When we think about our health, we are often prone to excluding mental health from the equation. It’s easy to do since mental health hides in plain sight. We often don’t take the time to consider our mental health, because many of us don’t know exactly what to look for or when to be concerned. Often, we feel our feelings and don’t allow ourselves the time to examine them. Here is some information to help you understand your own mental health better.
How Is Mental Health Defined?
Mental health includes psychological, social, and emotional aspects of our well-being. These are the factors that help us navigate life’s stressors and other obstacles, and establish how we make healthy choices and relate with those around us. Mental health’s importance has no cap on age – for all ages, mental health is of critical importance.
How Does Mental Health Change?
Mental health can and does change for a variety of reasons. Changes to our bodies can affect our mental health and so many outside factors. If we experience excess stress which exceeds our ability to cope with mental health. This is especially true if we find ourselves as caretakers; many people who do such work do not feel they have the time or resources to take care of themselves, and this can cause them to experience poor mental health.
Why is Mental Health Important?
Mental health’s importance is not just because of the obvious – that we all deserve happiness and deserve to find a way to get there. It is also important because mental health impacts our bodies as well. The ripple effect of depression can increase our risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The reverse may also be true, that some chronic illnesses may affect our mental health.
Is Mental Illness Common?
It should be noted that mental illness is not the same as poor mental health. That said, mental illnesses are some of the most common medical conditions in the U.S. One out of five Americans will experience some form of mental illness each year, and in their lifetime, more than fifty percent of people will be diagnosed with a mental illness or mental disorder.
What Are the Causes of Mental Illness?
This is a complicated question, as it is always a combination of elements that cause mental illness. Many things may contribute to mental illness, including traumatic experiences or a history of trauma, chronic medical conditions, or even existing biological factors. It may sometimes be a chemical imbalance in the brain or even the use of drugs or alcohol.
Summary
You can’t be to blame for what you don’t know, but once you do understand your mind a little better, you will have greater self-knowledge, which will allow you to process things better and more easily identify when you need help. If you are having trouble dealing with mental help, you should consult with a professional or call a helpline if needed. Prioritize your mental health more – you’ll thank yourself for it later.