MENTAL WELLNESS AND DISORDERS THAT COULD BE A THREAT TO YOUR MENTAL HEALTH.
Anat Alabi-Imokiri
In today’s world, with many uncertainties, birth defects, life pressures, as well as new medical horizons, it is pertinent to be aware and informed about how mental health can make or mar one’s ability to live a functional and productive life. What then is mental health? Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It encompasses how individuals think, feel, and behave, and it influences how they handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is essential for overall well-being and quality of life.
From the above, it is seen that being physically fit may not guarantee that one is healthy or well. Being healthy is a combination physical, psychological, emotional and even social wellness. To ensure this, primary preventive and/or secondary preventive measures need to be taken. That is ensuring from the pregnancy stage that the foetus and mother are well taken care of with right nutrition and immunisation to prevent or minimise mental and birth defects resulting from malnutrition and/or damage from injury from a fall. Even when present, to ensure early detection and intervention to minimise effect on quality of life. But first what are these risks to mental health called mental disorders?
Mental health disorders, also known as mental illnesses or psychiatric disorders, are conditions that affect a person’s thinking, feeling, behaviour, or mood. These disorders can vary widely in severity and can interfere with daily functioning and relationships. Below are some common mental health disorders, but note that each disorder has its own symptoms, causes, and treatment options. (So, see a doctor or a specialist rather than self-diagnose and self-medicate or erroneously attribute noticed symptoms to spiritual attacks or witchcraft, as our forebears used to, we are enlightened now and should be seen to be)
Some common types of mental illnesses:
- Anxiety disorders (e.g., generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias)
- Mood disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder)
- Psychotic disorders (e.g., schizophrenia)
- Eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, Pica ice eating non edible objects like foam or paper etc)
- Personality disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Dissociative disorders (e.g., dissociative identity disorder)
- Substance use disorders (e.g., alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder)
The Causes of mental health disorders include but not limited to genetics, trauma, stress, substance abuse.
Some symptoms of mental illness also vary depending on the specific disorder but may include: arbitrary changes in mood, behaviour, and thinking patterns. Difficulty in concentration, fatigue, loss of appetite, suicidal thoughts or behaviour.
PLEASE NOTE: The presence of any of these symptoms may not of itself be a symptom of any mental disorder, kindly see a professional for right and actual diagnosis. Don’t self-medicate. Don’t forget google is not a doctor.
POSSIBLE REMEDIES TO MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS
Psychotherapy: speak with a therapist or psychiatrist that is duly trained along the line of the mental health challenge. They will give counsel and prescriptions as required.
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You may also want to consider some lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, stress management techniques (e.g., mindfulness, relaxation exercises), and avoiding substance abuse. Keep company with people that aid your mental health. While we shouldn’t quarrel, it is not out of place to practice social distancing from people who ‘screw up’ your tranquillity.
Anat ALABI-IMOKIRI is a Lawyer, Certified Marriage Fixer with a Masters in Guidance and Counseling and another Masters in Mental Health Specialization (in view)
(Source: AI-Tools)
+2348055643722
anat.alabi@gmail.com
