Psychological health encompasses many areas of a person’s life, from their emotional well-being to their social relationships and cognitive abilities. It also affects physical health, including immune function and the ability to cope with illness and injury.
A plethora of psychological health professionals exist to support individuals in a variety of ways. Professionals in this field may help individuals with depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, a variety of mental disorders, developmental concerns, and more.
They can also help with coping skills, such as stress and anxiety control, recognizing and avoiding irrational thoughts and behavior, and using a wide variety of resources. They can also assist with preventing the development of these conditions by identifying and addressing unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking or alcohol use, early on.
Mental illnesses can be serious, and a person with these conditions can have a difficult time getting to work, keeping up with school, maintaining healthy relationships, taking care of themselves, and more. However, with early and consistent treatment–including medication and psychotherapy–these conditions can be managed and lead to a meaningful and productive life.
One of the most important aspects of good psychological health is flexibility. This refers to the ability to adapt to unexpected changes in one’s environment and to change one’s own thinking and ideas in response to new information and experiences. It’s an important component of mental wellness and is especially helpful for people who have chronic or recurrent mood disorders (27).
Another aspect of good psychological health is resilience. This means that a person is able to overcome and bounce back from obstacles, both in the short-term and over the course of a lifetime. This resilience is especially useful when a person suffers from an illness or injury, and allows them to maintain their daily activities and work toward recovery.
According to the World Health Organization, mental health is a state of being “free from serious emotional and behavioral problems.” The WHO defines this as having an ability to function normally in the face of challenges, and being able to respond effectively to trauma or illness.
There are many different factors that can influence a person’s psychological health, including their biology, environment, and access to and utilization of mental health services. Having a good mental health can help people live a better quality of life and reduce their risk of mental illnesses, disabilities, and suicide.
Several types of treatments can improve an individual’s psychological health, including medication, psychotherapy, and a variety of group therapies. These types of treatments can be offered in private offices, clinics, community health centers, and hospitals.
Medication is an effective and safe way to treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. Often, these medications are taken by mouth and can be combined with other modalities such as exercise, acupuncture, or meditation.
They are used to treat depression, anxiety, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and other psychiatric conditions. They can be prescribed by a doctor, and may include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and other medications.