Authors: Aiyannah Wilson, Alena Combes- Baldwin, Nazjae Arthurton, and Rachel Luzer
When individuals think of the word health, they often think of the body’s physiologic systems such as cardiovascular health or musculoskeletal health. Health is an all-encompassing topic that spans from the outside of our body to the inside. In this blog, we are discussing the elephant in the room, mental health. Around the world, 1 in 4 individuals suffer from mental health disorders and it is a growing epidemic in the United States and abroad. Individuals suffering from mental health conditions can be diagnosed as early as 14 years old, if not younger, and with an average of 2,000 people a day dying by suicide, 90% is due to mental conditions.
Though many individuals are at risk for mental conditions, postpartum women, teenagers, victims of trauma, and veterans all have an increased risk of developing a disorder. Study shows that about 1 in 10 women will experience postpartum depression lasting on average 6 months. Many of these women go untreated or undiagnosed which results in only 80% making a full recovery. Teenagers are one of the most misunderstood groups of individuals. This population experiences loneliness, high anxiety, depression, and many experience suicidal thoughts. With social media booming, teens around the world are found to be less inclined to engage in social activities with their peers and engage less with their family contributing to feelings of isolation and lack of connection. With Memorial Day just passing, our veterans are found to be in dire need of mental health services. The Veterans Affairs (VA) reports a high prevalence of suicide and homelessness in the veteran population despite seeing a decline within recent years.
Some common mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are widely recognized. Several less common forms of mental health issues are equally important to acknowledge and understand. Some less common disorders include schizoaffective disorder, dissociative identity disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, paranoid personality disorder, and many others. Recognizing and understanding these less common mental health issues can help in providing better support and appropriate treatment to those affected. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of these or any other mental health issues, it is important to seek professional help.
While mental health is something that is talked about more openly today, it is a topic that needs more light shined upon it. Mental health has been a difficult topic to discuss because having mental health problems is seen as something negative within our society. Some reasons why mental health is a sensitive subject for people could be because they are afraid or nervous about judgment, not ready to discuss their mental health, or fearful about how their feelings or diagnosis could impact close relationships.
Understanding and addressing mental health is crucial and can be achieved through various methods. These may include self-care activities, seeking professional help, and cultivating supportive relationships. There are several strategies to consider, such as therapy, medication, and support groups. In addition, implementing self-care practices like regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, prioritizing sufficient sleep, and using relaxation techniques can have a positive impact. It's also important to foster positive thinking and set attainable goals for oneself. It’s essential to recognize that everyone's mental health journey is unique and not linear. What works for one individual may not necessarily work for another. Therefore, it's vital to explore diverse strategies and seek professional guidance to develop an effective approach tailored to one’s individual needs.
Many therapies can offer treatment to help those with mental health concerns. These therapies can range based on the individual’s needs, the severity of the condition, and the demand for treatment. Behavioral therapy, therapies that treat a variety of mental health conditions, can be effective treatment interventions for individuals struggling and need help managing. Some common behavior therapies are cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness. By utilizing these resources by health professionals, an individual can regain control of their lives and live a happier and more fulfilling life.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to help individuals identify unhealthy ways in their thoughts or behavior. It has been studied extensively and can be used as an effective treatment approach for those with a variety of problems with marriage, eating disorders, substance abuse issues, and other conditions such as Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Those practicing CBT may be given “homework” or exercises to develop their learning and overcome challenges with guidance.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an education-based therapy option that provides skills and resources to overcome sensitivity to emotions such as suicidal ideation, borderline personality disorder, and other psychological conditions. This therapy aids in acceptance and learning to overcome complex scenarios in life and situations that may trigger strong emotions as well as internalizing that health is not linear and needs continuous growth and nurturing.
It's important to establish the proper care when navigating mental health. Several different professions address mental health issues. Just to list a few health professions, starting with Psychologists, a profession where individuals are skilled in treating a range of mental health concerns from depression, relationship issues, substance abuse, eating disorders, learning disabilities, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Another profession is a Psychiatrist responsible for diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders using psychiatric medicine, physical exams, and lab tests. A Psychoanalyst is another profession that follows the theories and practice of Sigmund Freud by helping someone explore their repressed or unconscious impulses, anxieties, and internal conflicts.
Some mental health conditions need a variety of treatment mechanisms to properly manage symptoms and respond to triggers. While traditional and behavioral therapies can help the individual cope and learn new and healthy behaviors, medications can also aid in the treatment journey. It is vital to thoroughly discuss treatment options, especially medication options, with a trusted medical provider to choose the best option for the individual and their condition. Some examples of common medication options for depression and anxiety are the following:
Depression: A commonly prescribed medication for depression is Selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Some examples of these are Fluoxetine (Prozac) and Sertraline (Zoloft) which help to increase serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is responsible for regulating mood, memory, appetite, pain, and behavior. Some side effects of SSRIs could be nausea or vomiting, weight gain, diarrhea, and tiredness.
Anxiety: SSRIs are commonly prescribed for anxiety as well as Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines aid in the reduction of anxiety by sedating and relaxing an individual. Some examples of Benzodiazepines can include Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin. Other medications are beta blockers, which reduce heart palpitations, sweating, and shaking, and Buspirone, which increases serotonin with minimal sedative effects. Some side effects of these medications include insomnia, nausea, weight gain, pain in the stomach, joints, or muscles, confusion, or abnormal heart rate.
The link between mental and physical health is extremely important. Research has found physical health issues can impact a person's mental health. Physical therapists can screen for mental health conditions in patients by looking for signs of psychological distress during interactions and using screen tools. Physical therapists can look for red flags such as frequent cancellations, rating pain 10/10, and signs of distress during appointments. Additionally, physical therapists can refer a patient out to a mental health professional or social worker if there are red flags in the patient’s history or if the patient requests a referral to their service.
While physical therapists and other health professionals can help start to combat this mental health epidemic in the United States, there is always more to be done. By creating more initiatives and destigmatizing mental health conditions, individuals may feel more comfortable and ready to seek treatment and get the help they truly need. While it may be frightening to confront mental health issues directly, there are so many resources available that will support people and guide them to live their best and most fulfilling lives.
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