Good mental health is related to mental and psychological well-being. WHO’s work to improve the mental health of individuals and society at large includes the promotion of mental well-being, the prevention of mental disorders, the protection of human rights and the care of people affected by mental disorders.
Everyone feels anxious and worried or down from time to time. But relatively few people develop a mental illness. Mental illness is a mental health condition that gets in the way of thinking, relating to others, and day-to-day function.
Mental illness is an equal opportunity issue. It affects young and old, male and female, and individuals of every race, ethnic background, education level, and income level. The good news is that it can often be treated.
Looking after mental health can preserve a person’s ability to enjoy life. Doing this involves balancing life activities, responsibilities, and efforts to achieve psychological resilience
Stress, depression, and anxiety can all affect mental health and disrupt a person’s routine.
Although health professionals often use the term mental health, doctors recognize that many psychological disorders have physical roots.
Risk factors –
Social And Financial Circumstances
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Biological Factors
Underlying Medical Conditions
Types of Mental Health Disorders
Anxiety Disorders .
Mood disorders.
Behavioral disorders.
Obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD).
Eating disorders.
Schizophrenia .
Common Signs and Symptoms of the Mental Health Disorders
Withdrawing from friends, family, and colleagues .
Avoiding activities they would normally enjoy.
Sleeping too much or too little.
Eating too much or too little.
Feeling hopeless.
Having consistently low energy.
Using mood-altering substances, including alcohol and nicotine, more frequently.
Displaying negative emotions.
Being confused.
Being unable to complete daily tasks, such as getting to work or cooking a meal.
Having persistent thoughts or memories that reappear regularly.
Thinking of causing physical harm to themselves or others
Hearing voices
Experiencing delusions
Diagnosis
1.Person’s medical history .
2.Physical examination.
3.Blood tests.
4.Psychological evaluation .
5.Mental health questionnaires.
6.diagnostic and statistical manual of mental.
Treatment
There are various methods for managing
Psychotherapy
Psychological approach to treating mental illness.
1.Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
2.Exposure therapy
3.Dialectical behaviour therapy
Medication-Such as Antidepressants, Antipsychotics and Anxiolytic Drugs.
The conventional approaches are limited to conservative management and regular medication can lead to long term drug dependence. Therefore its essential that effective methods in Ayurveda and Yoga are explored for positive solutions
Yoga therapy – The basic approach is to relax the mind and improve the lifestyle by asana practice (stability and comfort), Pranayama and kriyas (regulation of breath), meditation, relaxation techniques, bhajans and mantra chanting (surrendering self to god).
Yoga says – “If the mind is sleepy , stimulate and awaken it (using yogic techniques of fast breathing ,asana practice ); if its too excited calm it down (using slow breathing, yoganidra relaxation techniques, shavasana )”
Ayurveda – Therapies such as Panchakarma can be very helpful as they trigger a better min body balance. As per Ayurveda, mental health problems are due to deranged Vata. Therefore correcting this imbalance and improve thought process with better clarity will be key to recovery. External treatments such as Shirodhara, Abhyanga complemented with Ayurveda formulations such Manasamitra vatakam Brahmi Ghritam etc are seen to be useful
Dietary Management
1.Diet that includes reducing alcohol intake, smoking, avoiding drugs.
2.Avoiding spicy, fast foods, high sugary and salty foods, beverages.
3.Include a balanced, nutritious diet, such as plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits (seasonal),
4.dry fruits , green leafy vegetables ,which balances the body at the physical level.
By
Dr.Ashwini Basawaraj
