Many people consider mental health less important than physical health. Mental problems aren’t discussed openly and so individuals have to deal with them alone.
When not taken into consideration, a mental health issue might lead to a serious condition that prevents a person from living their day to day life. Stress is a key factor in all this and it’s the main theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week.
There’s a lot to say about the mental health industry, how people treat loved ones with symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression, and what the world considers important in terms of mental health.
Here are 5 key things to know about mental health:
Mental health starts in childhood.
Most often, mental health problems begin in childhood. In fact, 75% of mental illnesses start before the age of 18.
What does this mean?
If you’re a parent, you should monitor your child’s behavior and address any change. Talking openly about issues is key and is actually a skill the young adult develops that can be a useful trait for the rest of their life.
If you yourself are struggling with problems related to your emotional health, you should never overlook that. What seems like a minor form of depression today can escalate quickly and turn into a disorder that affects your performance at work or can ruin your relationships.
If you aren’t going to seek the help of a specialist, such as a therapist, then you should take the time to go back to your childhood.
Look for signs that show the root of your problems with anxiety or depression.
Any outer factor such as abandonment issues, lack of support, a family that never talks openly about problems, or else, could be the reason why you can’t form healthy relationships today.
Once you know the cause, it will be easier for you to find a solution and a way out of the mental trap.
Learn more about mental health.
Look for early signs of mental health disorders. That could be a change in your sleeping or eating habits, social isolation or nervousness for no reason.
Once you’re aware of the change, look for its cause.
Knowing the problem is a step towards recovery.
Of course, a mental health condition can be a result of bad habits such as substance abuse, relationship issues, working too much, or else. In this case, stopping the negative behavior is a must in order to find peace of mind and go back to normal.
Treatment comes in different forms.
Did you know that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. and more than 90% of children who die by suicide have a mental health condition?
The numbers are scary and one of the reasons why Mental Health Awareness Week exists is to open people’s eyes for the importance of this subject.
The things to know about mental health are many and it’s worth keeping in mind these facts and numbers.
You might be neglecting your own mental health issues or those of a loved one. But it’s easy to lose control over your thoughts and actions and begin falling into the trap of depression.
Once the worry thoughts take over, you will stop living life in the present moment. You won’t experience it fully due to fear and constant nervousness.
When that becomes a weekly or even daily occurrence, stress too will be part of your life and its side effects aren’t pretty.
Seeking treatment is necessary even in an early state. Unfortunately, 75% of young people aren’t receiving any treatment.
What can you try? Here are some ideas:
Finding Support
Often, those struggling with mental health issues just need understanding, compassion and love. Talking to a partner, relative or friend can be enough, assuming the other person will listen without judging and will offer help and support in return.
Additionally, you can seek a mental health support group in your area or online. Being around others in similar conditions is comforting.
Self-Help
You have what it takes to be free from your mental health problem. However, it takes some self-awareness, honest conversations, a new lifestyle and a lot of willpower.
Start journaling your thoughts daily to see them from another perspective. Meditate in the morning and evening to let go of the negative emotions and embrace mindfulness.
Do things you enjoy in your free time. Leave the past behind and focus on the present moment.
Psychotherapy
Seeing a specialist will allow you to find a solution to your mental health problems. With a therapist, you can try Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, for instance.
Medication
For more severe symptoms and after the permission of a mental health professional, you can use medication.
There are more things to know about mental health, of course, but this article is a good start. Let Mental Health Awareness Week be more than just an event happening once a year.
What are your thoughts about mental health issues? Do you have a person in your life struggling with that and what can you do about it?
