Mental health is a very important component of a person’s overall well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined mental health as the state of mental well-being that enables a person to cope with stressful situations, realize their abilities, work well, learn well, and contribute to the community.
A person’s mental health is just as important as physical health. This is crucial at every point of life, from childhood, adolescence, and up to late adulthood. Any problems with mental health can affect a person’s mood, behavior, and way of thinking.
Based on the data and statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), developing a mental illness is among the most common medical conditions. About 50% of the population will be diagnosed of having a mental disorder or mental illness at some point in their lives. About 1 out of 5 Americans will experience certain medical illnesses in a given year.
Knowing the early warning signs or developing symptoms of mental illnesses is important. While symptoms may vary depending on the specific condition that you have, the American Psychiatric Association has identified the following general signs and symptoms:
Having one or two of the symptoms listed above is not conclusive of having a mental illness but may indicate the need for further evaluation. Experiencing these symptoms would usually warrant a consultation with a healthcare professional. Undergoing a thorough assessment and being monitored closely is important in preventing the progression of a mental illness.
Most mental disorders do not get resolved unless they are treated accordingly. Further, untreated mental illness can get worse over time and may pose other serious health problems. Thus, any mental disorder should be managed right away.
Here are some treatment options:
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/warning-signs-of-mental-illness
https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health
https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response
https://familydoctor.org/different-types-mental-health-treatment/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374974