Mental health is an umbrella term which includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects the way a person thinks, feels, and acts. It also helps in determining how we handle stress, and make healthy choices in life. Mental health is important at every stage of life, however, it is often not taken seriously.
In an exclusive interaction with OnlyMyHealth editorial team, Dr. Aishwarya Raj, Practicing Clinical Psychologist in Delhi - NCR answers 7 frequently asked questions on mental health.
1. What exactly are psychological disorders?
Despite the fact that everyone's experiences with mental health is unique, it can be said to be a concern when it interferes with one's capacity to control their emotions, thoughts, or behaviour. There are many different types of medical mental conditions. While some are mild and barely affect quality of life, others are more significant. Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression are all very serious mental diseases.
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2. Does mental illness have a hereditary basis?
Yes, a person's genetics can play a role in a mental health issue. The likelihood of experiencing the same symptoms or a personality disorder increases if a person has a parent, sibling, or grandparent who is mentally ill. Additionally, a child who grows up in a home where at least one member has an untreated mental illness may emulate their behaviours and be less likely to seek help in the future.
3. How can stress be handled?
Different people display stress in different ways. While some people try to suppress their emotions, others abuse alcohol and narcotics. Some people isolate themselves from the outside world, while others are always angry and snap at those who are close to them. All of these folks have one thing in common: they are unable to control their stress.
Talk it out: Speak with a mental health expert about your daily activities. One's mental concern is lessened when they speak it out. You can better understand your coping strategies and how to deal with them by speaking with a professional.
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4. Why is having a routine important for someone with mental illness?
A person's life can frequently be disrupted by a mental illness since it makes it more difficult for them to concentrate and finish tasks that they might otherwise be able to. A good daily routine can help that person's life become more regular, and having one frequently increases the sense of success and life fulfilment that comes with personal achievement.
5. Often it is said about mental health illnesses that "it's all in the person's head." How do we debunk it?
Numerous factors can contribute to mental illness. Physical health can have a significant impact on mental health, and improving certain physical discomforts can help someone's mental health. By definition, mental health disorders are medical conditions that require intervention. A person with a mental health disorder may experience uncomfortable thoughts, hallucinations, and worries. To the person, they are extremely real.
6. What distinguishes sadness from depression?
Since sadness is a major emotion connected to depression, many people mistake it for the other condition. However, it is important to recognise that these are two quite distinct emotional states. Sadness is a common emotional state that is brought on by challenging, painful, frightening, or disappointing events or actions. Basically, sadness indicates that there is a reason to feel sad, an external trigger that causes discomfort. When this incident is resolved, the person's cheerful condition returns.
Major depression is characterised by a pervasive sense of melancholy or loss of interest, which can result in a variety of behavioural and physical symptoms. Changes in sleep, hunger, energy level, attention, everyday behaviour, or self-esteem may be among them. Suicidal thoughts may also be connected to depression.
7. How can I approach and assist a person who is experiencing a mental health issue like depression or anxiety?
The most crucial action you can take is to urge them to get proper care by seeking professional help. By letting them know that assistance is available and that you will be there to support them, you can support them. It can be as simple as taking the first appointment for them..