Mental health

Mental Health is the level of psychological well-being or an absence of mental illness. 

It is the state of someone who is "functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional & behavioural adjustments."

It is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stress life, can work productively, & is able to make a contribution to his or her community.

How do we recognise people suffering with Mental illness?

Basic signs of mental illness:

• ‌Long lasting sadness or irritability.
• ‌Extremely high & low moods.
• ‌Excessive fear, worry or anxiety.
• ‌Social withdrawal.
• ‌Dramatic changes in eating or  sleeping habits.

Types of Mental Illness

• ‌Mood Disorders (Such as depression or bipolar disorder)
• ‌Anxiety Disorders
• ‌Personality Disorders
• ‌Psychotic Disorders ( Such as Schizophrenia)
• ‌Eating Disorders
• ‌Traumatic or trauma - related Disorders (Such as post- traumatic stress disorder)
• ‌Substance abuse Disorders

Treatment for Mental Illness

Mental illness is treatable, people suffering with Mental illness recover to live productive & happy lives. The treatment is different for each type of mental illness and may vary person to person.

• ‌Psychological Therapy: 

There are many different types of    psychotherapy including supportive therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) , psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, group, couple, family therapy.

• ‌Medicines:

 The most commonly prescribed medicines are -

a) Antidepressants for Anxiety and depression. b) Mood stabilizer fir bipolar disorders.

c) Antipsychotic medicines for Schizophrenia or Psychosis.

• ‌Lifestyle Changes:

Exercise is known to help relieve or prevent anxiety or depression.

Avoiding illicit drugs & alcohol is also recommended.

Healthy diet & good nutrition is recommended.

• ‌Complementary Therapies:

Relaxation strategies, meditation or other therapies maybe helpful to restore good mental health.

What not to do to people suffering with Mental illness?

• ‌It's important not to say 'you know how they feel' if you don’t, because this invalidates their experience.
• ‌Point out that others are worse off — this is dismissive.
• ‌Blame your friend or loved one for changes in their behaviour.
• ‌Avoid the person.
• ‌Make fun of their mental illness.
• ‌Pressure them, if they don’t want, to go out or to discuss their issues with you.
• ‌Use words that stigmatise, like ‘psycho’ or ‘crazy’.

Try not to feel guilty if you didn’t know your friend or someone you love has a mental health issue — the changes can be gradual, and people often hide their symptoms from close friends and family. 

They may not be ready for treatment straight away. Taking it slowly and figuring it out together is a good way to steer them toward the road to recovery.

Mental illness can be mild as well as severe. But asking out for help is must to such people.

Family members and friends should recognise the behavioural changes in there near and dear ones.

Anyone can be a sufferer of Mental illness and IT'S OK. All you have to so is BE PATIENT, ASK FOR HELP, TALK IT OUT, and KEEP GOING.