When to seek medical advice
Are you struggling with your emotions and think you may have a mental health problem? You might want to pay a visit to your doctor if you have the symptoms of mental health illness described above. Your doctor can then determine and refer you to a mental health specialist. Ignoring your situation will only make it worse, a mental disorder won’t improve if left untreated. The symptoms can get worse and eventually cause even more serious problems.
Do you suspect a loved one is struggling with a mental health illness? This can put tremendous strain on family members and friends, and it can be difficult to know what to do. In certain circumstances, it can be quite obvious somebody is struggling with a problem, but you cannot force them to seek help. You should also not form your conclusions or diagnosis. The best you can do is to offer them encouragement and support. Talk to them openly about what is bothering them, ignoring the problem won’t make it go away.
Listen to what they have to say and try not to force an issue, like going to see a doctor. Avoid confrontation and let them make the decision, you can also offer to go with them to show your support. In circumstances where the situation is serious and they are considering harming themselves, it is important to get help immediately. Call a helpline or go to the hospital if necessary.
Causes and risk factors of having a mental health disorder
There are several different causes, mostly mental health illnesses have a connection with genetic as well as certain environmental factors. One of the top causes of mental health is often something that can be inherited. A person can inherit genes that predispose them into developing a mental health illness. This gene can be activated by many things, especially in stressful situations.
Today, our bodies are exposed to a lot of bad things, from polluted air to toxic foods. All these stressors can contribute to the cause of mental health disorders. Alcohol and drugs are also a contributing factor, especially for an unborn baby. Also, any prenatal damage can be a factor in the cause of mental health issues.
Other causes:
- Brain injuries
- Poor nutrition as well as a vitamin D deficiency.
- Exposure to certain toxins, such as lead
- Certain infections can cause damage to the brain or it may worsen the symptoms of a mental health disorder.
Contributing risk factors:
- Stress can be a major risk factor, anything from a loved one's death to financial difficulties.
- An already existing chronic health condition such as arthritis, asthma or diabetes
- Trauma experiences, a good example is military men and women who come back from serving in war zones. Anybody who has gone through being assaulted or violated in any way.
- Not having a close support system of family and friends, being isolated and in unhealthy relationships.
Having a mental health illness can also cause problems and complications. Personal and family relationships are affected, problems can form at work or school, it can even lead to things like homelessness. Since the body and mind are so closely linked, the body can develop various health problems because of emotional issues. Physical problems like high blood pressure, gastrointestinal issues, amongst others. For example, the skin condition psoriasis is often linked to stress as a trigger. Your immune system is also affected by your emotional wellbeing; you may find that your body finds it difficult to fend off infections.
