Mental health is as significant as physical health. If the mind is in a healthy state, the body will automatically function properly. Unquestionably, humans need both a healthy body and a healthy mind to live a fully functional and productive life. Mental health comprises psychological, emotional, and social well-being. It has profound impacts on the way we think, feel, and act. Furthermore, during the pandemic, the global population’s mental health has worsened. Now is indeed not the time to put your mental health on the back burner.
Ignoring behavioral health concerns can lead to chronic mental issues. Unfortunately, mental health is a highly stigmatized topic, which is why many people dislike discussing it. Depression, bipolar illness, dementia, anxiety disorder, autism, schizophrenia, and many other mental issues can arise from poor mental health screenings.
Mental Health Significance
Millions of people globally do not receive the help they need due to the stigma around mental health. Depression is the leading cause of illnesses globally, having a profound mental, physical, social, and economic impact on individuals and their families. Mental health is undoubtedly vital at all stages of life, including childhood, adolescence, and maturity.
It can boost productivity and effectiveness in your career, academic, and personal life. It also helps you adjust to changes in your life and manage hardships and challenges life throws at you. With mental health concerns, reaching out for therapy is not easy. However, once you’re ready, there are plenty of resources out there. There are various therapists available online who can help you with mental issues. Besides, mental health experts are available worldwide. So, if you reside in Northern California, you don’t have to worry about finding expert therapists. You can schedule a session with a therapist San Francisco CA and avail of the therapy you are looking for to cope with your mental health.
There are several reasons to stop neglecting your mental health regardless of the difficulties in finding or receiving treatment. These reasons are listed below:
1. Impact on your physical health
Physical and mental health are associated with each other. If the mind is unhealthy, the body will have poor functioning. Psychological issues are so severe that they can harm your physical health by increasing stress, disrupting sleep, or impairing the immune system. It gravely affects your ability to make decisions and fight chronic diseases. Physically ill people are three times more likely than healthy people to seek mental health therapy. Some of the health complications include:
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Gastronomical problems
- Heart diseases
- Diabetes
2. Decrease in energy
Because depression is a critical cause of fatigue, you may be wondering if your weariness is related to it. The truth is that several underlying mental problems might cause you to feel fatigued most of the time. Changes in brain neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin are related to depression. These neurotransmitters play an essential role in regulating energy levels. You can enhance your energy levels by exercising as it enforces the production of proteins known as neurotrophic factors. These proteins stimulate nerves to form new connections, resulting in improved brain function and declining depression symptoms.
3. Life expectancy
Increased risk of death in humans is related to psychological distress. Individuals with schizophrenia have a mortality rate of 2 to 2.5 times that of the general population. Those with depression have a 1 to 1.8 times more risk of early death. Rather than the symptoms themselves, the primary reason for high mortality rates is the consequences of mental health symptoms on life situations. Mental diseases raise the likelihood of several health conditions as well as shorter life expectancy. These problems include:
- Suicide
- Infectious diseases
- Poor self-care
- Chronic health conditions
4. Excessive mood swings
While everyone has mood swings to some degree, excessive mood swings can indicate a mental disease. For example, you can be so ecstatic that you can’t stop yourself from spending money, confronting people, or engaging in other risky actions. You may also feel like hurting yourself or cannot maintain your social life, work, or get enough sleep. Such changes in your attitude can be a symptom of a more serious health condition. Make an appointment with your doctor to talk about your feelings. They can help you figure out why you’re feeling this way and what you can do about it.
5. Mental issues run in the family
Your family history is a good predictor of whether you have a mental health problem. There is evidence that having a biological family member with a recognized mental condition enhances your chances of having one. But taking care of your psychological health can decrease the chances of developing the disease. Because children’s brains are pliable, Dr. Bea suggests that they build resistance to cope with the feelings caused by stress. He recommends intervening through medications and counseling as soon as possible. One may not be able to ward off the medical issue entirely but can lessen the severity.
6. Paranoia or hallucinations
It’s a rare mental disease in which you feel that others are being unfair to you, lying to you, or attempting to harm you despite the lack of evidence. You don’t believe you are paranoid because you’re sure of it. There are various causes of paranoia like less or disturbed sleep, stress, and personality disorders. A paranoid person gets easily offended, does not easily compromise and trust, and has negative feelings towards normal behaviors. Drug abuse and stimulants can also cause paranoia. Long-term repetitive alcohol abuse and cocaine can lead to hallucinations.
Bottom Line
It is viable to seek treatment for mental conditions; otherwise, it can exacerbate health problems. Obtaining care as soon as possible can help reduce the worsening of conditions. Besides, mental illness in one person can trigger risky behaviors in other family members. It can also lead to financial difficulties. Therefore, you should never overlook your mental health issues. Early detection and therapy can always aid in the control of the disease. Consult with your mental health expert today if you experience any of the conditions mentioned above.
