Mental Health is the condition of a person who is “functioning as a suitable level of mental and behavioral adjustment.” People with Mental Health conditions are normally able to function in society, but their mental health may not be in good condition. Mental Health is more complex than physical health, as it is associated with the individual’s psychological as well as physical state. According to the World Health Organization, mental illness is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.
The most common mental illnesses are clinical depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders and attention deficit disorder (ADD) and ADHD. According to the latest statistics available, nearly 70 percent of people who visit the emergency room of a local hospital due to mental health issues have suffered from at least one such condition. These are the people who often do not disclose their mental health concerns to their family and friends. The sad fact is that a large number of them never seek medical attention. This makes it very difficult for professionals to diagnose these conditions and therefore, there are many mental health issues which are not fully understood. One reason for this is that the symptoms of mental illnesses can be so similar to other health issues that they are not recognized as being mental conditions and thus, are never properly treated or diagnosed.
There are various treatments and methods to treat mental health problems. The first step in the treatment process involves identifying the problem. Once the problem has been identified, the next step would be to determine the specific treatment to be given. The patient and his or her family members should take care of any questions and doubts about the treatment. The treatment methods may range from medications to cognitive therapy, counseling and self-help techniques. Some of the treatments may also involve support group activities where the family of the patient can work together to keep the patient engaged in his or her recovery. Mental Health conditions need to be taken seriously as they affect the mental state of people, cause disability and can even lead to suicide.
