are also critical aspects of overall wellness.
According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Office, about 10 percent of children and adolescents have a serious emotional disorder. This includes conditions such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar affective disorder. Fortunately, the majority of people with mental illnesses are healthy, and can live normal, full lives. But for many, their lives are impacted by their condition. Luckily, recovery is possible, and if you feel like you are suffering from a mental health condition, getting treatment is the best thing you can do.
Many mental health conditions have been linked to adverse childhood experiences. Specifically, parental separation, loss of a parent, and child abuse are all known to increase the risk of developing psychotic disorders. Some of these factors can even trigger episodes of bipolar affective disorder. Getting treatment early can prevent further harm and can accelerate your recovery.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the proportion of funding spent on mental health services be at least equal to the proportion of spending spent on physical health. Countries should also ensure that mental health services are provided in a more integrated manner with other aspects of health care.
In the United States, nearly 5 million adults suffer from at least one mental health condition. In California, for instance, more than half of those who suffer from a mental illness do not receive treatment.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, most mental illnesses are not caused by an individual’s actions. Instead, they are caused by a combination of external and internal factors. And just as with other medical illnesses, the cause of mental illness is not necessarily known. Symptoms can often be treated with medicine, talk therapy, or other treatments.
There are a wide variety of social, cultural, and environmental factors that contribute to the development of a mental illness. These include negative parenting or family history, exposure to stressors, and the presence of a specific gene. People who have a low socioeconomic status tend to have the highest incidence of mental health problems.
Despite the importance of promoting and protecting people’s mental health, there is still a lot of stigma associated with the subject. Stigma is based on stereotypes, and it can affect a person’s willingness to seek treatment. Thankfully, there is a strong commitment to promote human rights for those with mental illness.