Psychological health is the ability to cope with life’s curveballs. This includes the ability to manage feelings of sadness, anxiety, depression and stress. It also involves the ability to maintain a positive outlook, bounce back from challenging events, and develop supportive relationships. Mental health can be impacted by a variety of factors such as genetics, physical wellness, personal development and the environment.
Many different types of therapy can be used to support psychological health and well-being, including talk therapies (e.g., psychotherapy and counseling), group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy. Talking therapies can help people work through the difficult emotions that come with life changes and find new ways of coping. Additionally, psychotherapy can offer an opportunity to hear someone else’s perspective and have a safe space to process emotions without judgement.
There are a number of conditions that can negatively impact psychological health, such as traumatic brain injury, substance abuse and eating disorders. These conditions can make it difficult to function, have healthy relationships and meet basic day-to-day needs. It is important to seek treatment for these conditions early in order to prevent them from worsening over time.
While there is still a long way to go, there has been much progress in improving the mental health of individuals worldwide. For example, in the US, deaths due to suicide have decreased by almost 50% since 1990, and death rates from heart disease, chronic lower respiratory diseases and cancer have all fallen significantly.
Psychological disorders can affect all areas of a person’s life. These may include the ability to get a job, maintain stable relationships, attend school, socialize and maintain good hygiene. With early and consistent treatment – often through a combination of psychotherapy and medication – it is possible to manage the symptoms of mental illnesses and live a happy and fulfilling life.
Regardless of your situation, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Just like it would be silly to “tough it out” and ignore a toothache, it’s equally as silly to avoid getting help when you need it.
The main approach to mental health is known as the biosocial model, which focuses on the interplay between biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to both illness and wellbeing. These factors are interrelated and interact in complex ways that can be hard to understand. For example, there is a strong link between how you think and how your body reacts physically. For instance, the loss of a loved one can lead to stomach ulcers or high blood pressure. These reactions can then contribute to the onset of additional problems, such as depression or anxiety. For this reason, it’s vital to consider all of these factors when assessing your psychological health.