Even if you’ve never suffered from mental illness, someone you know has (you might not even know it). It’s 2022, and it’s time to end the mental health stigma.
Often described as an ‘invisible illness,’ mental health problems are misunderstood by many and entirely disregarded by others. But it’s time to change that.
The first step to understanding mental health is education. Whether you’re suffering from your own mental health or trying to support someone else, taking the time to learn about these problems is vital.
Read on to find out more.
Mental Health Problems Are Common
In the past, many people tried to hide their mental health problems. But things are changing, and there’s increasing awareness of the mental illness. If you still don’t think you know many people affected by these problems, here are some CDC mental illness facts:
- There are more than 200 diagnosable mental health disorders
- 20% of Americans get depression in their lives
- 11% of Americans suffer regular anxiety
- 17% of school children are diagnosed with a mental health disorder
- There are 55.7 million visits to doctors per year for mental health issues
- There are around 45,000 deaths due to suicide in America every year
- The prevalence of mental health disorders increased during the pandemic
Mental Health Disorders Can Affect Anyone
There’s a common misconception that your life has to be ‘bad’ to suffer from mental health issues; this couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Mental health issues are caused by chemical imbalances in the brain and can affect anyone at any time in their life.
Although the illness is often triggered by a life situation, mental health psychology dictates that this isn’t always the case.
You don’t need a reason to be depressed or suffer from other mental illnesses. Chemical or hormonal imbalances can happen to anyone.
Professional Treatment Is Available
Although some people recover from mental health problems without diagnosis or treatment, sometimes it can be a significant help. There are many different mental health treatment options available. Some of these include:
- Talking therapies
- Medications
- Nerve stimulation treatments (learn about a tvns device here)
- Psychedelic therapies (only approved in some states)
- In-patient treatment (for severe mental illness)
If you’re suffering with your mental health, the first step is to visit your health practitioner. They’ll help you determine what type of treatment will help you feel better.
In some cases, lifestyle adjustments and talking therapies will be sufficient. For others, medications and more significant interventions are necessary.
Be honest with your healthcare professional, and they’ll be able to advise on the most appropriate options for you.
Your Guide to Understanding Mental Health
This simple guide to understanding mental health should help you manage your own feelings and be more compassionate towards others.
If you’re suffering, know that it’s temporary and you will recover.
Also, remember that you never know what’s going on inside someone else’s head – in a world where you can be anything, be kind.
Did you find this article helpful? If so, look at our other posts for more educational guides.