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Blog_Categories , Mental Disorder

Mental health matters: Essential insights and mental awareness strategies

By Dr. Shubham October 26, 2024

Do you understand the reason behind the trending topic of mental health today? This is because our mental state is just as important as our physical well-being. Yet, it is often overlooked, causing many to suffer in silence.

In “Mental Health Matters: Essential Insights and Mental Awareness Strategies,”

adult and pediatric specialists also dive into the goal of the ultimate balance between body and mind.

This post covers the basics, from identifying simple mental health challenges like anxiety and depression to the effects of positive thinking.

We will also examine measures that help promote mental health, for example, doing simple activities like being mindful and the importance of community.

Understanding Mental Health: Awareness and Support


In today’s fast-paced world, preserving mental health has become very important. Yet, mental awareness is an area that is often overlooked. This post aims to shed light on mental health, address common mental problems, and guide those seeking help.

What is mental health?


Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social goodness. It affects the way we think, feel, and act and our ability to handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Good mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness; it is about being successful in all areas of life.

Person meditating in nature, emphasizing mental health and mindfulness.


Common Mental Problems

Many individuals face mental problems that can significantly affect their daily lives. Some common mental health disorders include:

Anxiety disorders:

Characterized by persistent worry and fear, anxiety disorders can disrupt daily activities. Symptoms may include a rapid heart rate, excessive sweating, and a sense of impending doom.

Depression:

A mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. It can lead to a variety of physical and emotional problems and reduce a person’s ability to function.

Bipolar disorder:

It involves experiencing mood swings between periods of deep depression and periods of high excitement characterized by mania. Such changes can impair or enhance energy, behavior, and performance of daily activities.

Schizophrenia:

A serious disorder that affects the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often causing delusions, hallucinations, and severe disruptions in thinking and behavior that impair daily functioning.

 

Important of Mental Awarness


Mental awareness involves recognizing the signs of mental health problems, understanding their impact, and getting appropriate help. It is important for reducing stigma, promoting health, and encouraging people to seek help without fear of judgment. Mental awareness can lead to early intervention, which is essential for effective treatment and support.

Strategies for Mental Health


Talk about it:

 Share your feelings with your friends, family, or a mental health professional. Open conversations can provide relief and insight.

Healthy lifestyle:

 Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep play an important role in maintaining mental health. Physical health directly affects emotional health.

Mindfulness practices:

 Engage in activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to reduce stress. These practices help you stay in the present and manage your thoughts and feelings.

Seek professional help:

 Don’t hesitate to contact a therapist or counselor for assistance. Professional guidance can provide personalized strategies and interventions.

Close-up of a person smiling, symbolizing mental wellness and positivity.


Supporting Those with Mental Issues


In situations when someone struggles with mental health-related issues, help is always appreciated and can lead to better outcomes.


Here are some options:

Listen without exception: Sometimes listening to someone is the best gift anyone can give. This means not getting upset and avoiding being asked for advice or not being asked for it.

Encourage other options: Encourage them to go to agencies and do what they do best. In other cases, a little push can make a big difference.

Keep in touch: They will appreciate and respond to your regular calls as it will reduce their sense of numbness and isolation. Yet it also helps in that it keeps them feeling that they are not alone.
 

Conclusion


Mental health is too important to engage in any meaningful work. Promoting mental health awareness and providing support to sufferers can contribute to building a more empathetic and understanding society. Don’t forget that seeking help and taking care of mental health comes first.

Here are some FAQ on Mental Health Awareness


Q:  Difference between mental health and mental illness?

Answer: Mental health refers to emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental illness, on the other hand, refers to a wide range of mental health conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior.

Q: How can I tell if someone I know has mental health problems?Answer: The signs can vary, but common indicators include withdrawing from social activities, extreme mood swings, excessive worry or fear, and significant changes in eating or sleeping habits.

Q: What should I do if I think I have a mental health problem?Answer: If you think you have a mental health problem, it’s important to get help. Start by talking to a trusted friend or family member and consider seeing a mental health professional.

Q: Can mental health conditions be treated?

Answer: Yes, many mental health conditions can be treated effectively with therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these treatments.

Question: How can I help a friend or family member with mental health problems?

Answer: Listening without judgment, encouraging them to seek professional help, and being a consistent source of support are the main ways to help.

Question: Are there any lifestyle changes that can help improve mental health?

Answer: Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, mindfulness practices, and social connections can all contribute to better mental health.

Question: What is the role of therapy in treating mental health problems?

Answer: Therapy provides a safe place to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It can provide strategies and tools to deal with mental health challenges and improve overall well-being.

Question: Can mental health problems affect physical health?

Answer: Yes, mental health problems can affect physical health, leading to conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and a weakened immune system.

Question: How does stress affect mental health?

Answer: Chronic stress can exacerbate mental health problems such as anxiety and depression and affect physical health. It is important to manage stress through relaxation techniques, physical activity, and healthy habits.

Question: What resources are available for mental health support?

Answer: A variety of resources, including therapists, hotlines, support groups, and online communities, can provide support and guidance.

Teen and parent having an open conversation
Blog_Categories , Mental Disorder

How to Boost Mental Health in Teens: Practical Advice for Parents and Teens

By Dr. Shubham October 23, 2024

Introduction

Adolescence can be a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences, making mental health an important topic for both teens and their parents. With rising statistics of anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems in young people, it is vital to address these challenges head-on. This blog aims to give parents and teens practical advice to promote better mental health.

1. Understanding teen Mental Health

Mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression are becoming more common among teens. Factors such as academic pressure, social media, and family dynamics can significantly impact their mental health. Understanding these challenges is the first step to providing support.

2. Promote open communication


Creating an environment where teens feel comfortable discussing their feelings is important. Here are some practical tips:

Listen actively:

When teens share their thoughts, listen without interrupting.  Appreciate their feelings to assure them that they matter to you.

Regular Check-Ins:

Find time to talk be it during dinner time or even on the journey in the car. This enables one to create trust over time.

Ask open-ended questions:

Instead of answering questions with yes or no, encourage deeper conversation with questions like “How was your day?”

3. Establish a healthy daily routine

Teen practicing yoga at home
Incorporating physical activity, like yoga, into daily routines can significantly enhance a teen's mental well-being.

Engaging in healthy practices can deeply impact a teen’s mental state. Here are some relevant examples:

Rest:

Get a good 8-10 hours of sleep every night. Develop a calming activity before bedtime and avoid exposure to screens before bedtime.

Diet:

Promote three daily meals rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole foods. It can also be a fun activity that promotes bonding – cooking together.

Physical activity:

Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days. This could be a sport, a dance class, or simply walking the dog. 

4. Exploring hobbies and interests


Hobbies can become an important and gratifying respite that can help rebuild one’s self-esteem. That’s why it’s important to motivate teens to:

 

Try new things:

Recommend participating in different sports, performing arts, or joining clubs to find out what they like.

 

Aim for something:

Help them set level-based goals in areas of interest for a sense of accomplishment.

5. Adopt mindfulness and control over conflict resolution


Teenagers are also prone to stress and anxiety but focus on reducing it by incorporating mindfulness techniques into their lives. Below are some easy ways to do it:

Meditation:

 Starting with even five minutes a day is a great idea. There are apps like Headspace or Calm that dedicate initial sessions to this step-by-step.

Journaling:

 Encourage them to express their feelings or even write about their day. This can be the best way to express emotions.

Deep breathing:

 Teach some breathing exercises that can be useful when a person is stressed. For example: inhale four times, hold four times, and then exhale four times.

6. Managing Screen Time and Social Media Use

Family engaging in a screen-free activity

Considering that teens nowadays are very exposed to social media, the fact that it works both ways with a person’s mental state should be understood. Such management is as follows:

Limits on social media use: Set healthy limits on screen and television use, talk about them, and make them clear. Request some time away from the screen, especially at mealtime and bedtime.

Provide a list of appropriate accounts to follow: Advise teens to only follow pages that are full of love and positivity and unfollow pages that bring comparison or stress.

7. Recognizing when to seek professional help


Knowing when teens may need professional help is important for their mental health. Here are some key indicators and tips to consider on this topic:

 

Emotional changes:

Look for significant mood swings, prolonged sadness, or feelings of hopelessness that last longer than two weeks.

 

Behavioral changes:

Notice if your teen pulls away from friends, loses interest in activities he or she previously enjoyed, or shows changes in eating or sleeping patterns.

 

Openly discussing help:

If you think your teen is struggling, gently bring up the idea of ​​seeking help. Use language that emphasizes support, such as, “It’s okay to talk to someone who can help you overcome these feelings.” Normalize therapy by sharing examples of its benefits.

Encourage them to see therapy not as a last resort but as a proactive step to maintaining their mental health, just like going to the doctor for physical health concerns.

8. Create a supportive environment

Teen speaking with a therapist

A nurturing and understanding environment can significantly impact a teen’s mental well-being. Here’s how to create this environment:

Encourage expression: Create spaces where teens can express themselves openly, whether it’s through art, writing, or open discussion. Tell them that their thoughts and feelings are valued.

Practice empathy: Set an example of empathy by actively listening and validating their experiences. Demonstrate that it’s okay to be vulnerable by sharing your feelings and challenges.

Promote inclusivity: Make sure your home is a safe space for diverse ideas and lifestyles. Encourage friendships that celebrate individuality and promote inclusivity.

By building a foundation of trust and acceptance, you empower teens to seek help when they need it and express their feelings openly.

Conclusion


The improvement of mental health in adolescents is a process that continues over time and calls for attention, communication, and support. By promoting conversations, members of the family can be encouraged to adopt healthy habits, and all these can be done in an atmosphere that accepts and promotes mental health. Providing such help is worth it, don’t hesitate to ask for it, and don’t forget to come for each other as well.

Resources

Websites: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), MentalHealth.gov

Hotlines: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Books: “The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook” by Edmund J. Bourne, “The Mindful Teen” by Dzung X. Vo

Mental Disorder

Breaking the Silence: How Mental Disorders Are Shaping the Future of Global Health

By Dr. Shubham October 14, 2024


Introduction: The Hidden Crises


Concerns over mental health and illness are no longer a marginal issue; they have developed into one of the most significant aspects of health in the 21st century. In this context, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and many other mental illnesses create a vast sphere and a growing one at that. As these phenomena invade different societies, it is necessary to understand their implications for the future of the healthcare systems, economies, and people at large.Previously mental health was often viewed as the less prime issue, hidden beneath layers of acceptance. But such notions are fast changing, rather they are not changing because they have already changed. From provision for increasing awareness campaigns to mental health advocacy movements, the noise is too loud: there is a problem that goes beyond the individual and afflicts society


I. Mental Health Crisis Across the World

An increasing number of people across the globe are diagnosed with internal health issues, and more are willing to expose similar problems and seek help. ” As stated by the World Health Organization( WHO), one in every four existent suffers from the internal or neurological complaint in their continuance”.  In 2020 it was estimated that nearly one in every eight persons in the world suffered from an internal complaint.

The progressive pattern is explained by several causes.

  • Pandemics and Crisis Events:

     The afflictions and extremity events Alone, the COVID-19 extremity made millions of people feel insulated, stressed, and anxious. Likewise, the social, profitable, and health paroxysms brought about by the epidemic have endured, more so concerning internal health.

  • Case Study – Maria’s Story:

      The Case of Maria, can help give maximum perceptivity “ Maria, a 34- time-old schoolteacher from Spain, developed anxiety and depression when the epidemic megahit. ” In her words, there’s the check of the seminaries I suppose to thrash my whole actuality and charge. I was impelled to do online classes, which was indeed more frustrating because of the physical blankness, she narrates sorely. Maria’s dilemma is a common bone. A lot of people around the globe have the same harrowing emotional and cerebral gests. The times of epidemic brought again worse troubles and burdens, especially concerning internal health, which formerly was among people anyhow of their capacities, periods, or other distinctions.

  • Economic Stress:

     Profitable stress Recessions, increased severance situations, and fear of losing one’s job are other threat factors that have been associated with the rise in internal diseases.

  • Social Media:

     The issues of social media rise and its impact on the internal health of particularly the immature generation is getting more intimidating. Comparing oneself to others, being a victim of cyberbullying and the overall society can negatively affect internal health.
 

The following are a few disorders that are most likely to create an impact on mental health care shortly.

Anxiety Disorders:

 An estimated 300 million people all over the world suffer from anxiety disorders, which is the most common form of mental disorder.

Depression:

 More than 260 million people experience depression, which is known to be the leading cause of disability in the world.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

  After a large-scale global disaster, conflict, or unrest, the prevalence of PTSD has increased alarmingly for many categories of people such as health care professionals, rescue workers, as well as those who have gone through or over conflicts and disasters oppositely.

Uncover the hidden challenges of mental disorders and their far-reaching impact on individuals, families, and communities worldwide. Let’s work together to break the silence.

II. The Stigma Girding Mental Health


Mental health was one of those taboos for decades. Societies regarded internal diseases as” particular sins” or” commodities to be shamed of.” As a result of smirch, underreporting, lack of treatment, and general neglect of internal health in healthcare programs prevailed.Of late, however, a shift has been noticed. As a transnational movement, speaking out against internal health-related smirch is now breaking the silence. Enterprises like the World Health Organization’s World Mental Health Day and grassroots movements are lowering the walls and tainting spots that keep people from speaking about it or seeking help.

Case Study-

 Jay’s Story Jay is a 45-year-old man from the United States. He’s speaking candidly about how he suffered from depression without ever revealing it to anyone.” Growing up, I was always told to’ toughen up’ and that’ real men do not cry.’ I did not know how to speak about what I was feeling. It was not until I reached a breaking point, losing my job and distancing myself from my family, that I eventually sought help.” Jay’s story is a testament to how smirch and other societal prospects may delay treatment and complicate internal health struggles. Thankfully, after times of remedy, he is now an advocate for mindfulness about internal health and” breaking the walls” he formerly faced.National juggernauts in Canada, the UK, and Australia concentrated on internal health issues to have people change the way they think about internal illness. They moved the narrative from shame to understanding and support.But that isn’t the end of the job. A lot of smirch lingers in the utmost developing corridor of the world, especially in low-income countries and pastoral areas where, because of artistic traditions about the causes of cerebral illness, it has raided their community.

III. The Economic Impact of Mental Disorders

The costs associated with mental illness are incredibly high. Like most chronic diseases, mental health illnesses are this is due largely to their chronic nature. The Lancet Psychiatry Journal projects that the global financial burden of mental illnesses will be more than $6 trillion by the year 2030 making it one of the costliest health problems in the world.

There are implications for some people and also the entire economy:

  • Productive Ability And Employment:  Affective disorders, most notably anxiety and depression, rank among the highest risk factors for work attendance and overall work performance. Depression is believed to cost the economy over one trillion dollars on an annual basis.
  • .Case Study –  Sara Experience:   Sara, is a senior female marketing manager in a British-based company, and talks about her experiences and distress with stress at work. “I started to lose track of time and deadlines. I started shying away from even the easiest of duties. I dismiss even the thought of seeking medical attention, I am well aware of the cause; I am just stressed. After some time, it dawned on me that I was having an internal battle with anxiety and stress. The battle inside me was the battle of admitting it all, more so fearing that it would cause damage to my career.” For Sara, the first obstacle was seeking help from professionals in the field of mental health because if not for their help, it would be very hard to balance work and self-care.
  • Healthcare Care Expenses:  There is a lot of money that is spent on the management of mental illnesses. Healthcare systems around the underdeveloped and developed world are being overstretched as the need for mental health services increases. This is more so in developing countries where the mental health system and services are not well structured.
  • Consequences on Society: If mental illness is not treated, there will likely be an escalation in drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness, and in extreme cases, deaths by suicide. This is not only distressing but also creates a strain on social services.The adverse economic effects cannot be discounted. Investing in mental health is not Altruism it is an economic issue.

IV. The Future of Global Health and Mental Disorders

It is important to note that the future of global health is fundamentally connected to the future of mental health. These ongoing issues such as climate change, economic disparities, consequences of the pandemic, et cetera, mean that mental health will still be of paramount importance.

1. Integration into Global Health Policies: The aspects of mental health have to take a central place in global health priorities. This is a reason why the WHO has included mental health in its Universal Health Coverage UHC initiative. This change is a big leap towards the making of mental health care services as part of the health care systems.

2. Innovations in Treatment: Mental health treatment has undergone a paradigm shift. There are now teleconsultation services, mobile applications for mental health, and digital therapeutics to increase access. Applications using artificial intelligence have also been developed to help detect the risk factors in mental health patients within shorter time frames.

3. Education and Prevention: Education and prevention is one of the way mitigation strategies to cut down the burden of mental disorders active. This is possible through introducing mental health education in schools and workplaces to create a conducive environment for people to cope with stress before it develops into a full-blown problem.

4. Global Collaboration: Treating mental health issues in countries should be approached with the same mechanism. Governments, Non-governmental Organizations, and health care systems should join hands to make sure that people access mental health care regardless of their location.
Explore the global mental health crisis, including how untreated mental disorders like anxiety and depression affect millions every day. It's time to break the silence

V. Why We Must Draw Attention to This Issue and Pursue Immediate Solutions

The increasing incidence of mental disorders is a concern that we cannot afford to overlook. If no action is taken, a worldwide crisis in mental health will worsen resulting in widespread pain and again financial difficulties. But all is not lost.

This World Mental Health Day may be marked by breaking the stigma regarding mental ill health, promoting mental well being strategies, and enhancing treatment options and this contributes to a much healthier global community. The moment has come to treat mental health on the same levels as physical health, and we can build a society where the issues of mental disorders are not a silent problem but rather a concern all of us take on gladly.
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 1. Which mental health disorders affect the biggest part of the world’s population?

The most prevalent mental health disorders are anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, amongst others, also represent a worldwide challenge as millions of individuals are affected by them.

2. What is the correlation between mental health and the economy?

The impact of mental health disorders on the economies of regions remains huge given the loss of revenue, the increased expenditure on health care, and the high disability and unemployment rates.

3. Mental treatment stigma: where does it still exist?

Mental health stigma may arise as a result of cultural practices, ignorance, or fear of being stigmatized, particularly in developing nations and rural settings.

4. What steps are necessary to advance mental health treatment on a global scale?

To improve the global mental health situation, it is necessary to incorporate mental health into existing health systems, combat stigma, increase treatment availability, and develop and promote preventative strategies like mental health education.

5. How has technology evolved to make mental health treatment better?

Telehealth services, mental health applications software, and AI equipment that aids diagnosis are expanding access and efficiency in mental health care delivery to the hit patients even within the confinements of their homes or to those shy to come out for physical assistance.

Conclusion


The war against unhealthy living is one of the most important steps in eradicating the stigma attached to mental health. It is important to note, however, that even as we progress, we still have to agitate for change—a call for better policies, improved funding of mental healthcare services, and a shift in the societal attitudes. Approaching the problem in this manner
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