Mental health includes emotional, psychological and social health. Mental health is very important at every stage of life, from childhood to adulthood. Mental health also helps a person deal with stress, relate to others, and make choices.

Mental disorders or mental illness are serious disorders that can affect a person’s thinking, mood, and behavior. There are many types of mental disorders and their symptoms vary, such as anorexia, depression, anxiety disorders, addictive disorders, schizophrenia, and others.

Reason

Factors that affect mental health and cause mental disorders are divided into three, namely:

1. Biological factors: genetics, brain chemistry, brain disorders.
2. Life factors: trauma, abuse, poison, alcohol, drugs.
3. Family factors: family history, family problems.

Symptoms

Early symptoms of mental health disorders include:

1. Eating or sleeping too little or too much.
2. Withdrawing from other people and general activities.
3. No energy or little energy.
4. Feeling numb or nothing matters.
5. Experiencing unexplained pain.
6. Feeling helpless or hopeless.
7. Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, angry, anxious, and afraid.
8. Yelling or fighting with family and friends.
9. Experiencing mood swings that are severe enough to cause problems in relationships with others.
10. Have persistent thoughts and memories that cannot be taken out of your head.
11. Hearing voices or believing something that is not true.
12. Thinking of hurting yourself or others.
13. Unable to carry out daily activities such as caring for children or going to school or work.
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Diagnosis

The doctor will determine the diagnosis of mental health disorders based on The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The DSM guidelines cover the symptoms and signs of hundreds of mental illnesses. The doctor will find out about the patient’s and other people’s perceptions of the patient’s condition.

It is better for someone who already has symptoms of a mental disorder to immediately seek professional help. Moreover, if sufferers who show symptoms of having suicidal ideation can hurt themselves and others.

In addition, the doctor will also carry out a physical examination to rule out physical ailments. Supporting tests such as thyroid function lab tests or alcohol and drugs will also be carried out.

Treatment

Treatment for people with mental health disorders depends on the type of disorder itself. However, basically the treatment that can be done includes drugs and psychotherapy. The treatment of cases of severe mental disorders also includes several experts such as psychiatrists, general practitioners, family members, and others.

Drugs that can be used such as antidepressants, antianxiety or anti-anxiety, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics. Psychotherapy is also called talk therapy which covers the patient’s condition and related issues to a psychiatrist.

There are many types of psychotherapy. Treatment usually lasts several months or longer. Psychotherapy can only be with sufferers or family members.

Other treatments include:

1. Brain stimulation includes electroconvulsive therapy, Tran’s cranial magnetic stimulation, an experimental treatment called deep brain stimulation, and vagus nerve stimulation.
2. Hospital care and housing.
3. Substance abuse treatment.

Prevention

Preventing mental disorders can be done by maintaining positive mental health, such as:

1. Keep in touch with others.
2. Keep thinking positive.
3. Stay physically active.
4. Help others.
5. Enough sleep or rest.
6. Have the ability to solve problems.
7. Seek professional help if needed.