The Importance of Mental Health

What is mental health?
Though no concise definition exists, mental health is basically your attitude and approach to life. Psychological, environmental, genetic, or physiological factors have a profound effect on overall mental development.
What is mental illness?
Mental illness impairs your ability to perform routine tasks, foster healthy relationships, or cope with anger or stress. It may be classified on the basis of extreme mood swings, irrational or destructive thought patterns, and behavioral problems.
How important is mental health?
Your mental health has a huge impact on every aspect of your life.
o Self-image
Good mental health means appreciating your achievements and accepting your shortcomings. A mental illness can cause an inferiority complex, a negative body image, and intense feelings of self-hate, anger, disgust, and uselessness, which could mutate into extreme depression, psycho-social disorders, or eating disorders.
o Education
Students with mental problems socially isolate themselves, and develop anxiety disorders and concentration problems. Good mental health ensures an all-round educational experience that enhances social and intellectual skills that lead to self-confidence and better grades.
o Relationships
Mental health largely contributes to the functioning of human relationships. Mental illness can hamper even basic interactions with family, friends, and colleagues. Most people suffering from mental illness find it difficult to nurture relationships, have problems with commitment or intimacy, and frequently encounter sexual health issues.
o Sleep
An inability to handle stress or anxiety can cause insomnia. Even if you mange to fall asleep, you may wake up a dozen times during the night with thoughts of what went wrong the day before or how bad tomorrow is going to be. You may develop severe sleeping disorders which leave you exhausted and less productive.
o Eating
People with mental disorders are more prone to indulging in comfort eating or emotional binges. Finding comfort in food is something we all do from time to time. But with a mental illness, it becomes difficult to control yourself. Overeating can lead to obesity, which puts you at a risk for heart disease and diabetes, in addition to creating an unhealthy body-image.
o Physical health
Your mental state directly affects your body. For example, stress can lead to hypertension or stomach ulcers. People who are mentally healthy are at a lower risk for many health complications.
So make a conscious effort to improve and maintain your mental health.

Good health is not a struggle, nor it is an extraordinary feat. Healthy living is about understanding what your body needs and what is good for it. Re-discover good health in a simple way with Tania Hackner and make good health a way of living!.For more information and advice on mental health [http://www.whatyouneedtoknow.co.in/mental_health.html] please visit us at [http://www.whatyouneedtoknow.co.in]

The Stigma Of Bipolar Syndrome

Having any sort of illness or disability tends to carry with it a certain stigma and the same holds true when it comes to mental illnesses. Bipolar syndrome is one of those disorders that carry with it a certain stigma. As a group many that suffer from bipolar syndrome are afraid to seek help, afraid to admit they have it, or afraid to let the world know.
As is rather obvious, I could care less about the stigma. It is a part of what makes me me, and for that I am thankful. That's right. I'm thankful for bipolar syndrome because without it I simply would not be myself. That's not to say that I don't understand those who are fearful of coming out or coming to terms with it. I do. Simply because for the longest time in my life I had a hard time even admitting it to myself.
Where do these fears come from? In what origin are they found?
One is in the fear of being labeled crazy. Society holds this horrible belief that if you are suffering from a mental illness, then you must be crazy. The way I choose to look at is, what is crazy, what is normal. Neither truly holds a definition of someones character or can be defined by a certain set of defining characteristics so who cares if I'm normal or crazy, I'm simply me.
Another is because of the way our society works. If you do something others view as dumb, you're a retard. If you are overly emotional you're bipolar, if you're not the same cut of mould as everyone else you're crazy. With so many derogatory terms thrown around on a regular basis why in the world would anyone want to associate themselves with bipolar syndrome. They simply won't. And as a result their health, and very lives become at risk. (Something to think about before using any sort of slur again!)
It took me realizing that none of them or their opinions mattered. As Marilyn Munroe once said "If you cannot handle me at my worst, you don't deserve me at my best." If they choose to define me because of what I have or a labelled that's been applied to me, they don't deserve to be a part of my life. People can be callous, and they can be cold, but a wonderful world opened up to me when I opened my bipolar world. Sure I get the hate mail, I get the you're crazy mail, but I also get plenty of mail and comments that make me realize by being strong and showing that being bipolar ain't all that bad, more and more people will seek the treatment they need and perhaps one day society will stop it's judgemental ways.

Bipolar syndrome doesn't have to hold a stigma if you don't allow it to. To discover more about bipolar syndrome check out http://www.MyBipolarWorld.com

Mental Health Conditions Affect All Ages

Mental health conditions are common in all nations of the world. According to the National Institute for Mental Health, about 26 percent of Americans aged over 18 years are diagnosed with a mental disorder every year. This equates to almost 60 million people. The NIMH has also found that about 6 percent of those, have been diagnosed with a serious mental condition, many of which may suffer from two or more mental conditions. Mental illness, has been found to be a major cause of disability amongst people, aged between 15 and 44 years in the US and Canada.
Of course, mental conditions are not confined to the adult person, as people of all ages and genders can be affected by the disorder. Many children and adolescents are diagnosed with mental health problems, and special care is needed to treat them adequately. Mental conditions that affect children are varied and may be of a temporary nature, however, specialized treatment should be sought to help reduce the chances of the disorder becoming long term. NIMH reports indicate that about 5 percent of children in North America suffer from bouts of depression. This figure increases to around 8 percent for the number of teenagers who are suffering from anxiety and depression.
Many teenagers are also affected by eating disorders, which can aggravate bouts of depression and lead to other problems such as, phobia, inhibition and learning difficulties. Teenage girls who may be suffering from anxiety or depression are susceptible to anorexia nervosa, a very serious eating disorder, which can lead to grave health concerns, even death. Mental conditions, such as these, need to be treated by mental health care professionals who can help young people to adjust to the circumstances that have brought about their disorders.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a most severe mental health condition that is more likely to affect young boys. Sufferers of ADHD need specialized professional care as well as added personal attention from their parents. A child suffering from ADHD will display little regard for authority and will engage in a range of continuous physical activities much to the detriment of his fellow students, teachers and parents. Treatment, provided by a mental health care professional, for this type of disorder, may include some form of medication.
Early diagnosis of mental health problems, is essential for the successful treatment of the conditions, and the prevention of long term effects that may result in a lasting disability.

For further information, visit: http://itsmentalhealth.com/

Mental Health Clinics

Clients to mental health clinics are usually not admitted arbitrarily. The process usually consists of an initial interview with a community worker or a mental health professional. If a client is considered in need of residential or out-patient treatment at a mental health clinic, an extensive history of the mental illness will then be recorded. Such assessments will also include interviews with other doctors and family physicians who have noted the onset and progress of the ailment.
The staff at mental health clinics usually consists of psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health nurses, and support personnel who are specially trained. The scope and activities of mental health clinics in America generally falls under the purview of the CMHC (Community Mental Health Centers). This body issues licenses to clinics and centers for the practice of mental health-related treatment.
Considering that mental health crises do not always announce themselves in advance, a mental health clinic or center usually offers twenty-four-hour emergency services. These include inpatient hospital referral, since many cases are diagnosed in hospitals while the client is under treatment for other health problems.
Mental health problems affect people from all age groups, and American mental health clinics also offer services specifically for the aged as well as children and adolescents. The reasons that commonly lead to a referral for elderly persons range from senile dementia and Alzheimer's disease to problems related to chronic alcohol abuse. Mental health problems typical to the aged fall under the category of geropsychiatric medicine.
Teenagers and young adults often find themselves in need of mental health services because of substance abuse, inherited mental problems, and Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD).
The services available at mental health clinics necessarily include group therapy, individual and family counseling, and a social awareness cell. The latter would be staffed by personnel who could explain the various issued surrounding metal health in layman's terms to clients and their families. They are also an integral part of the evaluation process.

Mental Health provides detailed information on Mental Health, Mental Health Services, Mental Health Clinics, Mental Health Software and more. Mental Health is affiliated with Depressed Teens.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_

10 Tips to Stay Mentally Healthy

If it's not broke don't fix it...right? No! One of the best methods of mental health recovery is to maintain an environment prone to mental health and mental illness recovery. Staying mentally healthy is a way of life, not something you do when things start to go wrong. Keep reading for your top 10 tips to staying mentally healthy! Remember sometimes, the best treatment is prevention.
For access to some great cutting-edge research aside from the tips below, check out the Mental Health Center of Denver's Research and Evaluation Team's publications.
1) Stay Physically Active: the human mind developed in an environment requiring one travels the equivalent of 12 miles per day for sheer survival (and no that doesn't mean jumping in the car and flooring it!). Recent research has proven that increased physical activity can actually create new brain cells (once thought of as a static number), this explains why nearly every mental healthcare consumer at facilities such as MHCD are strongly encouraged to begin an exercise regiment immediately.
2) Stay Socially Active: we are social creatures, thus one's support network, be it family or friends, is of immense importance to one's general well being. It is of course ok to take a few nights to yourself, but don't stay shut in. Go out, keep your social relations strong.
3) Get a Hobby: find something creative outlet that you want to do just for yourself. Depending on what you chose, a hobby can be a great avenue into sports clubs, night classes at a local college, or staying physically active; plus if its something you enjoy it will be much easier to stick with!
4) Be Self-Reflective: you know those few nights a week I said it was ok to just take a night to yourself? Do it! Read a good book, walk your dog, just think things over. Examine where you are in life, where you want to be, and where you've come from. Be honest and complimentary to yourself. You are a brave, amazing person, so act like it :)
5) Play: play is actually tremendously important for staying mentally healthy. Devoting time to just having fun can recharge your battery, revitalize your social networks, and reduce stress/anxiety.
6) Maintain a healthy diet: this goes along with staying active. Stay healthy, both in terms of exercise and in terms of eating. Now don't go crazy here, you don't want to make yourself miserable by being the food-police, just be conscious of what is going into your body. And allow yourself some leg-room to cheat once a week or so!
7) Set goals: when people are feeling depressed, aimless, or like they are just going through the motions, often times its because they are lacking general direction. Set realistic goals for yourself so you are continuously aiming at something, this is a practice known as positive dissonance (you are constantly reaching for a new goal you set, thus you are always striving further and further even if you accomplish a goal along the way). Importantly though, one must not take this too far and find no joy in overcoming a given sub-goal; this will prove to demoralize the individual. You should celebrate your successes! Each and every one of them, and then push yourself to be even better. Once you reach your goal, set another one to get even further! This will constantly drive you, give you reasons to celebrate as you attain goals, and will increase your general level of content and mental health.
8) Balance free time: this is very important! Don't let yourself just lay in front of the TV. That is actually conducive to depressive environments. Relax, watch some TV, read a book, go for a walk, spend time on your hobby. Do it all, not just one of them.
9) Examine your locus of control: in the midst of your self reflections, it is important to examine just where your locus of control is. Are you blaming everyone else for things? Or are you taking on all the fault? Nothing is one sided, remember that. Especially if your depression is focused around relationship woes. Think of what you really did, what others really did, accept that its in the past and that the best thing to do now is learn from it and live on to never make that mistake again!
10) Don't be afraid to seek help: It is a great shame that seeking out mental health professionals in America has become a taboo or secretive endeavor! If you are worried about your mental health, you should be proud of yourself for putting forth an effort to improve yourself. If you are in the general area, I would recommend a recovery-based treatment center such as the Mental Health Center of Denver, or MHCD. The only shame in finding help is not getting help when you can benefit from it!

For some great links to free, cutting-edge psychological research publications, access MHCD Research and Evaluation team's mental illness research page. Or, to find out what a recovery-centered community mental health center is like, access the MHCD Home Page link above.
Stay healthy, stay happy!
Lex Douvasa
Check out the Research!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lex_Douvasa

Overcoming The Emotional Part Of Challenges

 

I recently did an exercise in my coaching class that made a huge difference in helping me feel better about a challenge I was facing. The exercise is to think of a challenge you're facing currently in your life. The challenge can be in any aspect of your life.
Now start thinking about this challenge and pay attention to the feelings it brings. If it is a big challenge in your life it most likely will bring overwhelming feelings of anger, betrayal, frustration, fear and so on. Stay with the feeling and feel it. Notice any changes it brings in your body.
For me thinking about the challenge I was facing the dominant feeling that came through was fear. Fear of the unknown, and fear of failure, and fear of being separated from people I cared about. When I sat with these feelings I noticed a pit in my stomach, a lump in my throat and tears swelling up.
Everyone is different so pay attention to your feelings and bodily reactions. Now here is the tough part - stay with the feelings. Sit with them. What happened the first time I did this was that I felt extremely overwhelmed. However, doing this each and every day for a week I noticed that the intensity of the emotions lessened.
Sure the challenges were still there and the problems didn't go away. You'll still need to work through whatever challenges you're facing. Action will still be required to overcome your challenges however it won't feel like a daunting task. It is easier to get clarity and inspired action when you're not plagued with intense emotions like frustration, anger, and fear.
Realize that challenges are part of life. We all get our share of challenges. What matters is how we look at challenges and what we do with them. Many people are paralyzed by the emotional part of challenges. They either avoid feeling their feelings, pretend there is no problem or become paralyzed with fear.
Taking the time to really think about the feelings and emotions that a challenge brings with it is an important step. It is usually very uncomfortable to do this. No wonder many people would rather choose to ignore it or numb themselves with alcohol or drugs or just simply not deal with it at all. This causes more problems and the challenge is still remains unsolved.
What I have learned is that when you have the courage to even sit with the feelings for a brief moment as scary and uncomfortable it maybe you are taking a step forward. The intensity of the feeling and discomfort will decrease overtime and will bring with it some clarity. It will allow you to take the necessary steps toward overcoming your challenge.
Know you're not alone. You're never alone. Understand that if you're willing to face the emotional part of your challenge you can overcome your challenge. The emotional part is typically the hardest part. Please take time now to share a challenge you faced in the past and how you overcame the emotional part of it. If you're currently facing a challenge please take the time to go through this exercise and come back and tell us how you feel.
Blessings and Peace,
Neseret

Neseret Bemient is a Personal Health and Wellness coach, speaker, author. She helps women and mothers on their journey to healing, health and wholeness. If you would like to learn more about Neseret and her work follow this link http://www.NeseretBemient.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Neseret_

The Importance Of Mental Health

What is mental health?
Though no concise definition exists, mental health is basically your attitude and approach to life. Psychological, environmental, genetic, or physiological factors have a profound effect on overall mental development.
What is mental illness?
Mental illness impairs your ability to perform routine tasks, foster healthy relationships, or cope with anger or stress. It may be classified on the basis of extreme mood swings, irrational or destructive thought patterns, and behavioral problems.
How important is mental health?
Your mental health has a huge impact on every aspect of your life.
o Self-image
Good mental health means appreciating your achievements and accepting your shortcomings. A mental illness can cause an inferiority complex, a negative body image, and intense feelings of self-hate, anger, disgust, and uselessness, which could mutate into extreme depression, psycho-social disorders, or eating disorders.
o Education
Students with mental problems socially isolate themselves, and develop anxiety disorders and concentration problems. Good mental health ensures an all-round educational experience that enhances social and intellectual skills that lead to self-confidence and better grades.
o Relationships
Mental health largely contributes to the functioning of human relationships. Mental illness can hamper even basic interactions with family, friends, and colleagues. Most people suffering from mental illness find it difficult to nurture relationships, have problems with commitment or intimacy, and frequently encounter sexual health issues.
o Sleep
An inability to handle stress or anxiety can cause insomnia. Even if you mange to fall asleep, you may wake up a dozen times during the night with thoughts of what went wrong the day before or how bad tomorrow is going to be. You may develop severe sleeping disorders which leave you exhausted and less productive.
o Eating
People with mental disorders are more prone to indulging in comfort eating or emotional binges. Finding comfort in food is something we all do from time to time. But with a mental illness, it becomes difficult to control yourself. Overeating can lead to obesity, which puts you at a risk for heart disease and diabetes, in addition to creating an unhealthy body-image.
o Physical health
Your mental state directly affects your body. For example, stress can lead to hypertension or stomach ulcers. People who are mentally healthy are at a lower risk for many health complications.
So make a conscious effort to improve and maintain your mental health.

Good health is not a struggle, nor it is an extraordinary feat. Healthy living is about understanding what your body needs and what is good for it. Re-discover good health in a simple way with Tania Hackner and make good health a way of living!.For more information and advice on mental health [http://www.whatyouneedtoknow.co.in/mental_health.html] please visit us at [http://www.whatyouneedtoknow.co.in]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tania_Hackner


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/788844