Let us demystify common myths about mental health to understand what is Mental Health!
Mental health is a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community.
It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in.
Everyone is at risk of developing a mental health disorder, regardless of age, sex, income, or ethnicity. Mental health is a basic human right.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Towards Happiness & National Prosperity, A report by the Taskforce on Mental Health in Kenya estimated that one in every 10 people suffer from a common mental disorder in Kenya. The number increases to one in every four people among patients attending routine outpatient services.
What Causes of Mental Health Issues
Social and financial circumstances, adverse childhood experiences, biological factors, substance use and genetics and underlying medical conditions can shape a person’s mental health.
Exposure to unfavourable, social, economic, geopolitical and environmental circumstances; including poverty, violence, inequality and environmental deprivation – increases people’s risk of experiencing mental health conditions.
Risks can manifest themselves at all stages of life, but those that occur during developmentally sensitive periods, especially early childhood, are particularly detrimental. For example, harsh parenting and physical punishment is known to undermine child health and bullying is a leading risk factor for mental health conditions.
Common Myths About Mental Health
Some of the commonly held beliefs and misconceptions about mental health are:
- People with mental health illnesses are dangerous, violent, and unpredictable.
- A person with a mental health condition has low intelligence.
- Teenagers do not have mental health issues. They just have mood swings due to their fluctuating hormones.
- People with mental health illnesses are dangerous, violent, and unpredictable.
- People with bipolar disorder are moody.
- A person with a mental health condition is weak. Such conditions would not affect strong people.
- People with mental health needs cannot keep and perform well in a job.
Mental Health Care
1. Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, disturbed thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure.
It’s normal to have some anxiety. When an individual faces potentially harmful or worrying triggers, feelings of anxiety are not only normal but necessary for survival. You may feel anxious or nervous if you have to tackle a problem at work, go to an interview, take a test or make an important decision.
On the other hand;
Anxiety Disorder is a type of mental health condition. It is having recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns. Once anxiety reaches the stage of a disorder, it can interfere with daily function. An anxiety disorder happens when:It interferes with your ability to function, You often overreact when something triggers your emotions, You can’t control your responses to situations.
Anxiety disorders can make it difficult to get through the day.
Types of Anxiety
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder: This is a chronic disorder involving excessive, long-lasting anxiety and worries about nonspecific life events, objects, and situations. GAD is the most common anxiety disorder, and people with the disorder are not always able to identify the cause of their anxiety.
- Panic Disorder: If you have a panic disorder, you get intense, sudden panic attacks. These attacks often feature stronger, more intense feelings than other types of anxiety disorders.
During a panic attack, you may experience:Sweating, heart palpitations (feeling like your heart is pounding), Chest pain, feeling of choking, which can make you think you’re having a heart attack or “going crazy.”
- Phobias: They are intense fear of certain situations or objects. Like with other anxiety disorders, you may spend a lot of time trying to avoid situations that may trigger the phobia.
A specific phobia, or a simple phobia, is an intense fear of a particular object or situation. It may cause you to avoid everyday situations. Some specific phobias include fear of: Blood, Heights, Injections, Animals.
- Social Anxiety Disorder: You may have overwhelming worry and self-consciousness with daily social situations. You may worry about others judging you or you may be anxious that you will embarrass yourself or open yourself up to ridicule. People with social anxiety disorder may avoid social situations entirely.
2. Mood Disorders
It is also referred to as affective disorders or depressive disorders.
People with these conditions have significant mood changes, generally involving either mania, a period of high energy and joy, or depression. Examples of mood disorders include:
- Major depression: An individual with major depression experiences a constant low mood and loses interest in activities and events that they previously enjoyed (anhedonia). They can feel prolonged periods of sadness or extreme sadness.
- Bipolar disorder: A person with bipolar disorder experiences unusual changes in their mood, energy levels, levels of activity, and ability to continue with daily life. Periods of high mood are known as manic phases, while depressive phases bring on low mood.
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Reduced daylight during the fall, winter, and early spring months triggers this type of major depression . It is most common in countries far from the equator.
3. Schizophrenia Disorder
The term schizophrenia often refers to a spectrum of disorders characterized by psychotic features and other severe symptoms. These are highly complex conditions.
Schizophrenia typically develops between the ages of 16 and 30. The individual will have thoughts that appear fragmented and may also find it hard to process information.
Schizophrenia symptoms include delusions, thought disorders, hallucinations, withdrawal, lack of motivation, and a flat or inappropriate mood.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Dealing with substance abuse, alcoholism, or drug addiction is never easy, and it’s even more difficult when you’re also struggling with mental health problems. When you have both a substance abuse problem and a mental health issue such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety, it is called a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis.
In co-occurring disorders, both the mental health issue and the drug or alcohol addiction have their own unique symptoms that may get in the way of your ability to function at work or school, maintain a stable home life, handle life’s difficulties, and relate to others.
People often abuse alcohol or drugs to ease the symptoms of an undiagnosed mental disorder, to cope with difficult emotions, or to temporarily change their mood. Unfortunately, self-medicating with drugs or alcohol causes side effects and in the long run often worsens the symptoms they initially helped to relieve.
Substance abuse and mental health issues do not get better when ignored — in fact, it is likely to get much worse. It is important to know that you don’t have to feel this way. There are things you can do to conquer your demons, repair your relationships, and get on the road to recovery. With the right support, self-help, and treatment, you can overcome a co-occurring disorder, reclaim your sense of self, and get your life back on track.
Treatment For Mental Health
Treatment is highly individual. What works for one person may not work for another. Some strategies or treatments are more successful in combination with others. A person with a chronic mental disorder may choose different options at various stages in their life.
The person needs to work closely with a doctor who can help them identify their needs and provide suitable treatment. Below are some treatment options for mental health:
1. Psychotherapy
Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy aims to help a person understand their feelings and equip them to face new challenges, both in the present and the future.
It helps people understand the root of their mental illness and start to work on more healthful thought patterns that support everyday living and reduce the risk of isolation and self-harm.
2. Medication
Some people take prescribed medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytic drugs.
These medications improve symptoms and help a person resume social interaction, routine while working on their mental health.
Some of these medications boost the body’s absorption of feel-good chemicals, such as serotonin, from the brain. Other drugs either boost the overall levels of these chemicals or prevent their degradation or destruction.
3. Self- Care
A person coping with mental health difficulties may need to change their lifestyle to facilitate wellness.
Such changes can include reducing alcohol intake, sleeping more, and eating a balanced, nutritious diet. People may need to take time away from work or resolve issues with personal relationships that may be causing damage to their mental health.
People with conditions such as anxiety or depressive disorder may benefit from relaxation techniques, which include deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness.
Having a support network, whether via self-help groups or close friends and family, can also be essential to recovery from mental illness.
How to Maintain One’s Mental Health
Practicing self-care can help improve a person’s mental health by reducing a person’s risk of illness, increasing energy levels, and managing stress.
Regular exercise can significantly improve mental health.
Eating a nourishing, balanced diet and staying hydrated can give a constant supply of energy throughout the day.
Aim for good-quality sleep. Multiple studies found that more significant improvements in sleep quality lead to greater improvements in a person’s mental health.
Perform relaxing activities. Breathing exercises, meditation, wellness apps, and journaling can help reduce stress and improve overall health and well-being.
Practice gratefulness. People can practice mindfulness and gratitude by actively identifying things they are grateful for daily.
Challenge negative thoughts. A person can practice positivity by becoming aware of their negative and unhelpful thoughts and challenging them.
Look for positive social interactions. Connecting and maintaining meaningful connections and relationships reduces stress and can also be a source of support and practical help in times of need.
Be Kind To Yourself!
