A Complete Guide To The Importance Of Mental Health

Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness

Individuals who experience mental illnesses also tend to be haunted by stigma and discrimination. Stigma occurs when an individual has a negative perception of someone because of a particular attribute or characteristic, such as cultural background, a disability, skin color, or mental illness. If someone mistreats an individual due to a mental illness, it is considered discrimination. These two factors can make life even worse for those who have mental conditions. Some of its harmful effects are self-doubt, physical violence, bullying, or harassment, fewer social interaction or employment opportunities, lack of understanding by family and friends, reluctance to get help or seek treatment, feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and shame.

Some useful ways of dealing with stigma include understanding that it is not personal and that an illness does not define who a person is. Additional methods include connecting with others, not hiding the mental illness, and getting the cognitive treatment needed. If one of your loved ones believe that they have been discriminated against, do some research and find out more about legislation that protects people's rights with mental illnesses.

Most Common Mental Illnesses

It is crucial to define mental health as the physiological and emotional well-being. Well-balanced mental health helps individuals lead healthy and happy lives. Mental illnesses mostly affect the way people think and feel. They can be influenced by a wide variety of factors such as biology, genetics, environment, and daily habits. The National Institute of Mental Health claims that women are more likely to develop severe mental illness than men.

There are over three hundred mental health disorders recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. However, the ones that mostly affect individuals in the United States are social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder. Some common mental health signs include insomnia, fatigue, irritability, confusion, fright, anxiety, helplessness, numbness or lack of empathy, extreme mood swings, constant arguing or fighting with family members and friends, smoking, drinking, and using illegal substances. If a loved one has been experiencing any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to ask for help.