What is Mental Health?

The concept of mental health is multifaceted and deals with our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It is a state of mind that affects how we think, act, and feel. It is also an indicator of how well we can handle stress, relate to others, and our ability to make healthy choices in our everyday lives. According to synergy mental wellness, being in a good state of mental health is essential to living a productive and happy lifestyle.

However, mental health can take a turn for the worse which is caused by various underlying factors in a person’s life. These issues range from simple to complex depending on the individual’s particular circumstances. In which case, if you or someone you know is affected by deteriorating mental health, it is highly advisable to seek help and guidance from a professional health expert, counselor, or therapist that specializes in mental and behavioral health. 

Mental Health Disorders and Negative Effects

Developing a mental health condition is often the result of multiple factors, including genetics, social environment, and lifestyle choices. A very stressful job, for example, can make people more susceptible to a mental health disorder as do traumatic life events. At the neuroscience level, biochemical processes and neural pathways in the brain also play a significant role in someone’s mental state. 

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, the most common mental health disorders are but are not limited to: 

• Anxiety Disorders
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar Disorder
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Depression
• Dissociative Disorders
• Eating Disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
• Psychosis
• Schizoaffective Disorder
• Schizophrenia

A deteriorating state of mental health ought to be taken seriously and followed up with proper medical treatment. A mental health disorder can make a person feel miserable and can cause problems in various areas of their daily lives such as in school, at work, and in relationships. In most cases, the good news is that negative mental health symptoms can be managed with a combination of medications and psychotherapy.

Mental Health Evaluations

To determine a diagnosis most mental health professionals conduct:

Physical Exams: A doctor will try to exclude physical problems that could cause symptoms.

Lab tests: Tests may include testing thyroid function and screening for alcohol and drugs.

Psychological evaluations:  A doctor or mental health professional talks to the patient about the symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns they are experiencing.

Mental Health Treatments

There are many essential ways to improve a person’s state of mind such as medication prescribed by a medical professional, counseling, therapy, and social support. Therapy, for example, can take several forms, from learning how to put your mind at ease to reworking your thinking and behavioral patterns. Encouragement and social support from family and friends are also a major help in making a big difference. 

When to Consult with a Medical Professional

If you or someone you know is displaying signs or symptoms of an underlying mental health disorder, it is highly recommended to see a doctor right away. Mental illnesses and disorders usually don’t improve on their own, and if left untreated, a person’s mental state can worsen over time and that could be more difficult to correct.

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