The majority of the time, we’re talking about our bodily well-being. Despite the damage to the brain, it is rarely discussed. Well-being in these three areas is referred to as mental health. Think, understand, feel and behave are all affected by it. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as encompassing both physical and mental well-being. Depression may be a medical condition in India rather than a mental one. As a result, the problem of mental health has become even more relevant for discussion.

What do you mean when you say “mental health”?

“Health” is not simply the absence of disease or the state of one’s physical well-being. Rather than calling it “good physical health,” it’s more accurate to call it “full mental and social wellness.” To be healthy, one must be in good bodily, emotional, and social health. Mental health is a crucial component of healthcare. As the name suggests, mental health is concerned with one’s emotional, intellectual, and interpersonal well-being. Thinking, understanding, feeling, and doing are all effected.Social issues such as unemployment, poverty, and drug abuse are all exacerbated by this practice.

All of these conditions fall under the umbrella of mental illness: Alzheimer’s (degenerative), dementia, anxiety (autism), dyslexia, depression, drug addiction, poor memory, amnesia, and delusions. Its symptoms have the power to affect one’s emotions, thoughts, and actions. Symptoms include sadness, a lack of concentration, being cut off from friends and other activities, exhaustion and sleep issues, and more.

That “family embarrassment” was a key barrier to accessing mental health care is evidence of social stigma connected with mental health, said the authors. Contrary to popular belief, both physical and mental illnesses can have a negative impact on our well-being.

Affecting factors of mental well-being

The state of one’s mind can be affected by a wide range of things. These elements are also influenced by society and the family.

Mental illness can be caused by a variety of factors, the most common of which are listed below. Many times, the presence of economic and moral forces creates accountable conditions.

• Heredity

• Aspects of pregnancy

• Unbalance in brain chemistry

• Reasons based on the mind

• Disputes between members of the same family

• trauma

A Comprehensive Classification of Mental Illnesses

Many common mental disorders fall into this category, such as phobias and anxiety disorders, however there are many other subcategories that fall under this umbrella.

Drug and alcohol misuse are examples of bad habits.

Schizophrenia, bipolar illness, and transient mania are all examples of psychoses, which can be brought on by infections in the brain.

There are a variety of birth defects that can affect a baby’s ability to develop normally, including developmental problems. As a result of their learning problems, some children might not be able to reach certain developmental milestones, such as the ability to walk or talk. Down syndrome, Angelman syndrome, autism, and speech impairments are only few of the conditions that fall under the umbrella of “intellectual disabilities” (dyslexia).

Children are particularly susceptible to mental health issues, which can be attributed to a variety of things, including their upbringing in a dysfunctional household or genetics. Hyperactivity (hyperactivity), speech disorders (dyslexia), behaviour disorders (conduct disorder), bed-wetting, and depression are a few examples. They have a better chance of improving their mental health as they grow older.

Dementia and sadness in the elderly have been linked to feelings of loneliness.In dementia, a person’s memory and personality are severely compromised, making it impossible for them to go about their daily lives. Despite the fact that dementia is more common in the elderly, it is not a sign of advancing years. Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, and other forms of dementia are common.

Helps in improved diagnosis and debunks many widespread misunderstandings about mental diseases are the two main benefits to this list. Instead of blaming a behaviour on poor parenting or old age, several types of mental problems in youngsters and the elderly can assist discover the cause. Similar to labelling addictions and drinking “poor habits,” diagnosing these issues as illnesses rather than a lack of control or choice can be problematic. Neuroscientists now believe that the many psychoses are interconnected.

Consider the other person’s privacy before having a conversation regarding mental health. It’s understandable that they wouldn’t want to bring up a potentially delicate subject in front of a large group of people they know, like their coworkers. Ask them if they’d like to have a cup of coffee, lunch, or a walk with you somewhere that’s safe and private, rather than bringing up the subject.

India is approaching a new decade with one of Southeast Asia’s highest levels of alcoholic consumption and a depressive disorder prevalence rate of one-quarter of all adolescents. We are predisposed to mental illness, yet we wish for increased economic activity. Mental health awareness, education, and open dialogue are the only ways to improve this situation.