Mental health, according to the world health organization (WHO), is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well, and work well, and contribute to their community. It’s the State of overall well-being and having the ability to cope with and ‘bounce back ‘ from stress and sadness.
Mental stability is a sense of being in control of personal thoughts and actions. A sense of (general) well-being. Friends and family are generally confident in the individual’s ability to care for themselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They are able to stay consistent and present in their work, family, and society.
“Mental instability” is a broad phrase people use to refer to a wide range of mental health conditions, from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder to bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder.
Mental instability isn’t a clinical term or medical diagnosis, and the phrase itself is outdated. It carries a negative connotation, which can add to someone’s shame or embarrassment over having a mental health condition and make it hard for them to seek treatment. Because language can stigmatize mental health, this is a phrase that’s better left in the past.
The Common Symptoms and Causes of Mental Illness: There are approximately 300 mental illnesses and personality disorders recognized in the DSM-5, each with its own set of symptoms and diagnostic criteria. Common symptoms of mental illness include: aggressive or violent behavior, Paranoia, Sleep disturbances, Confusion or difficulty concentrating, Social withdrawal, Suicidal thoughts or self-harm, Sudden changes in mood, Persisting feelings of sadness, Inability to cope with daily problems, Changes in eating habits. Also, Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach pain, or back pain can manifest when there is instability in mental status.
Mental illness does not discriminate, it can affect anyone regardless of your age, gender, geography, religion/spirituality, sexual orientation, background or other aspects of cultural identity. Mental health is an integral and essential component of health.
The WHO constitution states: “Health is a State of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infinity. An important implication of this definition is that mental health is More than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities. Mental health is determined by a range of social economic, biological and environmental factors.
Mental illness as it’s said it caused by many factors including: biological factors, environmental factors, psychological factors. Biological factors that triggers mental illness or may be involved in the development of mental illness include; Genetics (heredity): mental illnesses sometimes run in families, suggesting that people who have a family member with a mental illness May be some what More likely to have one themselves. This susceptibility is passed on in families through genes. Expects believe that many mental illness are linked to abnormalities in many genes; rather than just one or a few,and that’s how those genes interact with the environment is unique for every person (even identical twins). Mental illness itself comes from the interaction of multiple genes. Examples of Genetics issues that affect mental illness or Mental disorders linked by genetic traits are; Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder, Major depressive disorder, Autism spectrum disorders, Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Bipolar disorder also called: manic depression, According to college of medicine University of Ibadan A disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs. Though the exact cause of bipolar disorder isn’t known, but a combination of genetics, environment and altered brain structure and chemistry may play a role. Bipolar disorder can occur at any age, although it often develops between the ages of 15 and 19 and rarely develops after 40. Men and women from all backgrounds are equally likely to develop bipolar disorder. The pattern of mood swings in bipolar disorder varies widely between people.
Another example of Genetics issues that affect mental health in our world today is Autism spectrum disorder which According to SCDC people with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention. The three (3) main causes of autism that May make a child more likely to have ASD, include: environmental, biological and genetics factors. A person with autism can absolutely live a normal life with the right support and resources. Early intervention, education, and community support are key factors in helping people with autism achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives.
While biological factors that triggers mental illness is infection: certain infections have been linked to brain demange; for example, a condition known as pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder (PANDAS) associated with the streptococcus bacteria has been linked to the development of obsessive compulsive disorder and other mental illnesses in children. All these factors leads to, depression, behavioral change, anxiety disorder, Post Traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bipolar disorder.
Meanwhile, psychological factors also contribute to trigger mental illness ; some psychological factors that triggers mental illness includes: Truman suffered as a child; such as psysical, emotional, or sexual abuse. An important early loss, of loved ones and neglect, poor ability to relate to others.
Socioeconomic factors contribute to mental illness: Research continue to show a link between social and economic inequality and poor mental health. Adults and children/Adolescents alike seem to be affected,along with immigrants.socioeconomic factors that contribute to mental illness include: Unemployment, Low income, poverty, Debt, Poor or Unstable living conditions, Education. Socioeconomic factors are often connected to environmental factors.
According to mental health foundation Poverty increases the risk of mental health problems and can be both a causal factor and a consequence of mental ill health. Mental health is shaped by the wide-ranging characteristics (including inequalities) of the social, economic and physical environments in which people live.
According to the MCBI , Poverty in childhood and among adults can cause poor mental health through social stresses, stigma and trauma. Equally, mental health problems can lead to impoverishment through loss of employment or underemployment, or fragmentation of social relationships.
Unemployment is another issue that affect mental health according to mental health foundation Unemployment causes stress, which ultimately has long-term physiological health effects and can have negative consequences for people’s mental health, including depression, anxiety and lower self-esteem. The ways unemployment can leads to mental health and affect anyone is through negative mood , Deterioration of self-esteem , increase in anxiety, social exclusion.
Social or Cultural expectations also cause mental illness for example, a society that associate beauty with thinness can be a factor in the development of eating disorders (Bulimia Nervosa). mental health is a vital part of our heath that should be monitored and keept healthy as it controls virtually all aspect of our lives.
In conclusion as we all know mental health is something that is real and it should be always treated with a matter of urgency and care, it can affect anybody and not minding the age and do on but ways we can prevent or create awareness for people to know and have the knowledge about it and also to be able to inspire those who have this issues of mental illnesses. Hereare somewaysoradviceonhowpeoplecanstaymentallywell. The Ability of them to talk about self-care , Talkaboutyour feelings and having a healthy diet, eat well. Get a good night’s sleep, exercising , stayactive, Practicemindfulness,awaytobefullyengagedandpresentinthemoment and Keepintouch. All can help maintain mental healthiness.
– Edoh Rosemary Ochanya
Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State
