A NEGLECTED ASPECT OF HEALTH

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There are 2 aspects of health in the human nature that are not taken seriously. They are MENTAL HEALTH and DIET.

Today, I am going to talk about mental health, the next article after this will be on diet. 


Please take note of the fact that mental health is not the same as mental illness. 


Most times the word 'mental health' is used to depict a good mental condition. 

Nevertheless, the World Health Organization (WHO) stress that MENTAL HEALTH IS “MORE THAN JUST THE ABSENCE OF MENTAL DISORDERS OR DISABILITIES.” 


So, what is mental health? Mental health refers to emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we THINK, FEEL, and ACT. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.


It is worthy of note that mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. This is because a person's  mental health can be affected at any of these stages. Everyone has some risk of developing a mental health disorder, no matter their age, sex, income, or ethnicity.


According to research, biological factor suggest that genetic family history can increase the likelihood of mental health conditions, as certain genes and gene variants put a person at higher risk.


Factors that contribute to mental health problems includes:

  • Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
  • Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
  • Family history of mental health problems

MENTAL HEALTH CAN AFFECT DAILY LIVING, RELATIONSHIP, AND PHYSICAL HEALTH. That is why there are signs that must be looked out for.


SIGNS

There is no physical test or scan that reliably indicates whether a person has developed a mental illness. However, people should look out for the following as possible signs of a mental health disorder:

  • withdrawing from friends, family, and colleagues
  • avoiding activities that they would normally enjoy
  • sleeping too much or too little
  • eating too much or too little
  • feeling hopeless
  • having consistently low energy
  • using mood-altering substances, including alcohol and nicotine, more frequently
  • displaying negative emotions
  • being confused
  • being unable to complete daily tasks, such as getting to work or cooking a meal
  • having persistent thoughts or memories that reappear regularly
  • thinking of causing physical harm to themselves or others
  • hearing voices
  • experiencing delusions.

TREATMENT 

The treatment for mental ill health is an individual thing. What works for one person may not work for the other. Each person has to discover what works for them. Treatment can include 

  1. Psychotherapy or talking therapy
  2. Medication 
  3. Self-help
  4. Spiritual help (Meditating on the Holy Bible and Prayers)

My concern is that, this aspect of human health has been neglected for so long and this is causing a lot of problems in the society. You see, there are so many people walking on the streets, looking well dressed but their mental health is in shambles. This affects their relationships and how they make choices. They may later become menace to the society when they don't seek help. That is why everyone must not joke with their mental health. 


Do a self-check, have you noticed you are more reserved, that you get easily angered or you are depressed, please quickly get help (check treatment suggestions in the body of this article). A stitch in time saves nine.


Compiled by 

Elizabeth Oduwaiye 

For Life Skills Counsel 


References: 

mentalhealth.gov

nimh.nih.gov

medicalnewstoday.com

W. H. O

HOLY SPIRIT 


Comments

  1. White Steps Empire April 21, 2023 at 11:48 AM

    MENTAL ILLNESS IS A GLOBAL PROBLEM: WE NEED A GLOBAL RESPONSE

    ReplyDelete

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