We all have understood the importance of mental health during the pandemic. According to the study by the World Health Organization, major countries have reported over 60 percent of disruptions to mental health services for vulnerable people, including children and adolescents (72 percent), older adults (70 percent), and women requiring antenatal or postnatal services (61 percent).
Have you or someone close to you shown any change in their behavior recently? Well, there can be many reasons behind it. While sometimes, it may last in the short-term. But what if now it has been a long time? How do you distinguish between a bad mood and something serious? Studies show that 1 in 5 Australians are dealing with a mental health issue.
Here are a few signs that can help you analyze the situation:
1. Anxiety
Getting stressed due to some unexpected turn out of events is common from time to time. But if this turns out to be constant and does not let you focus on your work, then, it is anxiety. You might start having heart palpitations, shortness of breath, headache, restlessness, diarrhea or a racing mind.
2. Depression
There is a very simple rule about finding whether you or someone has symptoms of depression. If an individual has started losing interest in a hobby or something which used to make them happy, then, it is a sign of concern. Constant sadness and staying irritated or lacking energy and motivation from a few weeks or more are also symptoms of depression.
3. Severe Mood Swings
Mood swings can have a lot of reasons behind them. But sudden and dramatic changes, for instance, getting extremely angry at a small thing or constant distress might not be a normal mood swing. Rather, it is a matter of concern.
4. Insufficient Sleep
Doctors recommend 7-9 hours of sleep for a healthy mind and body. So, before you come to any conclusion, you must consider the reasons behind staying awake till late night. Is it because you have been sleeping all day?
However, if something is making you worried and thus, hampering your sleep pattern, you might just not want to ignore it. Insomnia is a very common sign of anxiety or substance abuse. Do not forget, over sleeping is also a sign of depression.
5. Fluctuations in Weight
Losing weight has great health benefits. However, fluctuating weight or constant weight loss are actually warning signs of depression. Mental health issues have direct control over your eating pattern. This in result has control over your weight.
What are the major reasons behind mental illness?
1. Genetics
Your mental illness can have a direct connection to your genetics. In other words, if you have a blood relative with mental illness then you are more prone to become a victim. Humans inherit certain genes that increase the risk of mental illness. It might not be seen immediately but as you grow, few environmental factors can trigger those genes or mental illness.
2. Pre-birth exposures
Toxins, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy act as bad environmental exposures. This can increase the risk of mental illness in the child in the future. This is why doctors suggest to strictly avoid any kind of such exposures during pregnancy.
3. Change in Brain Chemistry
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in our brain which is responsible for transmitting signals to other parts of the brain and the rest of the body. When the normal functioning of these chemical messengers gets impaired, the normal function of the nerve systems changes which ultimately leads to mental disorders.
What are some measures of prevention?
1. Routine counseling services
If you find any of the above-mentioned signs in you or anyone close to you, seek counseling services Australia from experts. Do not neglect these sessions or skip visits. Counselors are the ones who can guide you towards a better life.
2. Give attention to the changes
Changes in a mental state do not come knocking at the door. Talking to a therapist or counselor will help you understand what exactly is triggering these changes.
3. Start by taking care of yourself
Even though you might not have any symptoms of a mental illness. Sufficient sleep, healthy eating, and regular physical activity are still important for your health. Do take good care of yourself because good mental health is your own responsibility.
Over to you…
So, now that you know the different warning signs of mental illness, the causes behind it and how can you prevent it. What are you waiting for? Stop neglecting it and go to therapy right away!
