While physical health is necessary to keep us strong, mental health is also important for our social, psychological, and emotional well-being.
Mental health deeply impacts how we feel, think, and behave. It helps us cope with stress and depression and helps us make healthier lifestyle choices.
Any disturbance in the cognitive, social, or emotional behavior falls under the mental health disorder category. Mental illnesses are becoming very common worldwide, especially in countries like America, where one in every five individuals suffers from a mental disorder.
Some examples of mental disorders include anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, personality disorders, and addiction.
Treatments for most mental disorders are available, but most people with mental illnesses avoid seeking help from professionals. This is because of their shame in admitting they have a mental illness or disorder.
To help people suffering from mental conditions, we need to raise awareness about mental health disorders and their treatments. The following are some of the most effective techniques to do this:
Pursue a Career in Mental Health or Social Work
Probably the best way to make a difference in people’s lives is to pursue a career path in social work. Social work professionals provide support and care to people who need it the most. They also help raise awareness about mental health, physical health, and occupational therapy.
In order to become a social worker, the first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work. A bachelor’s degree can help you land one of the highest paying social work jobs as a community service manager or a clinical Mental Health Social Worker.
Don’t Be Afraid to Talk About Mental Health
One of the reasons why people don’t seek help for their mental health problems is because they are ashamed to talk about it. Even if there are clear symptoms of a mental disorder, people will mostly deny having any issues related to mental health.
One way to raise awareness about mental health is to talk openly about mental health conditions. Frequently ask your friends and family members how they feel? Ask if they are stressed or feeling depressed.
It is important to notice any change in your friend’s and family’s behavior. Any change in their behavior could be an early sign of a mental illness.
One way to encourage them to talk about their conditions is by sharing your personal experiences about mental illnesses. Listening about how you have also suffered might help them open up about their feelings.
Educate yourself about Mental Illness
Mental disorders are very common these days. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between normal behavior and symptoms of mental illness. Learning about common mental illnesses can help identify if a person is suffering from a mental health condition.
Mental disorders can range from minor stress to chronic brain disorders such as Schizophrenia. Identifying the problem early on can lead to positive outcomes in terms of treatment and recovery.
If you have already learned about common mental health conditions, you should share this information with others to raise awareness. It will take very little of your time, but it can encourage people with mental disorders to seek help from professionals.
Be Kind and Compassionate
The simplest way we can help people suffering from mental disorders is by being kind and compassionate towards them. Genuinely listening to the battles of the ones suffering from mental health problems can encourage them to seek help from professionals.
People suffering from mental illnesses often receive derogatory names such as ‘crazy’ or ‘lunatic,’ which can hurt their feelings, and they can go into a deeper state of depression.
To ensure this does not happen, ask people passing negative comments to consider the consequences of their actions. Giving them a lesson about the use of person-centered language can help ensure that they don’t hurt the feelings of people with mental health conditions.
Take a Mental Health Screening Test and Share it
Most people don’t share about their mental health conditions even if they suspect something is wrong with them. The stigma around mental disorders stops them from sharing their conditions with others. They might share their condition if they know it is quite common to have mental disorders.
One way to let them know mental disorders are common is by taking a free mental health screening test and sharing it on your social media account.
Participate in Awareness Events
The best way to raise awareness about any issue is through public events. Many institutes organize awareness events about mental health around the year. Volunteer to participate in such awareness events and encourage others to do so as well. You could even organize one yourself!
May has been marked as the National Mental Health Month, and universities and social workers organize many events during this month. It is the best time to know the importance of mental health and get more information about mental disorders.
Encourage Physical Activity that Improves Mental Fitness
It is important to understand that physical activity directly impacts mental health. Promote exercise and a healthy diet in your community via festivals or training programs. You can even hold seminars on healthy living to raise awareness about how proper sleep and exercise can help people come out of depression and improve their mental health.
Learn about available Treatments
If someone you love has been diagnosed with a mental illness, it is important to learn about the available treatments for mental disorders. There are various methods to treat mental health conditions, including medication, psychotherapy, and certain lifestyle changes.
Medications for anxiety, depression, and stress are available, which are very effective in treating mental illnesses. These medications boost the levels of chemicals such as serotonin to make the individual feel good.
Psychotherapy carried out by professionals is also extremely helpful in identifying the root cause of the mental disorder. Learn more about the difference between psychotherapy vs therapy.
Other methods for treating mental health conditions include self-help lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol consumption, getting proper 8-hour sleep, and practicing relaxation techniques. However, the treatment depends on the type and intensity of the disorder.
Binge Eating Disorder
- Eating enormous amounts of food until uncomfortable full
- May prefer to eat in secret or when alone
- Feels a lack of control when eating
- Feelings of shame or guilt when thinking about their behavior
Conclusion
Mental disorders are becoming very common these days, yet many people ignore the symptoms of mental disorders due to the stigma around the word. It is important to break this stigma and encourage people with mental health conditions to get professional help. It is important to talk openly about these issues, learn more about the causes and symptoms of the mental disorders and encourage people with mental disorders to take professional help.
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