Mental health, commonly known as mental well-being, is a state of emotional well-being where the individual can cope well with the daily stresses of life, is able to work productively, develop a sense of purpose in their lives and be a contributing member of the community. When we think about mental health we generally consider the person's ability to function in everyday situations but this is not necessarily all that we need to assess. There is much more to mental health than meets the eye. Positive mental health is not just a reflection on how the person is physically but also the way they interact with their environment.
There are many different types of mental health including mood disorders, stress management, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and schizophrenia. The most common type of mental disorder is depression but there are also anxiety disorders, stress disorders and personality disorders. Some of these conditions will not show any outward symptoms until they become serious. Others may come about suddenly and require immediate attention.
One way of assessing whether you have a problem with your mental health is to visit your GP or health worker if you feel unwell, for example if you feel you are losing control of yourself. If there are any signs of mental distress such as a sudden change in personality, problems with sleep, appetite or memory, feelings of worthlessness or changes in behaviour then it is worth speaking to your doctor about diagnosis.
If you suffer from depression or anxiety and do not feel you can get the treatment you need from your doctor or other health care professionals then it is time to look at other options. Psychotherapy is an effective form of therapy that can be conducted in a residential or self-help environment depending on the needs of the patient.
You will need to find a professional therapist who is trained and experienced in treating mental illnesses. They will ask a number of questions to establish your mental health and the severity of your illness. The therapist will also ask you to reflect on your past and present mental health and ask you to complete questionnaires.
Your therapist will be able to identify the source of your stress and give you psychotherapy sessions to help you cope with those sources and reduce them. As your therapy progresses your therapist will work to improve your physical health and encourage you to develop healthy habits and strengthen your mental health.