How To Deal With Rising Mental Health Issues?

The WHO (World Health Organization) reports that every 1 in 8 people in the world have a mental health disorder. Some prevalent mental health issues include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Despite mental health issues affecting millions around the world, there’s a taboo surrounding this topic, even in the Western world. In Lebanon, the stigma around the biggest health problems is even worse. 

Every six hours, someone attempts suicide in Lebanon, and at least one person dies every 2.1 days from suicide. Most people hesitate to share their mental health troubles because of the fear of being judged or labeled as weak or crazy. 

However, it’s important to identify your symptoms and seek help. Below, we discuss this matter in detail. 

How Do You Know If You Have Mental Health Issues? 

The symptoms of mental health disorders can vary from one disease to another. Disorders like depression and anxiety can often be overlooked as they may seem like a normal part of life. But if these symptoms persist for an extended period, you should take due action. 

MayoClinic mentions some signs and symptoms of mental health issues: 

• Feeling ”down” or sad 
• Reduced concentration and cognition 
• Excessive feelings of guilt or fear 
• Withdrawal from social interactions 
• Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or oversleeping) 
• Excessive or insufficient eating habits 
• Excessive tiredness 
• Problems with drug or alcohol use 
• Suicidal thoughts 
• Excessive violence or anger 
• Appetite or weight changes 
• Emotional outbursts 

Symptoms of mental health issues do not only manifest as behavioral or emotional changes. They can also be physical. Examples of such physical problems include: 

• Unexplained pains and aches 
• Headaches 
• Digestive problems 
• Physical tension, such as tight muscles and clenched jaw 
• Back pain 

Having these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have a mental health disorder. However, it’s important to pay attention to them and get help if they persist.

When to See a Doctor 

If you suspect that you may have any mental health issues, consult your primary care provider. They can refer you to a mental health specialist. Or you can go the latter way and directly consult a mental health specialist on your own. Do this if you are experiencing: 

• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors 
• Severe anxiety or panic attacks  
• Difficulty carrying out day-to-day activities 
• Substance abuse problems 
• Traumatic experiences or major life changes that affect your mental well-being 

Know that mental health illnesses do not go away on their own. They may get worse if they are not treated. 

If you’re having suicidal thoughts, know that you’re not alone. In Lebanon, you can call 1564 to seek emotional support through the National Lifeline in Lebanon for Emotional Support and Suicide Prevention Hotline, which works in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health’s National Mental Health Program. 

Other First Steps to Take 

Ideally, you should call the suicide hotline if you’re having suicidal thoughts. However, if you’re not comfortable with that or it’s not yet an emergency, here are a few other first steps you can take:

• Talk to a trusted friend or family member about your feelings 
• Reach out to a support group through a community center or religious organization 
• Consult a mental health specialist for an evaluation 
• Talk to your primary care provider 

If your loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors, you can help them by doing the following:

• Accompanying them to a mental health specialist appointment 
• Supporting them in finding and attending support groups 
• Encouraging them to talk about their feelings and being present to listen without judgment 
• Learning about their mental illness and taking steps to support their recovery 

How to Care for Your Mental Health 

Although not all mental health disorders are curable, many of them can be treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Once you’ve identified your mental health issues and consulted with a professional, take the following steps. 

Seek and Continue Treatment 

Getting the right treatment for your mental health disorder is extremely important. Some examples of treatment options include: 

• Medication: Psychiatric medication can help alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders. Often, they are recommended alongside therapy for best results. Some classes of psychiatric medications are mood stabilizing, anti-anxiety, antipsychotic, and antidepressant drugs.
• Psychotherapy: It is also called ”talk therapy” and is a form of treatment in which you talk to a mental health professional about your thoughts and feelings to understand and manage them better.
• Hospitalization: In some cases, mental illness can be severe and require hospitalization, especially if you are deemed to be a threat to yourself or those around you. Options range from 24-hour treatment centers to residential facilities.
• Brain-Stimulation Treatments: These treatments are often offered for depression. They include vagus nerve stimulation, deep brain stimulation, electroconvulsive therapy, and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. 

Partake In Your Mental Wellness 

Medication and therapy alone don’t suffice. You also have to participate in your treatment. The WHO recommends doing the following: 

• 1. Physical Health: Take care of your physical health by doing physical activity for at least 30 minutes daily. You could garden, run, walk, jog, swim, or do yoga.
• 2. Enjoyable Activities: Do things that bring joy and meaning to your life. It could be anything like playing with a pet or doing a hobby.
• 3. Connections: Withdrawal from others is a symptom of mental illness. Talk to a close friend or family member who you trust. If you don’t have anyone, attend support groups or reach out to a mental health hotline.
• 4. Drug Avoidance: Don’t fall prey to drugs and alcohol. Substance use disorders are common among mental health patients. Be honest with your doctor about any substance use so they can monitor potential interactions with medication. 

Takeaway 

Mental health issues are, unfortunately, often overlooked, but they cause 8 million deaths annually. Most of these deaths are preventable if the right action is taken at the right time. 

It’s important to become an advocate for your own mental health and take an active role in managing it. Besides professional help, play your role in complementing psychiatric treatment through the measures mentioned above. Similarly, if a loved one is struggling with mental illness, lend them a helping hand and be supportive.