Mental health impacts our lives in so many ways, from affecting how we view ourselves and live our lives to influencing our relationships with loved ones.
In the 21st century, mental health has become a much more open topic of discussion and society has come to be more supportive of those with mental health issues. [1]
However, there are still mysteries surrounding mental health for many of us as the topic remains partially hidden in the shadows.
So today we are going to discuss what mental health is, how it can impact our lives and how best to take care of our mental wellbeing.
Mental health encompasses our psychological, emotional and social well-being, and it affects several aspects of our lives. [2]
Having good mental health or having mental health difficulties can play a huge role in our self-esteem, relationships, achievements, goals, lifestyle, physical health and much more.
Mental health is often thought of in terms of diagnosed mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
However, it is essential to recognise that we should all strive to take care of our mental health and we can all have good or bad mental health days.
There are several factors that influence mental health throughout our lives, and being aware of these factors can help us to identify potential treatments and avoid potential risks.
Although not all risks will be avoidable, it is always good to be aware of what could influence our mental health and how we can ensure the best outcome for ourselves and our loved ones.
Mental health can be affected by various biological factors [3] such as genetics, pathways in the brain, physical health conditions and cognitive ability.
Studies have found a link between genetics and mental disorders [4] such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
In family studies, [5] children with a parent who suffers from a depressive disorder were 3-4 times more likely to develop a depressive disorder themselves.
When a meta-analysis of studies [6] was conducted into the inheritability of psychotic and mood disorders, the children of a parent with a mood or psychotic disorder had a 33% chance of developing a mood or psychotic disorder and a 50% chance of developing any mental disorder.
In terms of other biological risk factors, poor physical health has been shown to impact rates of depression, and certain neurological pathways have also been linked to mental disorders.
However, it is worth noting that although there are biological and genetic risk factors for some mental illnesses, that does not mean that everyone with a history of mental illness in their family will develop the same, or any, mental disorder.
Environmental, social and other biological factors still play a large role in the development of mental disorders, and knowing the risks can help to minimise the chances of a mental disorder developing, as well as allow a person to recognise when these factors play a part and what treatments would be best for them.
The influence of one’s social and physical environment on mental health cannot be underestimated, and both have an impact on our mental health in a variety of ways.
The stresses of urban life, for example, have been linked to increased cases of mental disorders such as schizophrenia. [7]
Furthermore, studies demonstrate that unemployment, living alone or being socially isolated and living in less safe areas also correlate highly to the development of mental illnesses. [8]
This does not mean that any of these factors alone (such as living in a city or living alone) will contribute directly to the development of a mental disorder, but rather that these factors are commonly seen in individuals with mental health issues.
This may be due to the stress put on the mind and body when living in a busier or unsafe environment, the psychological toll of loneliness and isolation which can often lead to disorders such as depression and anxiety, as well as the decreased access to mental health care in more deprived areas.
Due to this, and the increased number of people living in deprived areas, the social impact of others can also play a large role in the development of mental disorders.
For example, if substance misuse is common within an area, then it can become normalised and a substance use disorder (addiction) may become more likely to develop.
When it comes to depression, the cycle of deprivation demonstrates how multiple social and environmental factors [9] contribute to an ongoing cycle of depression.
For example, if someone is unemployed or on a low income then they can become depressed, which often leads to them having less financial support due to the cost of treatment and reduced productivity due to their depression, both of which can often lead to other problems such as a lack of hope, stigma, physical health issues and substance misuse.
On the other hand, having a positive physical and social environment which is supportive of goals, full of education and employment opportunities and free from danger and poverty can help promote mental wellness. [10]
Therefore, it is important to do what we can to change our environment into a more positive one, and to advocate for societal change to support those who are at risk of developing mental health problems and help increase access to treatment.
We often only come across the term mental health when discussing mental health conditions, either when we see a loved one struggling or are suffering from being mentally unwell ourselves.
However, having good mental health is more than simply not having a mental illness, and there are several things that can help us care for our mental health including self-care techniques. [11]
Some examples of positive self-care activities include:
Human psychology is incredibly complex, and our brains can respond to internal and external stimuli in a variety of ways.
This means that there are many mental challenges that we can go through at any time in our lives, and finding the right support can be a task in itself.
However, some of the most common mental disorders and challenges people go through include:
Other things which can affect our mental state include neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD.
Often these disorders and mental health challenges can impact one another, for example stress leading to prolonged worrying leading to an anxiety disorder.
Mental disorders have high comorbidity rates also, meaning that often someone can be struggling with more than one mental disorder at a time. [14]
This is common for many mental disorders including depression, anxiety and substance use disorder.
Mental health issues can present in a variety of different ways for different individuals, however, recognising the possible signs of mental health disorders can help us to determine whether ourselves or our loved ones need mental health support and treatment.
Possible signs that someone is struggling with their mental health include:
There are a vast range of mental health issues that people can struggle with, and therefore many signs that could point to someone experiencing a mental health problem.
However, if you or someone you love is struggling mentally, then the above signs can help you recognise when to get help.
There are a range of treatment options available so make sure to reach out for help if you are struggling.
There are a range of treatments available to those who have mental disorders, and several approaches which are used for treatment.
The main treatment types which are often used for people experiencing mental distress include:
Medication is often used in the treatment of mental disorders such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, addiction treatment medication and antipsychotics.
Medication is a biological approach to the treatment of mental health issues, and these medications work by trying to rebalance the brain’s systems. [15]
This is often using methods such as increasing a certain chemical in the brain (as is the case with some antidepressants) or blocking receptors (as is the case with some antipsychotics).
Behavioural therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy are popular treatment methods for a range of mental disorders including depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder and substance use disorder.
These therapies focus on changing one’s thought patterns and recognising unhealthy ways of thinking and feeling.
During CBT sessions, you can then challenge these negative thought patterns and build more positive ways of thinking, thus changing your mental state and behaviours.
DBT is similar in its intention but also focuses on exploring one’s feelings and emotional responses to situations.
Talking therapies such as counselling or psychoanalytic psychotherapy focus on thoughts and feelings in a similar way to CBT and DBT, but provide more of an open space to discuss your current mental state and explore possible causes and solutions.
Psychoanalytic therapy delves into your past and analyses possible events which may have influenced your current mental state.
Peer support groups and self-help groups are often available through local charities or organisations where the individuals you will meet are likely to have also struggled with the mental health issue you are experiencing.
Types of peer-support groups can include AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) [16] which helps those with alcoholism, or NA (Narcotics Anonymous) [17] for those with any drug addiction issues.
There are also local support groups for specific mental challenges such as bereavement support groups, and one-to-one support schemes such as befriending to tackle loneliness and isolation.
Self-help treatments such as SMART treatment for people in addiction recovery or online self-help apps for anxiety can help people manage their mental health on their own.
Through the support of online resources and self-help communities, these treatments can teach people methods to manage their mental state day-to-day and improve their overall mental well-being.
Unfortunately, mental health is still a taboo topic for many of us, and although society is improving in terms of mental health awareness there are still many myths floating around that affect the way we think about mental health.
Fact: Mental health is important for everyone to be aware of and be educated about.
Whether you have a mental disorder, know someone who does or have never knowingly encountered anyone with a mental health condition, we are all affected by our mental health.
Fact: Anyone, of any age and any background can develop a mental health disorder.
The idea that mental disorders are a weakness is not only an unscientific and outdated idea, but it has had a profound negative impact on people with mental disorders and society as a whole.
Instead, recognising how prevalent mental disorders are, the risk factors involved and how they can be treated is key to understanding them and helping improve mental wellbeing for the population.
Fact: In the vast majority of cases, a person with a mental health disorder is more likely to be of harm to themselves than to others.
Most people with mental health issues are not violent or dangerous at all, and when violence does occur, it is often combined with other factors such as substance abuse. [18]
If a person is in treatment for their mental disorder, then they are no more likely than anyone else to be dangerous to others.
Being aware of the risks and signs of mental illness and knowing how to promote positive mental health is essential to making sure you are caring for yourself and your loved ones.
In day to day life, alongside the things you can do to protect your own mental health such as exercising, journaling and eating well, you can also look out for the mental health of others and advocate for positive mental wellness in society.
Mental health awareness has increased significantly in recent years, but there is still a stigma that needs to be overcome in order for us to freely discuss mental health.
Arranging, attending or engaging in mental health days or mental health weeks is a great way to show your support for positive mental health.
Volunteering for a mental health charity as a befriender or in another capacity is also a great way to help others who might be going through a difficult time.
Finally, helping reduce the risks to mental health which people face daily can really help improve mental wellbeing on a wider scale.
For example, helping to fund or put together community projects, supporting local hobby groups to encourage people to socialise or putting on local events to encourage socialisation, will all help people try new things and make your local community a happier place to be.
There are things we can all do to help promote our own and others mental well-being, and understanding what mental health is and why its so important is the first step to doing so.
By recognising the signs of mental distress and getting the right treatment, as well as making sure we are caring for ourselves and our loved ones, we can strive for better mental health and well-being for everyone.
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8699555/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK236306/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7067707/
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3885302/
[7]https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749113003059
[9]https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/44289/9789241563970_eng.npdf?sequence=1#page=125
[10]https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352827323000356
[11] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health
[12] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1470658/
[13] https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain
[14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7443806/
[15] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK361016/
[16] https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/
[17] https://meetings.ukna.org/meeting/search
[18] https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/about/
Boris is our editor-in-chief at Rehab 4 Addiction. Boris is an addiction expert with more than 20 years in the field. His expertise covers a broad of topics relating to addiction, rehab and recovery. Boris is an addiction therapist and assists in the alcohol detox and rehab process. Boris has been featured on a variety of websites, including the BBC, Verywell Mind and Healthline. You can connect with Boris online at LinkedIn or X.com.
