WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?
The term "mental health" relates to a person's general well-being as well as their thoughts, feelings, and actions. It is a crucial component of overall health and encompasses a variety of feelings, actions, and beliefs. The capacity of a person to manage the pressures and demands of life, to work well, and to give back to their community are all signs of good mental health.
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Numerous elements, such as heredity, physical health, and life events, can have an impact on one's mental health. Others may experience mental health difficulties as a result of physical or emotional trauma. At the same time, some people may be more susceptible to mental health problems because of their personal or family background.
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Anxiety disorders, mood disorders (such as depression or bipolar disorder), psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia), eating disorders, and personality disorders are just a few examples of ailments that can cause mental health problems. These illnesses can significantly affect a person's everyday life and make it difficult to work, attend school, and keep up with their relationships.
SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS
CHANGES IN MOOD
Changes in mood: A person may experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or irritability that are out of character for them or that last for an extended period of time.
RELATIONSHIPS CHANGES
Relationship changes: A person may experience disagreements with friends or family members or find it difficult to sustain connections as a result of their mental health problems.
CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR
Changes in behavior: A person may stop participating in social activities, see a major drop in their career or academic performance, or start acting riskily.
CHANGES IN PERCEPTION AND THOUGHT
Changes in perception and thought: A person may become distracted easily, find it harder to make decisions, or develop unfavorable opinions of themselves or the environment around them.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and they are causing significant distress or interference in your daily life, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. They can help you identify the cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan to help you manage your mental health.
STIGMA IN SOUTH ASIAN COMMUNITIES
The stigma around mental health in South Asian communities can result from a variety of circumstances. Lack of knowledge about mental health disorders and how to get care could be one factor. Some people might not be aware of the symptoms of a mental health illness or know how to get help for a mental health issue.
The stigma around mental health may also be influenced by cultural and societal standards. Some South Asian cultures could hold the opinion that getting treatment for mental health problems is a sign of weakness or that doing so is bad for the person or their family. There could be a stigma associated with talking about private issues or getting assistance from someone outside the family.
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It's important to recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health issue, please don't hesitate to reach out for support.
FIND A PSYCHIATRIST
RESOURCES
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IF YOU NEED IMMEDIATE HELP
Therapy is a treatment method used to help people with a variety of mental and emotional health issues. It can benefit people struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, or other concerns. Therapy can be conducted in individual, group, or family sessions, and it can be done in person or online. There are many different types of therapy, including cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavior, and psychoanalytic, and the right type of therapy for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are interested in finding a therapist, you can ask your primary care doctor for recommendations, search online directories (like the one linked above), or contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.
If you are in need of immediate help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) in the United States. This line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is free and confidential. You can also use the online chat feature on their website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/.
If you are in another country, you can find a list of international suicide hotlines here: https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/
It's important to remember that you are not alone and that there is help available. Please don't hesitate to reach out for support.
A medical professional who focuses on the treatment of mental illness is a psychiatrist. They are skilled in the diagnosis and management of mental health issues utilizing a range of interventions, such as medication and talk therapy. Psychiatrists assist people in managing their mental health better and enhance their overall well-being. They deal with individuals, families, and groups. It may be beneficial to discuss your symptoms and treatment choices with a psychiatrist if you are having mental health problems. If you are interested in finding a psychiatrist, click the link at the top.
About Mental Health. (n.d.). CDC. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm
Mental Health Conditions. (n.d.). NAMI. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-conditions
Psychiatry.org - What is Psychiatry? (n.d.). American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-psychiatry
Therapy. (n.d.). Psychology Today. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/therapy
What Is Mental Health? | MentalHealth.gov. (2022, February 28). Mental Health.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health