Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is an important part of overall health. It can help you cope with stress, enjoy life and contribute to your community or society. It can also help you feel good about yourself, improve your relationships and give you a sense of hope.

A mental illness is a change in how you think, feel or behave that makes it hard for you to enjoy the things you want and need in your life. The best way to find out if you have a mental health problem is to talk to a professional, who can diagnose and treat it.

The causes of mental illness are complex and may be influenced by many factors, including genetics, environment, lifestyle and life events. Some people are more likely to develop mental illnesses than others. A stressful job, traumatic life event or poor physical health may make you more vulnerable to mental health problems.

Inherited traits and the way you were raised can also play a role. For example, some people who were severely abused as children are more likely to have mental health conditions than those who did not have abuse.

Your brain chemistry is also an important factor in developing a mental illness. When your neural networks involving the chemicals neurotransmitters are impaired, it can affect the way you think, feel and act.

There are many kinds of help, treatment and support available for those with mental health problems. Some treatments are psychological and focus on changing how you think about yourself and the world around you. Other treatments use medications to reduce symptoms and increase your ability to function.

If you need to see a doctor or psychologist, ask for one that is trained in mental health issues and uses a multidisciplinary approach. They will know how to best address your unique needs and provide the best care possible.

You can find a variety of services, from private doctors to local government and community agencies. These services will vary by area, but most of them will offer a range of options and can help you get started on the right path to mental wellbeing.

Some of these services are free or low cost. These include counselling, social and recreational activities. You can also join a group where you can talk with other people who have similar concerns.

Getting help and support is a crucial first step to taking control of your mental health. It can be a challenging journey, but it’s possible. Don’t let the stigma of mental health prevent you from seeking the help you need.

The most common reasons people seek mental health care are because they are having problems with their emotions, thoughts and behaviours, and don’t know where to turn for help. Having a mental health problem can lead to feelings of sadness, anger or confusion and can be hard to manage. However, it is not normal or wrong to be feeling this way.

Stigma and discrimination can be a big barrier to getting help. You might feel like you don’t deserve it or that you’re weak or broken. Seeing a doctor, talking to someone and learning about your condition can help you find confidence and overcome destructive self-judgment.