According to WHO or World Health Organization, mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual understands his or her abilities, can manage the normal pressures of life, can work effectively, and can make a good impact by contributing to his or her community says Martin Polanco.
In this brief article, let us find out more about the following.
- What are the risk factors for mental health symptoms?
- What are the common mental health disorders?
Martin Polanco highlights the risk factors and the commonly affected mental health disorders.
So, first, let us take up the risk factors.
What are the risk factors for mental health symptoms?
You will find that several risk factors lead to mental health disorders, and these are as follows-
Persistent economic pressure and turmoil
Being subjected to a prolonged financial crisis can lead to mental health disorders. This is true especially when you are not able to make ends meet and not give enough to your loved ones.
Family history
If you have a close relative or sibling that has suffered mental trauma or disorder, your chances of developing the same increase. It involves a gene that is linked to depression and schizophrenia.
Pandemic and natural disasters
With the ongoing pandemic due to COVID-19, every other day, we get to hear news about people suffering from depression, anxiety, and having suicidal thoughts.
According to Martin Polanco, the incidence has increased due to the mental disability caused because of job cuts, pay cuts, death, uncertainty, and of course, fear that of the unknown. As such, any uncertain calamity or natural disaster can contribute to mental health disruptions as well.
What are the common mental health disorders?
The following are the most commonly affected mental health disorders among any given population.
Anxiety disorders
As stated by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, this disorder is the most common form of mental illness. If you are suffering from this ailment, it characterizes by extreme fear or being anxious. This fear or anxiousness is related to any object or circumstance. The American Psychiatric Association refers to GAD or Generalized Anxiety Disorder as any behavior that is not proportionate and hampers daily activities. Symptoms include-
- Disturbed sleep.
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Muscle tension.
Schizophrenia disorders
This is a complex condition and affects people belonging to the age group between ages 16 and 30 years. The thought process is fragmented and those affecting may not be able to process the thoughts that they have.
Medical professionals are trying to find out whether this is a single disorder or a group of disorders.
Mood disorders
Mood swings are normal with this mental disorder and a few examples are major depression, bipolar disorder, and Seasonal affective disorder. However, mood disorders might be either depressive or affective.
We often tend to misinterpret the meaning of mental health. It is not just about mental disorders and not suffering from any. It is much more than just that.