What Is Mental Health And How Does It Affect Your Body?

A few facts as well as statistics on what is mental health

• According to a survey conducted in 2015-2016, it was estimated that nearly 14% of the Indian population (approximately 197 million people) were in need of active mental health treatment. Whereas, in 2023 Over 15% of Indian adults need active treatment for one or more mental health conditions.
• According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), India’s age-standardized suicide rate was 16.4 per 100,000 people, making it one of the highest in the world.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health disorders globally, including in India. Lockdowns, isolation, and fears related to the virus have exacerbated existing these challenges.

Your mental state matters, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You have the resilience and courage to overcome any challenge that comes your way.  

Let’s get together and talk about the importance of mental health as well as healthy ways to manage your well-being 

World Mental Health Day is celebrated annually on October 10th to raise awareness about these issues and promote good well-being.

An Overview Of Mental Health

When we say mental health, we do not mean you have a disorder or are termed mental. It encompasses one’s ability to handle stress, build and maintain relationships, work productively, as well as make decisions. Good mental health is to have an understanding of how to manage stress in life.
Mental Health defines a ‘state of well-being’ in which the individual realizes his or her abilities, and can cope with the normal stresses of life.  

Mental health issues are common worldwide. They can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. Common mental health conditions include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorders.

Stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health remain a significant challenge. Many people hesitate to seek help due to fear of judgment or societal misconceptions about mental illness. Reducing stigma is a critical goal in the field of mental health.

Conversely, certain factors can promote good mental health, such as strong social connections, a supportive family environment, access to quality healthcare, and effective coping skills.

Mental health conditions are treatable, and there are various forms of support available. Treatment options include psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication, healthy lifestyle changes, as well as self-help strategies. Early intervention is often crucial for better outcomes.

Promoting mental health involves self-care practices like regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, managing stress, as well as seeking social support. 

What Are The Types Of Mental Health? 

Mental health encompasses a broad spectrum of conditions and experiences. Here are some common types of mental health conditions:

1. Mood Disorders: These include depression which is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. Depression also includes poor functioning of sleep and appetite, and loss of energy.                                           

2. Bipolar Disorder: These issues include extreme mood swings, with periods of depression alternating with manic or hypomanic episodes of elevated mood and energy. About 46 million people around the world suffer from Bipolar disorder symptoms.

2. Anxiety Disorders: Involves excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various aspects of life, often with physical symptoms like restlessness and muscle tension.

3. Panic Disorder: This is characterized by sudden, intense panic attacks accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations and shortness of breath.

4. Psychotic Disorders: Schizophrenia, is a complex disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, as well as impaired social functioning.

5. Eating Disorders: This includes restrictive eating and an intense fear of gaining weight, leading to severe malnutrition.

6. Bulimia Nervosa: This means emotional eating followed by purging behaviors, such as vomiting or excessive exercise.

7. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Involves persistent, distressing obsessions (repeated thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors) aimed at reducing anxiety.

Signs And Symptoms That Affect Mental Health

The signs and symptoms of mental disorders can vary widely depending on the specific disorder, but here are some common signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of a mental health condition:
Mental illnesses result from problems with communication between neurons in the brain (neurotransmitter). For eg – low levels of GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) may cause insomnia, anxiety, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD in adults, Autism Sectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disoder (ADHD) in children.                                                                                     

1. Changes In Mood:

• Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or excessive crying (symptoms of depression).
• Extreme mood swings, including periods of intense irritability or anger (symptoms of bipolar disorder).

2. Changes In Behavior:

• Withdrawal from social activities, friends, or family.
• Increased aggression or agitation.
• Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleep).
• Changes in appetite or weight (significant increase or decrease).

3. Cognitive Changes:

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
• Disorganized thinking or racing thoughts (common in conditions like schizophrenia).

4. Physical Symptoms:

• Unexplained physical ailments or complaints without a clear medical cause.
• Fatigue or lack of energy.

5. Anxiety Symptoms:

• Excessive worry or fear.
• Panic attacks (sudden, intense episodes of fear or discomfort).
• Avoidance of specific situations or places (symptoms of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder).

6. Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms:

• Obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors, such as repetitive handwashing or checking (symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder).

7. Hallucinations And Delusions:

• Hearing voices or seeing things that others do not (hallucinations, often associated with conditions like schizophrenia).
• Holding false beliefs or ideas that are resistant to reason or contrary to reality (delusions).

8. Suicidal Thoughts Or Self-Harm:

• Frequent thoughts of death or suicide.
• Self-injurious behaviors, such as cutting or burning (often seen in conditions like borderline personality disorder).

9. Changes In Social Functioning:

• Difficulty maintaining relationships or forming new ones.
• Social isolation or withdrawal.
• Impairment in school or work performance.

10. Substance Use:

• Increased use of alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with emotional distress.

Factors Affecting Mental Health

In our day-to-day life, various factors play a direct role. There are various biological, social, personal, as well as financial factors that affect our mental health. 

1. Personal And Family Well-Being:

• It is common to experience physical illness in our day-to-day life, but if the situation is prolonged then it starts affecting our minds. 
• We start feeling stressed out, as well as frustrated or sometimes we might even experience feelings of helplessness.

2. Isolation And Loneliness:

• The feeling of isolation or loneliness is experienced by people at some time in their lives. 
• But if this feeling stays for a longer time then it can lead to our mental health deterioration. 
• Prolonged feelings could also take the form of social isolation, depression symptoms, or feelings of inferiority. 

3. Past Experiences:

• Bad experiences or past traumatic events also affect our mental health. 
• They often come back to us in the form of flashbacks or nightmares.  

4. Professional And Personal Life:

• There are instances in everyone’s life when we face a conflict between our professional and personal lives. 
• We are not able to focus on any one of them which eventually leads to a state of being stressed and exhausted. 

5. Childhood Trauma:

• Childhood trauma can have a profound and lasting impact on an individual’s mental health.
• Trauma during childhood refers to adverse experiences or events that are physically or emotionally harmful and may disrupt a child’s sense of safety and well-being.
• These traumatic experiences can take various forms, including physical or emotional abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, accidents, as well as natural disasters.

6. Substance Abuse:

• Individuals who have experienced childhood trauma may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate and numb emotional pain.
• This can lead to substance abuse or addiction issues.

How To Diagnose Mental Disorder

Diagnosing a mental disorder is a complex as well as comprehensive process that requires the expertise of a qualified mental health professional. It typically involves a combination of clinical assessments, interviews, as well as standardized tools.

Here are the key steps involved in diagnosing a mental disorder:

1. Clinical Assessment:

• Initial Evaluation: The process often begins with an initial evaluation by a healthcare provider, such as a primary care physician, nurse practitioner, or psychiatrist to determine if there are any immediate concerns.

2. Standardized Assessments:

• Psychological Testing: In some cases, psychological testing or assessments may be used to provide additional information about cognitive functioning, personality traits, and emotional well-being.
• Self-Report Questionnaires: Individuals may be asked to complete self-report questionnaires to assess the severity of their symptoms, quality of life, as well as functioning.

3. Observation And Behavioral Assessment:

• Mental health professionals may observe the individual’s behavior and emotional state during the assessment, which can provide valuable insights into their mental health.

4. Collateral Information:

• Mental health professionals may seek collateral information from family members, close friends, or other caregivers who can provide additional perspectives on the individual’s behavior and symptoms.

5. Differential Diagnosis:

• Mental health professionals consider the possibility of multiple disorders as well as perform a differential diagnosis to rule out other medical or psychiatric conditions that may mimic the symptoms of the suspected disorder.

6. Feedback And Discussion:

• After completing the assessment, the mental health professional discusses their findings with the individual, provides a diagnosis (if applicable), as well as discusses treatment options.

What Is The Mental Health Statistics In India

Explore the vital statistics of mental health in India, shedding light on the scale and impact of this pressing issue in one of the world’s most populous countries. 

With approximately 14% of the population, or nearly 197 million people, in need of mental health support, understanding the prevalence of conditions like depression and anxiety as well as the challenges faced is essential. 

Dive into the data to uncover the realities of the issue in India, including suicide rates and the ongoing efforts to promote awareness as well as access to care.

Types Of Yoga Asanas To Manage Mental Health

Yoga for Mind offers a variety of practices that can benefit mental health by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, improving focus, as well as enhancing emotional well-being. 

Here are some types of yoga that are particularly well-suited for mental health:

1. Kundalini Yoga: Kundalini yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, mantra chanting, and meditation. It aims to awaken energy within the body and enhance spiritual awareness. Kundalini yoga can be beneficial for improving mood, reducing anxiety, as well as promoting emotional balance.

2. Bikram/Hot Yoga: Bikram yoga for mental health is practiced in a room heated to a high temperature, and it consists of a specific sequence of 26 postures and two breathing exercises. The heat can promote detoxification and relaxation. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions.

3. Pranayama: Pranayama refers to the practice of breath control techniques. It can be incorporated into various forms of yoga and can have a direct impact on calming the mind, reducing stress, and increasing overall mental clarity.

4. Trauma-Informed Yoga: This specialized form of yoga is designed to be sensitive to the needs of individuals who have experienced trauma. It focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment with gentle movements.

5. Vinyasa Yoga: Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic and flowing style that synchronizes movement with breath. This type of yoga can help alleviate stress as well as anxiety by promoting mindfulness and focus as you move through a series of poses in a continuous flow.

Tips To Take Care Of Your Mental Health

Did you ever think that the food you are eating can also trigger anxiety, or that what you are watching on television can affect your mental health? So, here we have enlisted the 5 quick tips, that can help you take care of that.

1. Take Up An Activity: Engage in something enjoyable or energizing to make yourself feel better. For instance, painting, dancing, and gardening.

2. Improve Your Weak Areas: Investing yourself in improving yourself in your weak areas. One can use more of their time in improving oneself such as being more confident about their strength and working on their weaknesses.

3. Healthy Diet: It’s very important to pay close attention to the food portions as well as keep our energy balanced to meet our needs. Try Vitamin C rich food. Keep yourself hydrated as well as refreshed with a good choice of hydration. 

4. Talk To Someone: Talking, listening and understanding can make a lot of differences in one’s mental. Spend some quality time, listen to what other people are saying, as well as accept other people’s opinions 

5. Talk To A Mental Health Counselor: If you still find it hard to manage the stress you should definitely talk to a professional. Consulting a mind coach can be a good decision.

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Wrapping It Up

Measuring a person’s mental health often relies on their adaptive coping skills for everyday stressors. Problems in this regard encompass challenging experiences that hinder our ability to move forward in life, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis can pave the way for the right treatment. It can come as a relief and help them understand and accept themselves and also help others to do so.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Mental Health?

Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, as well as social well-being. It encompasses factors like emotional stability, stress management, interpersonal relationships, as well as the ability to adapt to life’s challenges.

How Does Mental Health Differ From Mental Illness?

Mental health represents a state of well-being, while mental illness refers to specific conditions or disorders that affect your health. Mental illness can disrupt a person’s thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and overall functioning.

How Can I Improve And Maintain Good Mental Health?

Strategies for improving and maintaining it include regular physical activity, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, stress management techniques, seeking social support, engaging in activities that bring joy, practicing mindfulness and relaxation exercises, and seeking professional help when needed.

Contact Us Today

We’re never leaving you hanging with doubts, queries, as well as confusing questions. We understand how all this information gets overwhelming as well as a little confusing on your way to a healthy lifestyle. Hence, you can always contact us at any time as our experts are here to guide you 24/7. Also, we will help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Disclaimer

This blog post was written to help you to make healthy and better food choices altogether. So, be aware and take care. The important thing to consider is your own health before starting a diet that is restrictive. Always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian before starting if you have any concerns.

Eat Healthy, Live Healthy as well as Enjoy a long happy life