Mental health is an important part of overall well-being and influences cognition, perception, and behavior. It also determines how a person handles stress, relationships, and decision-making. A person’s mental health can be affected by trauma, substance abuse, and genetic predisposition. It is important to recognize and seek treatment for mental disorders as they can affect a person’s ability to function, work productively, and contribute to their community.
Despite the prevalence of mental disorders, there is a lack of adequate resources to provide care and support. This gap, along with stigma and social exclusion, has led to poorer outcomes for people with mental illness. People with mental illnesses have an increased risk of incarceration, homelessness, poverty, and early death. In addition, they are often excluded from workplaces and communities due to prejudice.
Research shows that a person’s mental health is linked to their level of social support, self-esteem, and personal resilience. Having good mental health helps us to deal with difficulties in life and maintain a positive self-image. This is especially important during critical times, such as during a covid outbreak or in the aftermath of suicide.
The World Health Organization defines mental health as a state of well-being in which the individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, works productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to society. It is also a process of developing and maintaining a healthy relationship with oneself, which is essential to emotional stability. Mental disorders, including psychoactive substance-related disorders and major depression, are highly prevalent throughout the world and contribute significantly to morbidity, disability, and premature mortality. In many countries, a substantial proportion of the population requires psychiatric mental care but is not receiving it.
There are a number of ways to treat mental health problems, including therapy and medications. Therapy can help a person understand and change their unhealthy thought patterns, such as the ones that lead to suicidal thoughts. It is performed by psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and some primary care physicians. Medications, such as antidepressants and anxiolytics, can reduce symptoms and help people resume their daily routine.
It is important to avoid derogatory language when writing about mental health. Words like “psycho,” “crazy,” and “junkie” are inappropriate, and may erode the public’s respect for those with mental illnesses. Instead, use person-first language to avoid defining someone by their disease and to minimize stigmatization. It is also important to avoid equating mental illness with bad character.