EXPLAINER: What you need to know about mental health

It is said that your mental health is just as important as your physical health and with May being the mental health awareness month, it is crucial to talk about it.

May was first recognised as the mental health awareness month in 1949 by the Mental Health America organisation.

What is the importance of Mental Health Awareness month

It aims at reducing the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues and highlighting how mental illness and addiction can affect humanity.

This is a time when the world comes together to talk about the reality of living with a mental health condition and help those in need receive treatment.

May provides for the opportunity to fundraise and organise awareness events.

Types of mental health conditions

• Anxiety Disorder
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Schizophrenia

What causes mental health issues

According to the Centre for Disease Control, factors including use of alcohol and drugs and having feelings of loneliness or isolation can result to mental health issues. 

Other causes include adverse childhood experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse including child abuse, sexual assault and witnessing violence.

Experiences related to other ongoing (chronic) medical conditions, such as a traumatic brain injury, cancer, or diabetes, biological factors or chemical imbalances in the brain can also cause mental health disorders.

Symptoms of mental health disorders

Withdrawing from friends, family, and colleagues

Being confused

Sleeping too much or too little

Feeling hopeless

Eating too much or too little

Avoiding activities they would usually enjoy

Having consistently low energy

Using mood-altering substances, including alcohol and nicotine, more frequently

Displaying negative emotions

Hallucinations

Suicidal thoughts

Experiencing delusions

Tips for maintaining a stable menta health

According to the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council, whenever you feel stressed out, reach out and seek support from colleagues, friends, and family.

It is advisable to never give up on your journey to healing and happiness.

You should also ensure you get regular exercise, eat healthy and stay hydrated.

Other tips include making sleep a priority, setting  goals and celebrating little achievements, practicing gratitude, focusing on positivity and staying connected to colleagues, friends and family.

Further, the Ministry of Health advocates seeking professional help.

The Ministry says doing so is a sign of strength, not weakness.

"If you're struggling with your mental health, don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for support, guidance, and treatment options," it says.