Mental health is an important issue that must be discussed widely today. Unfortunately, despite the several campaigns that go on there is still not enough awareness regarding mental health, and it is often disregarded due to the stigma that surrounds our society.
Regardless of age, almost every other individual is suffering from a mental health issue and carries symptoms that are either mild or severe. Our daily lives alone tend to cause way too much stress and delay in treatment may lead to lethal consequences, therefore, it is essential that we pay heed to our surroundings and look out for anyone who may be suffering from a serious anxiety disorder, depression or any other mental illness before it’s too late. If you too have been suffering from any symptoms that indicate towards a mental illness, it is best that you reach out to a trusted friend or professional and seek assistance immediately.
Some of us may believe that our state of mind does not affect our overall physical health, which is wrong. As a matter of fact, your mental health has a lot to do when it comes to your well-being, productivity at work and daily life. Adopting good habits that keep you in a good, sound mental health allows you to feel healthy and can prevent health complications. Several studies even indicate that having a positive psychological health can significantly reduce the risk associated with chronic illnesses such as strokes and heart attacks.
Similarly, we must also bear in mind that maintaining poor psychological well-being can deteriorate your mental AND physical health, both! Which in turn may lead to harmful diseases or behaviours. However, the good news is that it is surely preventable, with the right measures, advice, and assistance you can get your life back on track in no time, but delay in treatment could cause the exact opposite.
How mental health affects physical health?
Chronic illnesses
Prolonged periods of sadness, also known as depression, can eventually lead you to de-track from your daily life and could cause you to develop chronic illnesses. Some of these illnesses commonly include cancer, arthritis. Asthma, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, all of which have the potential to put to your life at stake.
Similarly, schizophrenia a mental illness that causes you to hallucinate has led to a higher risk of respiratory and heart diseases.
Having to deal with a mental health illness alone is difficult let alone when it is coupled with a chronic illness, this often happens due to lack of or a delay in treatment. Not to mention, it causes hinderances in your daily life, limits your everyday activities and performance at work. This is why the mortality rate from heart disease and cancer is a lot higher when it comes to those suffering with mental health conditions, such as depression.
Issues in sleep patterns
Are you having issues with maintaining a good sleep pattern lately? Well, know that you are not alone. While it may be due to something non-serious, if the issue persists for a longer period of time or is accompanied by other symptoms it is best that you reach out for medical assistance immediately.
Oversleeping or sleep deprivation are common symptoms for those suffering with mental health problems. In fact, did you know around 50%-80% of those suffering from a mental health condition also have trouble with maintain a decent sleep routine? Such mental health patients are more liable to suffer from insomnia, sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. This can have a direct impact on your lifestyle, you tend to feel cranky, are late for work and just about every other thing is negatively affected too. Insomnia for instance, is a condition that makes it difficult for one to stay asleep or fall asleep while sleep apnea can lead to issues with your breathing, causing you to wake up in panic in the middle of the night.
Changes in behaviour
Those individuals who tend to suffer from mental health issues also experience a change in their behaviour patterns. Some of them may be as extreme as being violent while others are so mild, they often go unnoticed. For example, one may find themselves caught into an activity that could potentially harm them, like smoking. People having issues with their mental well tend to smoke a lot more as compared to those who do not, as they believe it helps them alleviate some their symptoms.
The final word: Why reaching out is a lot easier than you think
Most individuals who suffer from mental health issues do not have access to sufficient health care, which makes it difficult for them to look after themselves. In such a situation it is important that you reach out a trusted friend, relative or colleague to help you through this process. Similarly, with so many social media outlets that lead to mental health awareness you might just be able to find the right sources to help you out.
