Learn about mental health, common psychiatric disorders, early warning signs, and effective ways to maintain well-being.
What is Mental health?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is “a state of well-being in which one can perceive themselves, cope with normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to the community.” Mental health is influenced by personal factors (genetics, life history) and social context (family, economy, environment). Like physical health, mental health requires attention, care, and balance.
How to maintain Mental health
Self-awareness: Recognize limits and be kind to yourself.
Stress relief: Exercise, walk, socialize, take naps, or relax through hobbies.
Creative activities: Journaling, art, or music to express emotions.
Social connections: Build relationships with family, friends, and the community for support and understanding.
Life events that affect Mental health
Major life events can significantly impact mental health, especially sudden changes, such as:
Death of a loved one
Divorce or separation
Job loss
Serious illness
Seeking professional help is encouraged when stress or emotional challenges become difficult to manage.
Common Mental disorders
Anxiety disorders
Characterized by excessive worry, restlessness, or fear, often accompanied by depression, social withdrawal, or suicidal thoughts. Subtypes include:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Panic Attacks
Phobias
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
More infomation here
Depression
Marked by persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, low self-esteem, guilt, concentration problems, sleep or appetite changes, and decreased libido.
Bipolar disorder
Mood swings between manic episodes (euphoria, high energy, impulsivity) and depressive episodes (sadness, fatigue, loss of interest, suicidal thoughts).
Schizophrenia
Symptoms include disorganized thinking, hallucinations, delusions, and impaired perception of reality.
Addictive disorders
Includes alcohol, drug, tobacco addiction, gambling, or internet addiction.
Eating disorders
Anorexia: Intentional weight loss and restricted eating, often in teenagers.
Binge Eating: Consuming large amounts of food in a short period, sometimes followed by purging.
Borderline personality disorder
Marked by emotional instability, impulsive behaviors, fear of abandonment, self-harm, severe mood swings, and unstable relationships.
Suicidal behavior
Warning signs include fatigue, sadness, irritability, sleep or appetite disturbances, withdrawal, and loss of interest in daily activities. Early attention and listening are crucial to prevent self-harm.
