Both mental health and physical well-being are essential from infancy to adulthood. The absence of one in the presence of the other may have unforeseen consequences. In 2017, some 970 million people around the world were estimated to have mental/substance disorders. Americans are no exception to these increments in declining mental health. Coronavirus has also increased the prevalence of mental health-related issues.
Addressing Mental Illness
Identify early signs
Look for early signs of mental reclusiveness. These signs include being frequently gloomy, confused, guilty, fearful, or worried. The patient loses his/her ability to concentrate properly. Mood swings become frequent and unexpected. The person may transform into a recluse, get exhausted quickly, or suffer from sleep deprivation.
Some patients start hearing voices in their heads and try to commit suicide. He/she may get detached from friends and family, plus substance abuse may also indicate anxiety or depression. The next step after identifying these signs is to visit a certified professional.
Eat healthy, sleep comfortably
Eating a fresh, organic, and nutritious meal is essential to maintain mental health. Consuming easy-to-prepare junk food is also bad for your physical well-being. Generally speaking, men and women daily require a 2,500 and 2,000 calorie intake, respectively. A low diet negatively impacts mood disorders (anxiety and depression). Eat food rich in vegetables and olive oil to improve your mental health. Fatty meals rich in carbohydrates may lead to a severe decline in your psychological well-being.
Your mental (and also physical) well-being needs to get enough sleep every night. Adults (aged 18-60) need to sleep at least 7 hours a day. Lack of sleep can seriously disrupt your daily schedule and negatively impact your mental health. Digital technology has encouraged teenagers to spend more time in front of a screen. It contributes to improper mental relaxation among adolescents. Adults need to follow a strict sleeping pattern to adjust their body’s internal clock.
Consult psychological experts
If left untreated, a mental patient’s health may get worse and create severe predicaments. Therefore, it’s necessary to consult your primary healthcare provider or mental health professional. For those who live in San Francisco, you can also talk to a therapist San Francisco SF to learn how to combat mental issues. When should you visit a psychologist? As explained above, identifying any sign of cognitive decline triggers the need to consult a therapist. Other reasons why you should see a mental health professional are:
- If you lose a close friend/relative
- If you have any phobia or irrational fear
- If you’ve acquired an addiction or a harmful habit
- If you suffer from anxiety, stress, tension, depression, or paranoia
- If you find yourself living in social isolation or suffering from sleep deprivation
Influence of coronavirus on mental health
The unpredictable lockdowns, social distancing, and all the rest of it have influenced people’s psychology. Many have suffered from financial losses due to the uncertainty of today. Others have displayed difficulty to adjust to COVID-related health guidelines. Wearing masks and practicing physical distancing from your friends has done a great deal of harm to mental health.
45% of American adults said in March that COVID-19 restrictions had harmed their mental health. People are still afraid. The government can spend more on telehealth and telemedicine to ensure risk-free healthcare for patients.
Exercise regularly and be more social
A regular workout routine will help you cleanse your body and mind of harmful substances. Exercise doesn’t only maintain your physical fitness. Science has revealed that exercise leads to an enhanced neuron production in your brain. It also boosts blood flow to the memory-controlling portion of your mind. Workout increases your cognitive ability, and you become well-equipped to deal with personal issues.
Being connected to your loved ones helps you combat declining mental health. Your family will be the first respondent to your decrepit psychological well-being. You can overcome anxiety and depression if you’re willing to open up to your friends. Even during this pandemic, you can stay connected to the entire world, thanks to the internet. Your loved ones will support you when you’re facing mental issues. Remember, isolation does contribute to a weakened mental condition.
Dangers of mental illness
Mood and anxiety disorders all come under umbrella terms, i.e., mental illness. A mental disorder is a complication that causes disturbance in one’s thinking capabilities. This brain complication makes it difficult for a person to cope with his/her emotions. These mental impediments are common but not untreatable. Proper management of declining cerebral health can help a person with a mental health condition adjust to everyday life. Many factors contribute to mental health dilemmas, such as:
- Biological factors (genetic issues) are also to blame
- Lack of friends and the constant feeling of isolation
- Suffering from a severe disease such as cancer
- Some life events (i.e., accidents) may lead to a mental disorder
- Certain mental disorders are hierarchical and hereditary
Conclusion
During 2017-18, nearly 19% of American adults experienced a mental illness. According to NAMI, it accounted for 46-47 million people in the United States each year. Experts also found that 1 in 25 U.S. adults suffered a severe mental disorder annually. Unfortunately, many patients are left untreated due to the stigma attached to mental disorders. This negligence may lead to the patient’s miserable daily performance and an increased risk of self-harm. Maintaining mental well-being is a vital responsibility.
