Mental health has become an important topic. Here are several factors that can affect your mental health.
Stress
Everyone feels stress from time to time.
- Work, school, daily responsibilities and/or relationships can cause stress
- The body reacts to stress with physical, mental and emotional responses; you may have an increased heart rate, rapid breathing, tightening muscles and/or increasing blood pressure
- People handle stress differently; some people may have digestive problems, while others may have headaches, sleeplessness, sadness, irritability or anger
- If stress goes on too long or becomes constant, it can create health problems with the immune and reproductive systems
- People with constant stress are likely to have more frequent and severe viral infections
Anxiety
Anxiety is part of life.
- You might feel anxious before you take a test or if you have to speak in front of a crowd of people
- It is important to know the differences between anxiety and an anxiety disorder; anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear
- With an anxiety disorder, feeling does not go away and can get worse over time; this can cause problems in daily activities with work, school and relationships
- People with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and continued worry and fear about everyday situations that can lead to panic attacks
Depression
Depression is more than just being sad.
- Depression is a mood disorder with long-lasting feelings of sadness and loss of interest in daily activities
- Depression may cause some people to have feelings of sadness or hopelessness; others may be irritable, frustrated or restless
- People can also have difficulty thinking clearly, remembering or making decisions
- Depression can affect the body with fatigue, appetite or weight changes, sleeplessness, and headaches
- If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor about treatment options
Grief
Grief is a natural response to the loss of someone or something important to you.
- It may be caused by a life-changing event, like the death of a loved one, an ended relationship, or losing your job
- Other life changes, like chronic illness or a move to a new home, can also cause grief
- Everyone grieves differently
Promoting a Healthy Brain
Like your muscles, you have to use your brain or you lose it.
- Lifestyle has an impact on your brain health
- What you eat and drink, how much you exercise, how well you sleep, the way you socialize and how you manage stress are all important to your brain health
Substance Use
A substance use disorder is the frequent use of alcohol and/or drugs.
- This can lead to health issues and problems at work, school or home
- The exact cause of substance use disorder is not known; a person’s genes, the action of the drug, peer pressure, emotional distress, anxiety, depression and environmental stress can all be factors
- Some of the most common substances abused are alcohol, tobacco, stimulants and opioids
- Recovery is possible with treatment and support
- Those looking to begin recovery should pick a treatment tailored to their individual needs
