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Mental health affects everyday life, relationships and even physical health.
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1 in 4 people worldwide will suffer from a mental illness, sooner or later.
Mental health expresses the level of psychological, emotional and social well-being and generally also refers to the absence of mental disorders. We can call it psychological well-being.
Our mental health affects our behavior, our ability to perceive our surroundings and also our ability to learn. It is one of the factors that allows us to manage stressful situations, get along with our surroundings and make the right decisions. The concept of mental health is very subjective and can be influenced by, for example, cultural differences.
Hippocrates. Source: Wikimedia
Brief history Mental illness has historically been attributed to some kind of divine punishment or demonic possession. In writings from ancient Egypt, India, Greece and Rome, mental illness was categorized as a religious or personal problem. The turning point came in the 5th century BC, when Hippocrates of Kos (460 BC – 370 BC) pioneered the treatment of mental disorders. He believed that diseases are caused naturally, not because of superstitions and gods. He came up with the humoral theory, where he described the human body as comprised of four basic fluids (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile), which must be in balance. If they are not, physical or mental illness surface. Hippocrates classified mental illness into one of four categories – epilepsy, mania, melancholia and brain fever.
The collapse of the Roman Empire was followed by the Middle Ages and with it the Dark Ages. During the Middle Ages, the role of theology surpassed that of healthcare, and common people saw illness (as presented by the Church) as a consequence of God's wrath. Medical progress stopped, because the growing influence of the Church spread the view of man as a being endowed with a soul and therefore not subject to ordinary natural laws – thus prohibiting the scientific investigation of the human body.
However, a fundamental change came during the Renaissance. From the 16th - 17th centuries, along with the scientific revolution, came a new motivation to investigate the nature of diseases, including psychological ones. The French philosopher, mathematician and physicist René Descartes (1596 - 1650) had a huge influence here. He combined faith with a view of the mechanical workings of the world, and thinking was the only mental function he assigned to the soul.
Only at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century did the modern theory of psychopathology (one of the basic disciplines of psychology dealing with mental disorders, psychological distress and abnormal or maladaptive behavior) begin to emerge. At this time, two main theoretical approaches to understanding mental illness began to take shape:
- psychodynamic psychology proposed by the Austrian neurologist Sigmund Freud (1856–1939), whereby he argues that mental illness is the product of the interplay of unresolved unconscious motives and should be treated by methods of open dialogue with the patient.
- theory of behaviorism developed by the American psychologist John B. Watson (1878–1958), in which he suggests that psychopathology is more related to the effects of behavioral conditioning and that treatment should focus on adaptive reconditioning methods, using the same principles of classic conditioning.
Based on these theoretical frameworks, the need for categorization of mental illnesses arose. In 1952, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) was created, based on the 6th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-6) from the World Health Organization (WHO). The current 5th edition (DSM-5) was published in 2013.
Thanks to the classification system in the mid-20th century, the study and treatment of mental illness began to expand significantly. This development laid the foundation for modern pharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches to the treatment of mental illness.
Brain. Source: Pexels
Causes of mental illness Even though science has advanced by leaps and bounds, the causes of mental illness are not always completely scientifically understood. However, it is mostly the result of a combination of biological and psychological factors, as well as the influence of the environment.
Biological factors
- genetics (heredity), when there is a mental disorder in the family and there is a high probability of the predisposition that other members will develop the same disorder. In any case, even inherited genes do not mean that other necessary triggers for emergence do not occur. Sometimes it can be stress, a traumatic experience or another event,
- brain injury can trigger a mental disorder,
- infections can cause or worsen symptoms of mental illness. For example, a condition known as pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder (PANDAS) associated with the Streptococcus bacteria has been linked to the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder and other mental illnesses in children,
- use of addictive substances is often associated with paranoia, anxiety or depression,
- poor or inappropriate nutrition - with poor quality food, there can be problems with toxins that affect the proper functioning of the brain,
- prenatal damage, where early brain development can be negatively affected by, for example, poor oxygenation. Autism may develop.
Psychological factors
- severe psychological trauma suffered in childhood due, for example, to abuse,
- loss of a close person (parent),
- neglect in upbringing.
Environmental factors
- feelings of inferiority associated with anxiety, anger or loneliness
- dysfunctional family life
- death or divorce in the family
- major change in job (for adults) or school (for children)
- addiction to alcohol, drugs or gambling
Depression can take many forms. Source: Unsplash
Warning signs and symptoms There is no simple test for mental disorders to reveal the severity of a mental illness. Therefore, it is necessary to notice changes in moods and fluctuations in behavior. In adults or adolescents, these may include:
- Excessive worrying or fear.
- Feeling excessively sad or low.
- Confused thinking or problems - concentrating and studying.
- Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria.
- Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger.
- Avoiding friends and social activities.
- Difficulties understanding or relating to other people.
- Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and having low energy.
- Changes in eating habits, such as increased hunger or lack of appetite.
- Changes in sex drive.
- Difficulty perceiving reality (delusions or hallucinations, in which a person experiences and senses things that don't exist in objective reality).
- Inability to perceive changes in one’s own feelings, behavior or personality (”lack of insight” or anosognosia).
- Overuse of substances, e.g. alcohol or drugs.
- Multiple physical ailments without obvious causes (such as headaches, stomach aches, vague and ongoing “aches and pains”).
- Thinking about suicide.
- Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress.
- An intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance.
Children also experience problems with mood swings and mental discomfort. The symptoms are similar to those of adults, but they also have their specifics:
- Changes in school performance.
- Excessive worry or anxiety, for instance fighting to avoid bed or school.
- Hyperactive behavior.
- Frequent nightmares.
- Frequent disobedience or aggression.
- Frequent temper tantrums.
Women suffer from depression more than men. Source: Unsplash
Who can be affected? Anyone can suffer from mental health disorders – from a child to the elderly. About 1 in 4 individuals worldwide will develop a mental illness at some point in their lives. In any case, statistically, women are more prone to disorders than men. 1 in 5 women suffer from a mental illness (e.g. anxiety, depression), while for men it is only 1 in 8.
The reasons why this is so are still unknown. This may be due to socio-economic disadvantages, income inequality, gender-based violence, low social status and the responsibility of caring for others. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), further detailed investigation is needed.
Support group. Source: Pexels
Treatment options No treatment works similarly for all cases and something different will work for each person even in similar cases. Generally used as part of treatment are:
- psychotherapy administered by a mental health professional. The patient's feelings, behavior and thinking are examined. Together with medication, this is the most effective treatment.
- medicines that mainly serve to alleviate the symptoms of the disease.
- hospitalization in a hospital or treatment center, which is accessed mainly in more serious cases. This is for the purposes of monitoring the patient and setting the medication regimen more precisely.
- support groups in which members with similar problems support each other and lead to shared recovery.
- alternative methods, which include, for example, yoga, and natural supplements, which not only can cure, but also have a preventive effect. However, a doctor must always be consulted about these methods, in order to avoid unwanted interaction with prescribed medication.
- self-help plan, in which everyone sets a strategy for improving their own health, e.g. using wellness programs.
- peer services, when someone who is a peer and has experience with similar situations or addiction, assists with a psychological problem.
- electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which is used only in special cases and only after consideration of all options and on the recommendation of a doctor. Even after 60 years of the usage of this type of treatment, where electrodes are placed on the patient's head, this method is among the most controversial.
1 in 8 people worldwide live with a mental disorder.
Experts diagnosed more than 370 different types of mental disorders. Mental illness is more common than diabetes, cancer or heart disease. About 1 in 5 Americans meet the criteria for mental illness. Deficiencies in the field of mental health can escalate to the stage of a radical solution, such as suicide.
Loneliness It is the younger generation that is struggling with psychological problems associated with loneliness. More than half (54 %) of Americans feel lonely. This mental "discomfort" is directly related to all kinds of mental problems, including depression, anxiety, insomnia, personality disorders, delusions, or psychosis.
Anxiety states Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive fear and worry. More than 284 million people worldwide suffered from this disorder in 2017. The symptoms make normal functioning significantly more difficult for the sufferer. There are several different types of anxiety disorders such as:
- generalized anxiety disorder, associated with excessive fear.
- panic disorder, with panic attacks.
- social anxiety disorder, with increased apprehension in social situations.
- separation anxiety disorder, involving the fear or anxiety of separation.
Eco-anxiety In 2019, 68 % of the world's population considered climate change to be a major threat. The vision of the irreparable destruction of the environment and its consequences for the future and for future generations makes people feel desperate. The younger generation is particularly affected.
Depression Depression is a mood change commonly occurring in humans. During a depressive episode, there is a feeling of sadness, irritability, emptiness, or loss of interest for most of the day, almost every day, for at least two weeks. Those affected suffer from poor concentration, feelings of excessive guilt or low self-esteem, accompanied by thoughts of death or suicide. Loss of appetite, reduced energy, disturbed sleep are also related to it. People with depression have an increased risk of suicide. Depression affected 264 million people worldwide (in 2017).
Burnout A stressful lifestyle and daily pressure at home or at work can lead to exhaustion and a state of "burnout". In 2021, 52 % of respondents reported experiencing symptoms of burnout. Symptoms include chronic fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, problems with anger and emotion control, impaired productivity, loss of appetite or impaired concentration. Burnout is sometimes associated as a subtype of depression, but recent research shows that burnout is a transitional state that leads to depression.
Bipolar disorder In 2017, 46 million people worldwide suffered from bipolar personality disorder. It manifests itself in alternating periods of depression and manic periods. During a depressive episode, a person experiences feelings of sadness, irritability, and emptiness, or a loss of pleasure and interest in activities that used to bring them joy – and feels this for most of the day and almost every day. The manic period then brings about bursts of energy and euphoria, as well as irritability, increased talkativeness, distraction and impulsive reckless behavior. Patients with bipolar disorder are more likely to commit suicide.
Schizophrenia A patient suffering from schizophrenia has a significantly damaged perception of reality and also has significant changes in behavior. Schizophrenia affected approximately 20 million people in 2017. Symptoms include hallucinations, disorientation, delusions, or extreme restlessness. People with schizophrenia may have difficulty with cognitive function. The disease causes a significantly lower life expectancy, which is 10 – 20 years shorter than that of a healthy person.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is most often associated with an environment of conflict. It can occur as a result of exposure to an extreme event, such as a life-threatening one. This disability can last for a number of days, weeks or months, making it difficult to function normally in society. Affected persons may:
- re-live the traumatic event in the form of nightmares, flashbacks or constant memories;
- avoid memories of the traumatic experience;
- perceive a similar threat as being constantly current.
Eating disorders Eating disorders are associated with extreme or abnormal food intake. 16 million people worldwide suffered from an abnormal preoccupation with food or significant concerns about their body weight in 2017. Women are almost 10 times more likely to suffer from an eating disorder than men.
- Anorexia nervosa often begins during adolescence or early adulthood. It is associated with intentional weight loss and malnutrition in varying degrees of severity. It leads to premature death due to medical complications or suicide.
- Bulimia nervosa is characterized by extreme and repeated overeating. Patients are exposed to significantly increased health complications associated with overeating and obesity and addictive substance abuse.
Alcoholism Occasional alcohol consumption need not be a problem – that is, until it becomes an addiction. This affected 107 million people (in 2017). At the same time, alcohol is responsible for impacts on health, increased crime and traffic accidents. Alcohol was also responsible for 2.8 million premature deaths.
Drug addiction The use of drugs led to 750 000 unnecessary deaths in 2017. Annually, illicit drug use increases the risk of illness or injury (including suicide), liver disease, hepatitis, cancer and also HIV.
Neurodevelopmental disorders Neurodevelopmental disorders emerge during the developmental period. They cover difficulties in acquiring and carrying out specific intellectual, motor, language or social interactions. Examples of neurodevelopmental disorders include:
- disorders of intellectual development, which are characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior.
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), characterized by persistent inattention and hyperactivity.
- autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a large group of conditions, due to which the affected person has problems with social communication and mutual social interaction.
The stigma of mental illness The mental health problem itself can be exacerbated by the stigma of mental illness. This “label” by others, that someone is in a class of person who can not cope with their own problems, is different, or can seem dangerous to others (even if they are not), can worsen mental health problems. Problems that could have been identified at the outset may worsen, deepen and, thanks to the pressure of others, can even result in suicide. Many people do not seek treatment because of such a stigma. Only 44 % of adults with a diagnosed mental illness receive treatment. Almost 9 out of 10 people with a mental illness experience stigma and discrimination.
Money Poor mental health costs the global economy an estimated US$2.5 trillion annually in the form of reduced productivity and impaired physical health. According to estimates, this amount might increase to USD 6 trillion by 2030.
Mental disorders can be mild or severe, but most are treatable.
Each of us goes through periods that are not easy, when we are affected by many stressful factors. Mental health is similar to physical health. To ensure that it is the best, you have to maintain it.
The first step to getting better is to learn all you can about mental health. Don't be afraid to talk about your problems and reach out to specialists who will help you.
Learn to understand yourself Although it may seem incomprehensible, a large number of people cannot accurately describe their feelings. They do not know if they are merely sad, angry, scared, lonely or something else. If you can listen to your feelings, it will be easier for you to find solutions for correction.
Be active Regular activity and exercise improve the functioning of the whole body, including the brain. During exercise, what are called the happiness hormones – dopamine, serotonin, endorphin, enkephalin and endocannabinoids – are released into the body. They contribute to a feeling of well-being and even euphoria.
Talk to someone If you have any problems in your life, talk to someone you trust and care about. Sharing your worries is one of the most effective ways of relieving stress and tension.
Make time for friends Social interaction with people with whom you are comfortable helps to relieve tension and reduce stress. Of course, the best form is a personal get-together.
Connect with Nature Nature also has a magical effect on our well-being. Man tries to break away from it, but nevertheless we still belong to Nature. In Japan, for example, “forest bathing” is practiced, which strengthens mental health. So, go into the forest and let yourself be carried away in peace among the trees, while observing the wildlife.
Perceive the world through your senses The day may not always go perfectly, but you know that your favorite song or movie will always lift your spirits. Try what works best for you and what always lifts your spirits, even when you're not feeling your best.
Slow down and relax You can reduce high stress levels with relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation.
Sleep routine Quality sleep provides rest not only to the body, but also to the mind. An adult needs 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
Beware of alcohol and drugs It may seem like a shortcut out of difficult situations, but addictive substances only provide temporary relief. Unfortunately, they produce additional complications and increase the damage to mental and physical health, as well as leading to the deterioration of personal and work relationships.
Plan It's good to have something to look forward to. Plan things you enjoy – going to the cinema, hanging out with friends or going on a trip. Planning will give you a bright spot in times when the world seems like a dark place.
Find new meaning and purpose Maybe you haven't tried it, so you don't even know that something new can give you fulfillment. For example, try becoming a volunteer in a non-profit organization, organize an event to clean up the neighborhood, or just help your retired neighbors with their shopping. Perhaps working for others will be something to bring fulfillment and give more meaning to your life.
