When we speak about mental health, there is usually a misconception regarding what it is and who it affects. First and foremost, mental health is not the same as we understand mental health issues. Mental health is usually used interchangeably with the terms emotional health and well-being and our mental state is absolutely an essential part of our overall well-being. It belongs to the way in which we are conscious of our own skills and how greatly we cope with the ups and downs of life.
If we are physically sick, can say with a cold, it may go away on its own within a week. But, similarly cannot be said if we are mentally unwell. Genuine mental health can be controlled with self-care but if we experience a problem, it will seldom go away on its own. We may require further help, for example, through talking therapies such as psychotherapy and counseling. The counseling process is, in several ways, as an educational experience. The patient not only learns more about him/herself but also gains new abilities. Most of the time, counseling consists of discovering more about an appropriate condition (e.g., depression, anxiety, eating disorders) by which the client is affected, so that he/she can learn better treatment options.
Following are some examples of what learners can gain from Psychological Counselling:
- Enhanced communication and interpersonal abilities
- Greater self-acceptance and self-esteem
- Ability to switch self-defeating behaviors/habitsHealthier expression and management of emotions, including anger
- Relief from depression, anxiety or other mental health diseases
- Improved confidence and decision-making abilities
- Ability to manage stress effectively
- Enhanced problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities
Types of Mental Health Issues
Mental health issues can have an intense impact on how we think, feel and behave. They can vary from the daily worries we all have from time to time, to severe long-term problems that need treatment to accomplish effectively. As per the Mental Health Foundation, there are two main types of mental health problems. The levels are neurotic or psychotic symptoms. These definitions can assist experts with diagnosis and treatment. However, some people may experience a combination of neurosis and psychosis, therefore, differentiating between the two may not always be useful.
Neurotic Symptoms
People that have common mental health issues are very likely to have neurotic symptoms. These are severe versions of normal emotions, such as stress, sadness, and anxiety. We all feel down or worried every now and then but, if those emotions start affecting daily life, it may be a sign of a mental health problem. If mental health issues are overlooked or dismissed as character features it can lead to further problems. For instance, some people may no longer feel capable to lead an enjoyable and fruitful life. This is why it is so essential to seek support as soon as your dilemmas overwhelm your ability to cope.
Mental Health Issues with Neurotic Symptoms Comprise:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Phobias
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Panic Disorders
Psychotic symptoms:
Mental health problems with Psychotic signs are less common. The study exposes around two in every 100 people in the UK have psychosis. Psychotic symptoms intervene with a person perception of reality and may comprise of hallucinations. These involve seeing, smelling, hearing or feeling things that no one else can. People experiencing psychosis may also form nonsensical beliefs about themselves, other people and the world around them. Mental health issues with psychotic symptoms include:
- Schizophrenia
- Eating Disorders
- Substance Abuse
- Bipolar Disorder
- Personality Disorder
What Causes Mental Health Issues?
Mental health problems can have a broad spectrum of causes. Usually, it is not known accurately why someone produces symptoms. There are, still, several factors that are thought to play a function in triggering difficulties. These are:
- Psychological
- Physical
- Social and Environmental
A Psychological problem is something that affects the mind or emotional state. Traumatic experiences such as the loss of a loved one or a severe road accident can trigger mental health problems. When something traumatic happens, it can totally change a person attitude toward the world. This can happen in feelings of anger, helplessness, fear, and guilt. These may require long after the incident has happened. According to a person who tries to deal with and contain negative feelings, unhealthy behaviors can emerge. Examples consist of self-harm, drug abuse, bulimia, and suicidal thoughts.
A physical cause is something that modifies the body on a biological level. Physical causes of some mental health issues include:
- Genetics – Specialists believe some people are more at risk than others. They have a genetic predisposition because of genes carried down from parents.
- Early development – Some studies suggest a baby is at higher risk if his or her mother takes drugs or deals with the virus while she is pregnant.
- Head injuries – In some situations, people produce psychotic symptoms after a severe head injury.
- Nutrition – Connections have been found between some vitamin and mineral deficiencies (e.g. fatty acids, zinc and Vitamin D,) and our emotional well-being.
Social and environmental conditions: The information that occurs around us can have a big impression on mental health. Social and environmental conditions include:
- Where you live
- Where you work
- The bonds you have with family and friends
Sometimes it is not possible to modify these things but, sometimes, it is. If you can enhance your social and physical environment somehow, you may be able to grow your emotional well-being. Counseling is one means of mental health providers that can help you make positive changes.
How Counseling Helps?
One method of controlling the impacts of a mental health obstacle is talking about it. Whether you are experiencing a mental health problem, or know somebody else who is, it is necessary to talk about your skills and the stigma connected. Counselling requires talking about your difficulties with a qualified mental health professional such as a counselor or psychotherapist. Talking therapies can support you to talk openly, without fear of criticism or judgment, to learn what may have caused your obstacles and how to manage them.
There are several kinds of Talking Therapy that can help. These involve:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) –This type of mental health counseling concentrates on the here and now. It tries to shift negative patterns of thinking and behaving.
- Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) – Examines different methods for the patient to cope with dilemmas.
- Creative Therapies – Art therapy, drama therapy, and music therapy are all sorts of creative therapy that propose alternative methods of channeling emotions.
- Family Therapy – Assists the family to engage as a unit to solve queries that influence home life.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) –Guides patients how to react ordinarily to emotional triggers.
