Mental health is a crucial component of your well-being and extends far past the lack of mental disease or impairment. Unfortunately, many people overlook San Pedro mental health because they are unfamiliar with the different mental health conditions, which often lack obvious symptoms. However, mental health is extremely delicate; hence, it is essential to understand what exactly it entails to seek appropriate care.
What Exactly Is Mental Health?
WHO describes mental health as a condition of well-being where an individual understands their potential, can deal with the usual demands of life, can work effectively, and can contribute to their community. If you identify problems with or more of these life aspects, you might be at risk of a mental health condition.
As per recent statistics, anxiety and depression are the two most common mental health disorders worldwide. While easing covid-19 restrictions helps reduce depression and anxiety problems, these disorders are still a huge concern among the American population.
5 Not-So-Common Facts About Mental Health Disorders
- Persons Struggling With Mental Disorders Have Shorter Lifetimes
Those with a mental disorder have a shorter life expectancy. Often, these mental health difficulties lead to individuals contemplating suicide, neglecting to care for their body, and sometimes natural death.
Schizophrenia decreases life expectancy by 10-20 years, bipolar illness by 9-20 years, alcohol or substance dependence by 9 to 24 years, and persistent depression by 7-11 years. Contrarily, the life expectancy of chronic smokers (one pack or more every day) is lowered by eight to ten years.
- Anxiety Could Take Various Forms
Anxiety could be broad, persistent, unreasonable, and impact the most ordinary circumstances. This illness is known as a generalized anxiety disorder.
Likewise, anxiety could dwell on one or more extremely particular circumstances. This category is known as phobias.
Occasionally, fear manifests for a brief period. Without any warning signs, it is extremely violent and can lead to symptoms that resemble an intense heart attack, neurological disorder, or lung problem. In this case, it is a panic disorder, also referred to as a panic attack.
In other instances, anxiety does not result in any of the symptoms highlighted. Still, it does cause the patient to engage in repeated behaviors when attempting to alleviate their pain briefly. These conditions are known as obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD).
- Mental Diseases Have Varying Effects On The Brain Based On The Sex Of The Individual
Anxiety, depression, bipolar and eating disorders are more prevalent in women, whereas schizophrenia and drug-related consequences primarily affect men. Similarly, early parenthood or delivery, as well as the ‘double load’ of unpaid housework, might contribute to mental illnesses in women.
- Depression Is One Of The World’s Leading Causes Of Suicide
In 2020, the United States reported over 45,000 suicides and a projected 1.20 million suicide attempts. Men are more prone to committing suicide than women. However, the greatest suicide rates are among middle-aged white males.
- Most Mental Diseases Are Transient And Have No Lasting Implications
Typically, mental health is correlated with mental instability. The phrase encompasses a considerably broader scope. Most mental health diseases are neither serious nor lasting; they are often brief and cause mild to moderate symptoms.
Mental wellness is necessary for a balanced life. Therefore, do not hesitate to seek expert care immediately if you identify any alarming concerns such as depressive thoughts, self-doubts or pity, mood shits, and more. Mental health services provides a safe and confidential space for you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and personal growth. At Harbor Community Health Centers, your overall health is their top priority. Your doctor will take the time to understand your concerns and guide you on the best course of action. Schedule an initial consultation through mobile or book online.
