Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing refers to a person’s ability to handle life’s challenges, cope with stress and stay healthy. It is influenced by factors such as genetics, social and occupational functioning, physical health, psychological resilience and life experiences.
Having strong mental wellbeing can help you bounce back from disappointments, loss and change in life. It can also make it easier for you to share your feelings with friends and family.
People with mental illness can live happy, fulfilling lives, and many recover to become active members of their community. They often get better when they start treatment early and learn to manage their symptoms.
When your mental health is in good shape, it can impact how well you do at work and in your relationships. It can also help you feel confident about yourself and your abilities to achieve your goals.
It can be easy to let a mental health problem get out of control, and this can lead to more problems down the line. It is important to talk about it and seek treatment as soon as you notice that your thoughts, behaviour or mood are changing.
If you are concerned about a friend or loved one, you can always ask for help from the person’s primary care provider. They will be able to refer them to someone who specialises in mental health, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
The medical profession understands that some mental illnesses can mimic other conditions and so it is important to have a full physical check up before a diagnosis can be made. This may involve blood work and other tests.
Psychiatry is the branch of medicine dealing with mental disorders and behaviour. It aims to treat these conditions, usually through medication. It also tries to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage people to talk about it.
There are many different kinds of treatments for a range of mental illnesses. These include medicines, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes.
Medication is the most common form of treatment for mental health. It can be used to treat depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to prevent or control schizophrenia and psychosis.
Psychotherapy is a way to improve your mental health and coping skills by talking with a specialist about what you are experiencing. It can be done in groups or by one-to-one therapy.
It can also help you with a range of other things, such as dealing with stressful situations and helping you to avoid negative thoughts and behaviours. It can also give you a new perspective on your problems and teach you to think differently about them.
A comprehensive treatment plan can include individual actions, such as diet, exercise and sleeping patterns, that enhance your recovery. These will be based on your needs and the type of mental health condition you have.
Having a stable mental state can also help you to manage emotional and behavioral difficulties, such as relationship disputes, financial woes and workplace challenges. This can help you to use more constructive coping mechanisms and avoid addictive substances, isolation and tantrums.