10 September 2024

Understanding Mental Health

A person can be considered mentally healthy when they feel well, both psychologically, emotionally, and socially.

Reasons Why Mental Health Needs to Be Maintained
People with excellent mental health can carry out productive activities and maximize their potential. They are also able to think positively and clearly when faced with various problems. This will guide them to become better individuals in dealing with challenges.

Good mental health is also beneficial for social life. People with healthy minds can communicate better, socialize easily, and maintain healthy friendships.

Mental Illnesses to Watch Out For
There are many factors that can affect a person’s mental health condition, ranging from genetics, past trauma, sexual or physical abuse, an unhealthy lifestyle, to brain injuries. Additionally, being in a pandemic situation, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can also make individuals more vulnerable to mental health disorders.

Based on the symptoms, mental illnesses are divided into two types: psychotic and non-psychotic. Here is the explanation:

1. Psychotic Mental Disorders
   Psychotic mental disorders or psychosis refer to a mental condition where individuals struggle to distinguish reality and often experience hallucinations, such as seeing or hearing things that do not actually exist. Furthermore, individuals with psychosis may believe in things that are not true, known as delusions.
   Several mental illnesses classified as psychotic include:
   - Bipolar disorder with psychotic symptoms
   - Severe depression with psychotic symptoms
   - Delusional disorder
   - Schizophrenia

2. Non-Psychotic Mental Disorders
   Non-psychotic mental disorders do not cause individuals to lose touch with reality. However, those suffering from these disorders typically experience mood disturbances or exhibit thought patterns that do not align with societal norms or rules. These conditions are closely related to stress and trauma.
   Here are some examples of non-psychotic mental illnesses:
   - Depression
   - Anxiety disorders
   - Phobias
   - Panic attacks
   - Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

How to Maintain Mental Health
Here are some general guidelines to help maintain mental health:

1. Value yourself, for example, by not comparing yourself to others.

2. Always try to see the positive side of a problem.

3. Treat yourself the way you would treat someone you love.

4. Find the best way to manage stress for yourself, such as journaling, taking a walk, or having conversations.

5. Be grateful for what you have to accept and love yourself.

6. Adopt a healthy lifestyle, such as eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest.

7. Develop your potential or try new things you have never done before.

8. Maintain good relationships with others.

9. Do things that make you happy.

10. Avoid excessive perfectionism.

11. Practice meditation.

If you feel you are experiencing signs of mental disorders or have family members or relatives dealing with these issues, do not hesitate to seek help from a psychologist or psychiatrist. With proper treatment, mental health disorders can be managed, allowing you to live a higher-quality and happier life.

Reviewed by: dr. Innosensius Ibnu Ishwara, M.K.K.

Source: Alodokter Health Article

Photo: freepik.com