Mental Health Vs Mental Wellness

Mental Health Issues and Access To Care

By Sue Trainer 22/08/2022 2 mins read

First, consult a doctor if your concern is that your child or family member may have mental health issues. A physical exam may be necessary to rule out any physical illnesses. An appointment with a mental healthcare professional will also include an interview and evaluation. The mental health professional will check for any symptoms and assess the severity of the condition. Intervention may be necessary if there are concerns from family members or friends.

Options for treatment

While a primary care provider can treat mild to moderate mental illnesses, more serious ones require a team approach. Patients can benefit from psychotherapy and other treatments to help them overcome their mental health issues. The best treatment options are dependent on the patient's medical condition and severity. For those with severe mental disorders, intensive outpatient treatment or psychiatric hospitalization may be necessary. The situation and individual's responses to treatments will determine which type of treatment is best.

Language barriers

In the United States, it is becoming increasingly difficult for refugees and immigrants to get health care. The country had approximately 40 million immigrants in 2010, or 13% of its entire population. This is approximately nine percent of all the population. Twenty-five millions of them spoke little English. Language barriers clearly make it difficult for individuals to get the health care they need. Language barriers often result from low income so these people have to navigate the healthcare system.

Implicit bias

Implicit bias has been recognized for a long time as a major factor in the creation and maintenance of disparities in mental care, particularly for those from marginalized groups. Research suggests that implicit biases may be much more common among service providers than previously thought. These biases are subconscious and activate automatically in practitioner-client interactions. These biases can affect access and treatment outcomes. They are especially dangerous when they intersect with the criminal justice or mental health systems.

Pandemic has an impact on mental well-being

The COVID-19 epidemic has raised concerns about the potential effects of the virus upon mental health and substance misuse. A survey in 2020 revealed that 41% of adults experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety. This stress has increased suicide attempts and substance usage among these individuals. Even more alarming, 11% of these adults reported that they had thoughts of suicide in the past 30 days. The Pandemic could increase suicide rates, which is already high.

Suicide rates

Suicide is a problem across the globe. In the United States alone, over 703 000 people take their own lives each year, and many more attempt to commit suicide. Suicide is a serious problem that affects families, communities and countries. Suicide affects everyone, including adolescents and the elderly. It is the fourth most common cause of death for those aged 15-29 years. Suicide is a problem all over the world. In 2017, 77% of suicides were in low-income countries.

FAQ

What are some mental-emotional issues?

Any condition that causes serious distress or impairment of functioning is known as mental disorders. Some examples of mental disorder include anxiety, depression, schizophrenia.

Why is mental health so important?

Play, work, learning, and love are all important. Mental health refers to our overall wellbeing. The physical, psychological as well as social, spiritual and environmental factors that influence us every day are all part of mental health. There are many methods to care for yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. You don't need to do it all at once. Start somewhere.

Understanding your current mental health status is the first step in improving it. Take this quiz to find out if you're doing enough to support your mental health. If your score is low you might need to change your lifestyle.

You scored well, congratulations! Consider the following tips to improve and maintain your mental well-being.

Get Enough Sleep. You can keep your brain sharp, energized and alert by getting enough sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommends that children get 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night.
Exercise Regularly. Exercise releases endorphins that make you feel happy. Try to do 30 minutes of exercise five days a week.

What are the 5 ways to improve wellbeing?

Wellbeing refers to "the state or condition of being physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially well." Several factors affect our well-being, such as family, work, health, relationships, community, environment, education, finances, etc. The first step to improving your well-being is identifying what aspects of your life need improvement. Then, you can work to make these changes.

Here are five tips to boost your well-being.

Exercise - This increases endorphin levels, which makes us happier.
Sleep - More than 6 hours sleep per night can reduce stress and anxiety.
Nutrition - Eat healthy foods, such as fruits and veggies, to boost your mood.
Meditation - Regular meditation reduces stress and anxiety.
Socialization: Spending quality time together with our families and friends makes us happy.

How can I prevent my mental health problems from happening?

Preventing problems with mental health is much easier said than done. But, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Don't drink alcohol. The effects of alcohol on moods can lead to depression.
Avoid drugs. Avoid using drugs.
Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can make you feel anxious and depressed.
Exercise regularly. Exercise makes you feel happy and releases endorphins.
Consume healthy food. Junk food can make you feel lazy and unwell.
Spend quality time spending it with loved ones. Spending time with people you love can make you feel happier.
Have fun. Enjoy life and try new things.
You should take breaks from social media. Social media sites can make you feel lonely and isolated.
Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself nicely, even if you aren't feeling great.
Ask for help. Ask for help if it's difficult to cope. Talking with a friend or family member is a great way to get help.
Remember, it's OK to cry. It helps to release stress and tension. It doesn't necessarily signify that something bad has happened.
Keep busy. Do something that you love.
Good hygiene is essential. Neglecting to maintain a clean environment can lead to a feeling of unattractiveness and lackluster appearance.
Keep in touch. Staying connected will help you stay positive.
Learn how to relax. Relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga can help you to cope with stress.
Find meaning in your work. Finding meaning in your hobbies or work can help you feel fulfilled.
Be present in the moment. If you can focus on the moment, you will not worry as much about the future.
Set goals. You can set goals to motivate yourself to reach them.
Do something nice to yourself. Doing something nice for yourself can boost your self-esteem.
Practice gratitude. Gratitude can help you appreciate all the good things in your life.
Volunteer. Volunteering can be an enjoyable way to spend time and make a difference in the world.
Give back. Giving back to others can make it feel fulfilling.
Be aware of warning signs. Do not hesitate to seek help if you notice changes in your behavior.

What do psychologists have to say about mental illness?

Psychologists believe that mental wellness is an essential component of human development. They believe mental health does not simply refer to having no mental illness but also being mentally fit.

Different views are held by psychologists about mental health. Psychologists believe that mental health does not need to be important because so many people do not have mental illness. Other psychologists think that mental health is essential because without it, we can't function properly.

What should I do if I am experiencing mental health issues?

If you are suffering from any type of mental illness, it is important to seek professional help. You may have been subjected to trauma or abuse. It is possible that you have had to deal with trauma in your past.

An eating disorder, addiction, and other mental illnesses could also be a problem. These disorders can cause significant damage to your personal and professional life.

It is best to not try to solve them all by yourself. Instead, talk to someone who can help you. You can get the support you need from a professional therapist to help you overcome these difficulties.

Statistics

According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five Americans experiences mental health issues which translates to more than 40 million adults a year. (doctorondemand.com)
In any given year, an estimated 18.1% (43.6 million) of U.S. adults ages 18 years or older suffered from any mental illness, and 4.2% (9.8 million) (healthypeople.gov)
Similarly, while there is some agreement about the boundaries of typical mental disorders 2, there is likely less agreement about those for positive mental health. (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
More than 50% will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime.3 (cdc.gov)
Neuropsychiatric diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S., accounting for 18.7 percent of all years of potential lifespan loss and premature mortality.

How To

How To Determine If One Needs To Ask For Help From A Mental Health Expert

There are some indicators that will alert you to the possibility of professional assistance. If you notice any warning signs, it's best to consult a doctor.

It's as if you feel out of control.
You are having difficulty sleeping.
Your thoughts seem to race when you try to concentrate.
You begin to consider suicide.
You feel helpless.
You feel like life isn't worth living.
You are not interested in the same things that you used to love.
You've stopped eating.
You are now withdrawn.
To cope with stress, you may have tried to use drugs or alcohol.
You are starting to lose family or friends.
You may have also experienced headaches, stomachaches or backaches, and chest pains.