Mental health is a condition that involves the ability to function normally and cope with daily life. It includes emotional well-being, good behavioral adjustment and a capacity to establish constructive relationships. It also includes the ability to cope with stress and avoid disabling symptoms.
There are a wide range of conditions that can affect people’s mental health, including depression, anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder. These conditions can cause a person to lose interest in activities they once enjoyed and have trouble sleeping or concentrating. They can be hard to diagnose and treat, but there are ways to get help.
Some people with mental health challenges feel ashamed or embarrassed about their condition. They may be called “crazy” or “mental,” or referred to as “emo.” These labels can lead people to hide their feelings and not get the help they need. But that doesn’t have to be the case.
People with mental health challenges are often very resilient and find a way to live a normal life. They are just different in the way they think and behave, so you might not know them well at first.
It is common to have friends or family members who struggle with mental health issues. You might not realize that they are struggling, but it’s important to be supportive. If you’re worried about someone, contact a friend or family member or go to a doctor.
Many mental health problems are triggered by a mixture of genetics, environmental factors and other things that happen in your life. For example, abuse, neglect or trauma during childhood can increase the risk of some mental illnesses. Drug and alcohol use can also increase the risk of developing a mental illness.
Psychological stress, such as being bullied or experiencing a traumatic event, can cause a condition called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This condition can lead to flashbacks, nightmares and panic attacks. It can also lead to a lowered sense of self-worth and other negative effects on your physical health.
In the past, there was a strong push to define mental illness based on a biological basis. This approach was supported by the medical model that said that a mental illness was caused by an imbalance between brain chemistry, as opposed to a psychological or social problem.
The neurobiological model has since become the dominant view in the field of mental health. It is believed to explain why some people develop mental illnesses, while others do not. However, this is not a complete explanation and there are other, more complex factors that can contribute to a mental illness.
Socioeconomic factors can also play a role in causing a mental illness. For example, poverty, living in a large city and being part of a marginalized or persecuted ethnic group are all known to increase the risk of some mental health disorders.
In addition to biological and socioeconomic factors, mental health can also be affected by other factors such as environment, social connections, spirituality, and beliefs. It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to mental health, and it is essential to seek treatment for all.