Psychological health is a state of emotional and psychological well-being that influences cognition, perception, and behavior. It also determines how an individual handles stress, interpersonal relationships and decision-making. Affordable, effective and feasible strategies exist to promote, protect and restore mental health. Mental illness is a serious public health problem that affects more than 450 million people around the world.
A person’s mental health is influenced by many factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, lifestyle, and environment. In addition, psychological trauma can lead to the development of mental disorders such as anxiety, mood and coping issues. It is important to recognize when you are experiencing mental problems and seek help from a licensed therapist. Talk therapy can teach healthier ways to interact with others and coping mechanisms to use during difficult times.
Some discussions of mental health focus on a positive concept of happiness or contentment. Moreover, many therapeutic systems and self-help books offer methods and philosophies aimed at furthering mental wellness.
The ability to identify and express one’s own emotions is viewed as an essential component of psychological health. Emotional regulation is defined as the capacity to choose a modulated response to one’s own feelings, and a lack of emotion recognition and expression has been linked with depression.
Another dimension of mental health involves the ability to adapt to change. This includes a person’s ability to revise course in the face of unanticipated difficulties or obstacles, and adjust their own ideas in light of new evidence. The inability to cope with life changes may contribute to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
People with healthy mental functioning are able to develop and maintain relationships with others, cope with loss and other life events, and find meaning in their lives. In contrast, people who are ill with mental illnesses struggle to maintain these functions and often find themselves isolated or socially disconnected. It is crucial to address the stigma attached to mental illness and make an effort to support those who are struggling, even when it’s uncomfortable or challenging.
Inherent risk factors for mental illness include a family history of mental illness, exposure to violence and abuse during childhood and adolescence, and environmental stresses. People with a chronic disease or who are under great stress may also experience a rise in the symptoms of mental illness, such as anxiety, depression and PTSD.
A variety of medications are available to treat mental health disorders. While not a cure, these drugs can help relieve symptoms and improve a patient’s overall quality of life. In addition, psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” can help patients work through the underlying causes of their disorders. This type of treatment can teach healthy coping skills and provide a safe place for individuals to explore their thoughts and emotions.