Author: Dr. Rohini

Mental health strongly influences the quality of life of people. Mental wellness encompasses social, physical as well as psychological well-being of a person. It influences how a person thinks, feels, acts, handles pressure, communicates with others and makes decisions in specific situations. Mental wellbeing is essential in each phase of life, from childhood and youthfulness through adulthood.

Mental health disorders cannot be taken lightly. It is a serious problem that can disturb the state of mind, reasoning and behavior of a person. They may be temporary or long-lasting, affecting a person’s capacity to communicate with others and function every day. 

Mental health problems are common. However, it is treatable with medicines and several drug options are available. With medication individuals with mental health issues can improve and a large number of them recuperate totally and continue to function well in their daily lives.

Mental health isn’t just about the absence of mental disorders or problems. Being mentally healthy is much more than just being free of depression, anxiety or other psychological issues. Rather than the absence of mental illness, mental health refers to the presence of positive characteristics.

WHO has indicated that around 450 million individuals currently suffer from the ill effects of mental problems, placing mental disorders among the leading cause of ill-health and disability world-wide. The burden of treating mental ill-health is definitely beyond the treatment capacities of developed and developing nations leading to widening gaps in mental health treatment.  The social and economic expenses related to treating chronic mental sickness focuses on creating opportunities to enhance mental wellness and preventing mental illness.  Mental Health is connected to physical, emotional and behavioral well-being of a person and considered vital for overall wellbeing and personal contentment.

Many biological, psychological and environmental factors add to mental health issues, including:

• Biological factors, such as genes or cerebrum science
• Changes in brain chemistry due to substance abuse
• Changes in diet
• Family history of mental health issues
• Life experiences, like abuse or trauma

Some early warning signs of mental sickness include:

• Abnormal eating or sleeping patterns
• Chronic anxiety 
• Decrease in energy
• Feeling confused, forgetful, angry, nervous or edgy
• Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
• Impulsive actions
• Inability to do daily tasks
• Severe mood swings
• Significant increase in drug or alcohol intake
• Thoughts of self-harm
• Withdrawal from people and typical activities.

Effects of Mental Ill-health

• Physical health and mental health are strongly related. Poor mental health is a risk factor for chronic health conditions.
• Mental problems additionally disturbs a person’s behavior preventing them from eating properly, exercising, getting enough rest, taking part in safe sexual practices, limiting liquor and tobacco use, sticking to clinical treatments thus, expanding the dangers  to physical illnesses. 
• Mental weakness prompts social issues like joblessness, relationship difficulties, broken families, destitution, chronic alcohol and drug use, behavioral problems and related wrongdoing. 
• Poor emotional wellness plays a critical part in weakening the immune system. 
• Sick patients with depression have poor recovery than those without. 
• People with depression have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, pain, and Alzheimer’s disease. 

What are the benefits of Positive Mental Health?

Positive mental well-being enables individuals to: 

• Adapt to the stresses of life 
• Cope with adversities or misfortunes
• Maintain healthy relationships 
• Make significant commitments to their networks
• Understand their maximum capacity 
• Work beneficially 

Ways to maintain positive mental well-being include: 

• Getting professional medical help in case of need 
• Communicating with others 
• Remaining positive 
• Getting physically active 
• Getting sufficient rest 
• Developing adapting abilities
• Helping other people 
• Reducing screen time / taking regular breaks from on-screen activities.