Mental Health is described as an absence or the degree of mental disorder or the quality of emotional well being. It is an individual state of a person who is “working at a satisfying level of emotional and/or behavioral adjustment.” It is defined as having the capability to maintain and develop a normal, healthy and satisfactory lifestyle. People suffering from mental disorders often find it difficult to maintain their mental health and thus they are not able to lead a satisfying life.
A mental disorder can affect a person in many ways including affecting his/her professional, personal, and social life. People with mental disorders may be prone to stress and other adverse mental effects due to the stresses and strains brought about by their mental disorders. They may also have to face challenges such as financial problems, family conflict, and personal injury. If left untreated, patients suffering from mental disorders may also suffer from drug or alcohol dependency or abuse. The effects of mental disorders on the patients include physical ailments such as hypertension, coronary diseases, and heart attacks, cognitive and motor impairments, and psychological problems like depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Mental disorders also tend to affect one’s social life, which can have negative impacts on relationships with friends, family, co-workers and colleagues.
When suffering from a mental disorder, one should take appropriate steps to address the condition as soon as possible. This means that a patient with a mental disorder should always seek immediate treatment. Mental illnesses are very treatable. A mental patient who does not seek proper treatment may face severe physical complications or may even lose his or her life. To avoid this, patients suffering from a mental disorder should make a conscious effort to find and consult a mental health professional or psychologist to help them identify their conditions. This will ensure that patients are aware of the necessary treatment for their mental conditions.