The classic definition of health highlights the well-being of an individual in physical, social, mental, and emotional aspects. Usually, we consider ourselves healthy if we haven’t visited a hospital in a month or experienced any other symptom. Health is not just the mere absence of disease. Even if someone is physically fit but is undergoing emotional or mental distress, they may not be healthy due to an underlying mental illness or disorder.
Mental health is a state of well-being of an individual where they can recognize their potential, perform daily tasks while managing the daily life stress. Our body and mind share a strong connection, and we cannot call ourselves healthy if we are struggling with stress affecting our day-to-day routine. Compared to the past few years, mental health today is no more a stigma or a taboo. Instead of talking about it behind closed doors, people embrace their emotional and mental health and talk about it openly. Thanks to the awareness prevalent today, seeking help and going to a therapist have become as normal as visiting a doctor regarding a physical ailment.
We often hear it from our friends “talk it out” or “share what’s bothering you.” It might appear very usual, but once we confide our fears and trouble in the person we trust, we feel better and light. Specially in the case of mental disorders, counseling or therapy to talk about everything to a professional can guide you towards healing and recovery.
Following are some of the mental health issues and disorders that can get better with counseling.
- Depression
There are times when we have everything, but that void inside us makes us feel no hope. With the current pandemic and increased unemployment, losing loved ones, people have lost hope. Other than the familiar feeling, depression can turn into an actual disorder if that already is not the reason. In such cases, it is best to consult a therapist or a counselor, who are professionals take that specialized training on how to become a therapist. A counseling appointment can help such individuals identify their triggers, the changing emotions, and some tips to overcome depression.
- Anxiety Disorder
We often see this term tagged along with depression, and people often consider both disorders to be similar. However, there is a difference between the two. Anxiety is an emotion entailing our brain’s function towards stress or alerting us about the danger ahead. In contrast, anxiety disorders are a cluster of mental illnesses that cause a constant state of panic and fear in an individual. A counselor’s assistance can reduce symptoms like worry or get stressed over little things by helping such individuals change their thinking patterns.
- PTSD
We have seen many war veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD because of their time spent on battlefields and witnessing the horrors of wars. Trauma can occur in any form, and if left untreated or processed, it can initiate PTSD in anyone. PTSD can occur from the death of a loved one or losing someone in a horrible accident. Such events can interrupt our sleep and leave us in a constant state of fear. A counselor or a therapist can help us understand the event that happened and how it affects us. Understanding and processing our troubling thoughts is vital to change our thinking patterns and incorporate beneficial attributes to overcome the issue.
- Eating Disorders
Some people cannot stop eating, while others want to puke right after eating. It may appear normal to many, but these are disorders entailing behavioral conditions with persistent eating disturbances and emotional distress. The common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. These eating disorders affect nearly 5% of the population, mostly teens or adolescents. Counseling for such disorders can help resolve the emotional pain leading to diminished or over-eating behaviors.
- Addictions
Addiction or drug abuse is one of the common disorders people suffer from. Many deaths occur due to drug overdose. People addicted to certain substances are constantly on edge and exhibit behavioral issues like aggression and violence. People wanting to quit or get rid of their addictions need counseling and other therapies to fight the urge and overcome withdrawal symptoms.
Conclusion
We cater to our physical health by going to the gym or eating healthy, but we often neglect our mental health. We might share what we are going through with a friend, but we find ourselves too busy to book an appointment with a therapist. Mental health is as essential as our physical health. Around 20% of the world’s children and adolescents have mental health conditions. 1 in 5 people in post-conflict settings suffer from mental health issues. These conditions can be treated if we seek timely treatment or therapies. Remember that we can only be healthy if we look after our physical health and mental health.
A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.
