Mental health is a positive state of being in which an individual realizes their own abilities, copes with normal stresses and challenges, works productively and contributes to the community.
People with good mental health are more likely to be able to show affection and support others. They also have a better ability to manage their time and avoid procrastination.
Stress
Stress is your body’s reaction to pressure or threat. This response, called the fight or flight mechanism, helps you react to danger by increasing your heart rate and breathing and releasing stress hormones.
It also helps you focus on the task at hand so you can complete it successfully. However, if you experience chronic stress, this response is activated repeatedly and can be harmful to your mental health.
It can damage your mood and outlook, disrupt your sleep, and trigger problems like depression and anxiety. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek help from a professional.
Depression
Depression is a common mental health condition that affects about one in 10 people at some point during their lives. It may start out as a normal reaction to stressful situations such as losing a loved one or getting fired from a job, but can turn into a serious problem that interferes with daily life and relationships.
Fortunately, depression is treatable. Treatment can include talking therapies, lifestyle changes and medication. About 80% to 90% of those with depression who receive care respond well.
Anxiety
Often, anxiety is simply a natural reaction to stressful situations. It can help us navigate them with extra precaution or care.
In some cases, though, anxiety can become a mental health disorder. It can have a negative impact on your health and quality of life, especially in the long term.
Psychotherapy and medication are two common treatment options for anxiety disorders. But other lifestyle changes and coping strategies may also be helpful, as well as support from family and friends.
For example, quitting smoking and cutting back on caffeine can make a big difference in managing your symptoms. It's also important to get plenty of sleep and be active regularly. These can reduce stress, and improve your mood and energy levels.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that affects the way you think, feel and behave. It can lead to hallucinations, delusions and extremely disordered thinking and behaviour that interferes with daily functioning and may cause social problems.
People with schizophrenia are often treated with antipsychotic medicines that help control the main symptoms of the illness, such as hallucinations and delusions. They can also be helped by psychological treatments such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), supportive psychotherapy and family therapy.
Many people with schizophrenia have a long and meaningful life after treatment. They can also lead healthy lives with the right support from their friends, family and community.
Trauma
Traumatic events can leave lasting effects on a person’s physical, emotional, and mental health. These events can be anything from a childhood injury to the loss of a loved one.
Some people develop trauma symptoms immediately after a stressful event, while others may have lingering effects that interfere with their daily lives. Treatment can help alleviate these symptoms and improve overall wellbeing.
People who have experienced traumatic events should seek professional help if their symptoms interfere with their daily life or their relationships with friends and family. They should also seek help if the symptoms are severe or last for longer than a few weeks.
