Mental health became a serious concern worldwide in 2020 during COVID-19. The environment influences the well-being of a person. Mental health is a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn and work well, and contribute to their communities. We have had situations of people with high profiles committing suicide. These are the mental health conditions;
Anxiety disorder
This is a feeling of worry, anxiety, or fear that is strong enough to interfere with one’s daily activities. Examples of anxiety disorders include panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The symptoms include stress that’s out of proportion to the impact of an event, inability to set aside worry and restlessness, fatigue and sweating, lack of concentration, fear, and trembling. Treatment is therapy which includes counseling, medication, and, changing of lifestyle.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder[ADHD]
This is a chronic condition including attention difficulty, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. It often begins in childhood and can persist into adulthood. Symptoms include limited attention and hyperactivity, depression or learning disability, excitement or mood swings, absent-mindedness, forgetfulness, persistent repetition of words or actions, and irritability. Treatment includes medication and talk therapy.
Bipolar disorder
Also called manic depression. This is a mental health condition and causes extreme mood swings. Symptoms include feeling incredibly high or euphoric, delusions of self-importance, poor appetite, and weight loss, getting much less sleep or no sleep, highly irritable, impatient, or aggressive. Treatment includes medication and therapy.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
Is a mental illness that affects a person’s ability to regulate their emotions. Symptoms include self-harm, emotional stability, distorted sense of self, impulsive behaviors, and unstable relationships. Treatment includes psychotherapy which is the main treatment of BPD and medication. People with BPD are at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and self-harm. They may also experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, or eating disorder.
Depression
Is a mental disorder that causes a persistent low mood and loss of interest in activities. Symptoms include irritability, difficulty concentrating, lack of energy, changes in appetite, trouble sleeping, feeling overwhelmed or out of control, feeling sad, hopeless, or helpless, and physical symptoms like joint or muscle pain, breast tenderness, or weight gain. It’s caused by genetic factors, environmental factors, psychological factors, chemical imbalances in the brain, or stressful events such as bereavement or relationship breakdown. Treatment includes taking therapies, antidepressants, and lifestyle changes, such as exercise, getting enough sleep, and reducing caffeine and alcohol. Depression can lead to suicide.
Dissociative identity disorder
Also called DID, split personality disorder, multiple personality disorder. It is a disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality tests. Treatment is talk therapy.
Eating disorder
Is a mental disorder defined by abnormal eating behaviors that adversely affect a person’s physical or mental health. These behaviors may include either eating too much or too little. Treatment is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy.
Obsessive compulsive disorder[OCD]
Excessive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions). It’s characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears [obsessions] that lead to compulsive behaviors. OCD often centers on themes such as fear of germs or the need to arrange objects in a specific manner. Treatment consists of talk therapy and medication.
Posttraumatic disorder
A disorder characterized by failure to recover after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Symptoms may include nightmares or flashbacks, avoidance of situations that bring back the trauma, heightened reactivity to stimuli, anxiety, or depressed mood. Treatment includes different types of psychotherapy as well as medications to manage symptoms.
Psychosis disorder
Characterized by a connection from reality. May occur as a result of a psychiatric illness such as schizophrenia. In other instances, it may be caused by a health condition, medication, or drug use. Symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, talking incoherently, and agitation. The person with the condition usually isn’t aware of his or her behavior. Treatment includes medication and talk therapy.
Schizoaffective disorder
Also called schizo bipolar disorder. It’s a mental health condition including schizophrenia and mood disorder symptoms Symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, depressed episodes, and manic periods of high energy. Treatment includes medication and therapy.
Schizophrenia
A disorder that affects a person’s ability to think, feel, and behave clearly. Schizophrenia is characterized by thoughts or experiences that seem out of touch with reality, disorganized speech or behavior, and decreased participation in daily activities. Treatment includes medications and psychotherapy.
In conclusion mental health is very essential for all being as it helps individuals manage their thoughts, emotions and behaviors respectively by fostering mental health awareness we will be able to reduce stigma around mental health issues, encourage early intervention and promote a culture of empathy and support. Raising awareness through open conversations and access to mental health recourses. It also encourages self care practices and seeking help when needed.