Mental Health and Disease

Introduction

Mental health is the health of the mind. The mind is an organ of the body, just like the heart, liver, kidney, etc. Mental health is a state of emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It defines how one thinks, feels, and behaves, how one handles stress, relates to others, and makes decisions in their day-to-day life. Maintaining good mental health is just as crucial as maintaining good physical health. It has a direct influence on physical health. If the person is not feeling emotionally and psychologically normal, they will not feel like eating, showering, going to the gym, or for a walk, and that will ultimately affect their body. Similarly, when they have a bodily problem like fever or jaundice, they will feel irritated and distressed. Hence, the mind would not be at ease. So, for complete health, both mental and physical well-being is essential.

What Are the Causes of Mental Illness?

Mental illnesses are generally believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors:

• Inherited Traits: Mental illness tends to be more prevalent among individuals with a family history of mental disorders. Specific genes may increase the vulnerability to developing a mental illness, which can be triggered by life circumstances.

• Environmental Influences Before Birth: Exposure to environmental stressors, inflammatory conditions, toxins, alcohol, or drugs during fetal development can sometimes be associated with mental illness.

• Brain Chemistry: Neurotransmitters are natural brain chemicals that transmit signals to different parts of the brain and body. When there are disruptions in the neural networks involving these chemicals, it can alter the function of nerve receptors and nerve systems, potentially leading to conditions like depression and other emotional disorders.

What are the Signs of Mental Illness?

1. Depression

• Low mood on most days of the week.

• Inability to enjoy previously pleasurable activities.

• Easy fatiguability.

• Thoughts of worthlessness, hopelessness, helplessness, self-blame, guilt, pessimism.

• Death wishes suicidal acts.

• Disturbed sleep and appetite.

2. Anxiety Disorders

In all types of anxiety disorders, anxiety is an integral feeling, along with palpitations, panic, restlessness, difficulty in breathing, chest tightness, and irritability.

Some symptoms are specific to particular disorders:

• OCD: Obsessions and compulsions like doubts about contamination, repeated hand washing, and checking things.

• Panic Attack: Extreme anxiety with a feeling of impending doom.

• Social Anxiety: Difficulty in facing social situations.

3. Schizophrenia

• Delusions: Fixed, firm, and unshakable beliefs that people are after them, want to harm them, and talk ill about them.

• Auditory Hallucinations: Hearing voices

• Fearfulness, irritability, disturbed sleep and appetite, and significant disturbance of day-to-day functioning.

4. Bipolar Disorder

Episodes of both depression and mania occur.

• The depression phase shows features just as mentioned above in regular depression.

• In the mania phase, the person has an elated mood or irritability, talks big things, self-confidence increases, and always feels energetic despite taking no rest.

What Are the Risk Factors of Mental Illness?

Several factors can elevate the susceptibility to developing a mental illness, including:

• Family history of mental illness among blood relatives like parents or siblings.

• Stressful life events like financial difficulties, the loss of a loved one, or divorce.

• Chronic medical conditions like diabetes.

• Brain injuries resulting from serious accidents, such as traumatic brain injuries caused by violent impacts on the head.

• Traumatic experiences such as combat exposure or assault.

• Substance abuse involving alcohol or recreational drugs.

Mental illness is prevalent, affecting approximately 1 in 5 adults each year. While it can onset at any age, ranging from childhood to later adulthood, the majority of cases typically commence earlier in life.

What Are the Complications of Mental Illness?

Mental illness stands as a primary contributor to disability, with untreated cases potentially leading to severe emotional, behavioral, and physical health challenges. Complications commonly associated with mental illness encompass:

• Diminished life satisfaction and reduced enjoyment.

• Family discord.

• Relationship complexities.

• Social seclusion.

• Substance abuse issues involving tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs.

• Absences from work or school, alongside related challenges in these areas.

• Legal and financial adversities.

• Poverty and homelessness.

• Self-injury or harm to others, including suicide or homicide.

• Compromised immune system function, making the body more susceptible to infections.

• Development of heart disease and other medical conditions.

What to Do If Someone Has These Symptoms?

Do not ignore the problem. Consult a mental health professional; intervention is essential on time.

Treatment options include:

1. Medicines.

2. Psychotherapy or counseling.

3. Biofeedback.

4. Repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation.

How Is Mental Illness Prevented?

While there is no guaranteed method to prevent mental illness, individuals with a mental health condition can take proactive measures to manage their symptoms. By focusing on stress management, enhancing resilience, and improving self-esteem, it is possible to better control the impact of the illness. Here are the steps the person can follow:

• Be mindful of warning signs and collaborate with the doctor or therapist to understand potential triggers for the symptoms. Develop a comprehensive plan outlining steps to take if symptoms resurface. Promptly reach out to the healthcare provider or therapist if there are any shifts in the symptoms or emotional state. It may also be helpful to engage family members or friends in monitoring for warning signs.

• Prioritize regular medical appointments. Avoid missing checkups or appointments with the primary care provider, particularly if the person is experiencing any health concerns. It is important to address potential new health issues that may arise or manage any side effects from medications.

• Seek assistance promptly when necessary. Mental health conditions can be more challenging to manage if the person delays seeking help until symptoms worsen. Consistent long-term treatment can also play a role in preventing symptom relapse.

• Prioritize self-care by ensuring the person gets adequate sleep, eats a healthy diet, and engages in regular physical activity. It is essential to maintain a consistent routine. If the person experiences difficulties with sleep or has inquiries about their diet and exercise regimen, consult the primary care provider for guidance.

Conclusion

Mental illnesses and disorders are significant health concerns that can have profound effects on individuals and society. Recognizing the importance of mental health and destigmatizing mental illnesses is essential for effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. By prioritizing mental health alongside physical health, we can create a society that supports the well-being of all its members, promoting overall health and resilience.