WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH SERIOUSLY.
What is mental health?
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.1 Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, poor mental health and mental illness are not the same.
Click hereA person can experience poor mental health and not be diagnosed with a mental illness. Likewise, a person diagnosed with a mental illness can experience periods of physical, mental, and social well-being.
Why is mental health important for overall health?
Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health.
Click here for a Smart Brain For example, depression increases the risk for many types of physical health problems, particularly long-lasting conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Similarly, the presence of chronic conditions can increase the risk for mental illness.
Here are five Reasons you should never ignore your mental health.
1. Mental illness is common
About 1 in 5 Americans suffer from some form of mental health issues. Take a look around your office. Chances are, someone else is struggling with mental health issues as well. You are not alone in your battle, and that is important to remember.
2. Mental illness can affect your physical health
Don’t separate your physical health from your mental health. It may seem obvious, but the brain is part of your body, and you shouldn’t overlook it. Mental illness may be the root cause of many physical symptoms. For example, if you suffer from insomnia, heart palpitations, or fatigue, your doctor will want to rule out depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions that may be a potential cause. The American Heart Association even released a statement that recommends that depression be considered a risk factor for patients with acute coronary syndrome.
3. Diseases can increase your risk
Some conditions can actually increase your risk of having a mental illness. Chronic diseases like cancer, MS, diabetes, stroke, Parkinson’s, and even head trauma injuries can raise your risk of mental illnesses. However, doctors are becoming more aware of this, so hopefully, it will become less of an issue in the future
4. Early detection is key
Just like with most physical conditions, if you are able to detect and diagnose mental health issues early on, it can often lead to a better outcome. Getting the help you need can help prevent the symptoms from getting worse and prevent negative effects those symptoms might have on your life. For example, early treatment can help reduce the strain on relationships and even help increase your productivity at home and work.
5. It can be hereditary
Looking at the history of your family’s mental health can help determine your risk for a certain mental illness. You should always inform your doctor of any issues that may run in your family
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