What is Mental Health?

Mental health is our emotional, psychological, and social well-being which enables us to handle stress, make decisions, relate well with others, work productively and contribute to our community. Sometimes it also involves our sense of spirituality and is important in every stage of life, from childhood to adulthood.
 

Symptoms of Mental Health Problems

Mental health problems can be caused by the interaction of several factors and there is never just one cause. Some of those factors may be:

• Biological (i.e. genetics, biochemical imbalance in the brain, physical illness, use of alcohol & illicit substances)
• Social (i.e. rapid social change, trauma, abuse, human rights violations, gender discrimination, social exclusion)
• Socioeconomic (i.e. loss of job, dissatisfaction or stress with work, lack of money)
• Psychological (i.e. personality traits, coping mechanisms, lifestyle choices)
• Spiritual (i.e. lack of faith, no purpose in life)

Mental health involves our thoughts, feelings and actions. Early warning signs might show when someone is having mental health issues, such as:

• Increase or decrease appetite to the point of losing or gaining weight
• Changes in sleep pattern (i.e. sleeping a lot or not at all, inability to fall asleep, waking up in the middle of the night)
• Isolating self from family and friends, disconnecting self from social media sites
• Feeling heavy, lazy, lethargic and no energy to carry out daily responsibilities
• Losing interest in previously enjoyable hobbies or recreational activities
• Unable to concentrate or focus with studies or work, often forgetful and confused
• Having disturbing thoughts, painful memories or frightening dreams that persist and recur
• Feeling helpless, hopeless, worthless or guilty most of the time
• Feeling on edge, anxious, nervous, worried, scared or sad that is overwhelming
• Easily irritated and impatient to the point of yelling or quarrelling with people
• Experiencing severe mood swings, restlessness, crying
• Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
• Having unexplained aches and pains
• Hearing voices or seeing things that no one else hears or sees
• Being suspicious of people i.e. talking, gossiping, laughing, belittling, disliking, judging you
• Considering hurting yourself or others

Mental Health Treatments

The first step into getting better is getting help. Mental health problems should be addressed and treated. Treatment and therapy can be obtained through a variety of approaches:

Types of Treatments

• Psychotherapy or Talking Therapies

Psychotherapy focuses on improving well-being through exploring emotions, thoughts and behaviors. It helps you understand yourself and usually carried out by trained mental health professionals such as psychologists, psychotherapists and psychiatrists.

• Medication

Medication helps by correcting the biochemical imbalances in the brain and helps to relieve symptoms of mental health problems so you can resume social interaction and normal school/work routine. These are prescribed and managed by psychiatrists.

• Combination of Psychotherapy & Medication

Quite often there is a need to combine the 2 modalities of treatment either by 2 persons or 1 and the same mental health professional.

• Case Management

Coordinated assessments, plans, services and strategies that is carried out by a case manager (i.e. primary mental health professional or others) to facilitate recovery.

• Hospitalization

In some cases, when the mental health condition worsens to the point where there is a need to closely monitor the patient (i.e. ensure he/she is sleeping and eating well or has the potential to hurt self or others), bring that person to the emergency room for possible admission to the hospital.

• Self Help/ Support Group

A support group is composed of peers who lived or are living under similar circumstances and share the same goal towards recovery.

DLSUMC is one with the community in promoting mental health!

Our Medical Arts Center houses psychiatrists that could help you with your mental health concerns. You may call (046) 481-8000 or (02) 8988-3100 local 1206/2001, or visit http://findadoctor.dlshsi.edu.ph/ for their clinic schedules.

References:

1. Mental Health America
   • https://www.mhanational.org/mental-health-treatments#:~:text=Psychotherapy,effective%20way%20to%20promote%20recovery.
2. National Alliance on Mental Illness
   • https://www.nami.org/blogs/nami-blog/october-2017/9-ways-to-fight-mental-health-stigma
3. Mental Health.gov
   • https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health
   • https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/recovery-possible

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