Introduction
Mental health is a complex and multifaceted concept encompassing physical, psychological, and social wellness. It is frequently perceived as a spectrum from good mental health to mental disease. The surroundings, internal mindset, and interactions with others all impact a person’s mental health. Overall fitness, anxiety levels, life issues, and belief systems can also have diverse effects (Pilgrim, 2019).
Therefore, building support systems and understanding how to reduce stress can lead to improved mental health. Despite the complexity of mental health and the range of mental disorders, evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and solution-focused brief therapy, have been developed to address these issues. Mental health professionals must ensure that their treatment strategies adhere to ethical standards.
Mental Health
Mental health is a compound concept that refers to an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social welfare. It is not just the absence of mental illness but rather a positive state of being that allows a person to feel fulfilled and satisfied with their life. People with good mental health can manage their emotions, thoughts, and doings effectively. Mental health is not static, as it can vary over time and across different situations. Various factors can influence it, including genetics, environmental influences, and life experiences (Pilgrim, 2019).
A person’s mental health can be affected by positive and negative experiences; hence, individuals need to take care of their mental health to maintain overall comfort. Some strategies to maintain and improve mental health include getting enough sleep, regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet, socializing, and finding significant ways to cope with stress. It is also essential to seek help if one is struggling with mental health issues since early intervention can often lead to a faster and more successful recovery.
Mental Conditions
Anxiety Disorders
The range of mental illnesses and disorders is vast. Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, are among the most diagnosed mental illnesses, affecting over 10% of adults (Behar et al., 2009). Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive, long-term worry and anxiety about various topics, events, or activities. People with GAD may have difficulty controlling their anxiety and experience physical symptoms such as muscle tension, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
Wiederhold (2021) writes that treatment for GAD typically includes a combination of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Individuals with GAD need to seek treatment from a mental health professional because GAD can interfere with daily functioning and overall quality of life if left untreated. Distressful disorders such as major depressive disorder are also common illnesses affecting about 6.7% of adults (Strawbridge et al., 2017). These conditions are characterized by persistent sadness, worthlessness, or hopelessness.
Additionally, they can cause physical symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, concentration difficulties, and memory loss. As such, they are treatable using medication and psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and relaxation techniques. One critique of the traditional diagnosis is that it relies heavily on subjective experiences and self-reported symptoms. Mental health professionals frequently use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to diagnose mental illnesses (Ma, 2021). However, the DSM has been criticized for its lack of objective biological markers and reliance on symptom-based criteria that may not reflect the underlying causes of mental illnesses.
Addictions and Mood & Personality-Related Disorders
Other mental health issues encompass substance abuse, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. At first, substance abuse is a pattern of substance use that involves alcohol and drugs in harmful ways to the user and those around them. Cape et al. (2010) suggest that people suffering from substance abuse issues have difficulty controlling their use, suffer related problems, and may experience physical, emotional, and social consequences.
Secondly, eating disorders involve instances characterized by abnormal eating habits. These comprise anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder (Stockwell et al., 2021). Eating disorder treatment typically involves individual psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and medication. The treatment goals focus on helping a person develop healthy eating habits, address underlying psychological issues, and improve overall well-being. Treatment plans are tailored to meet the individual’s needs, which may involve lifestyle changes, nutrition counseling, psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of these approaches. The target is to develop a sustainable, healthy eating pattern that helps a person maintain a healthy weight and feel good about their body.
Thirdly, bipolar disorder patients may suffer from manic episodes and periods of desperation. Stockwell et al. (2021) stated that manic episodes could include surplus energy, impatience, mental confusion, and poor impulse control. Grief, decreased interest in activities, difficulties sleeping, and low concentration are all manifestations of depression. Depression manifests in sadness, loss of interest in activities, difficulty sleeping, and decreased energy.
Furthermore, personality disorders are a group of mental illnesses characterized by persistent patterns of thoughts, feelings, and manners that differ from the expectations of an individual’s culture. Rakfeldt and Strauss (2010) highlighted these, including antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder. Individuals with personality disorders often struggle to control their emotions, interactions, and cognitive activities.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric illness that develops after witnessing a tragic experience. PTSD symptoms involve nightmares, flashes, insomnia, restlessness, and strained focus. People with PTSD may also experience depression, anxious thoughts, and other mental fitness problems.
Causes of Mental Disorders
Genetics
The causes of mental health issues are complex and varied. Genetic factors can predispose individuals to mental illness, and environmental factors, such as poverty, trauma, and childhood abuse, can increase the risk of developing mental illness (Patil & Giordano, 2010). Genetic factors can influence the likelihood of developing mental health disorders such as depression or schizophrenia. Genes can dictate the production of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that regulate mood and actions. If the production of these neurotransmitters is off balance, it can lead to impaired functioning and mental health problems (Johnstone & Dallos, 2013).
In addition, genetic mutations can increase the risk of certain mental illnesses. Johnstone and Dallos (2013) support that some mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are connected to genetic mutations. However, it is essential to note that genetics is just one factor that can contribute to the development of mental illness.
Most mental illnesses are complicated and result from a combination of multiple factors rather than a single cause. For example, a person may have a genetic predisposition to a particular mental illness. However, sometimes, the illness may not manifest until triggered by a particular event or series of events in the patient’s life (Kotera et al., 2021). Similarly, an individual might not possess an inherited tendency toward a specific mental disorder but may still develop the illness due to environmental or other factors. It is necessary to note that mental illnesses are complex, and the specific causes of each one can vary.
Environment
More to the causes above, environmental factors can also play an essential role in developing mental illness. Exposure to certain stressful life events, such as poverty, traumatic experiences, or childhood abuse, can increase the chances of developing a mental health disorder (Linardon et al., 2019). Additionally, exposure to environmental toxins, such as lead or other pollutants, can increase the risk of developing a mental illness (Stockwell et al., 2021).
Social Bonds and Physical Well-Being
Further, social isolation and lack of moral support can lead to mental health issues. Mental health is also closely linked to physical health; chronic physical illnesses can lead to mental health issues such as depression (Pilgrim, 2019). In this case, the rise of digital technology has impacted mental health, leading to digital addiction and social isolation (Cemiloglu et al., 2022). Treatment for mental health issues has evolved over the years, and a range of evidence-based treatments is now available.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used and effective treatments for mental health issues. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and acts are all connected (Cape et al., 2010). It is an approach that helps people to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, and acts and to learn new, more helpful ways of thinking and behaving (Briers, 2012). CBT can also help people develop better problem-solving skills, manage difficult emotions, and develop healthier coping strategies. On the other hand, it can help people become more aware of their thoughts and habits and how they might contribute to their current problems.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
CBT is often used in combination with other types of therapy, such as psychodynamic or interpersonal therapy. Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is another treatment used to treat mental health issues, such as substance abuse (Kim et al., 2018). SFBT is based on the idea that clients already possess the skills and resources necessary to solve their problems. The therapist’s role is to facilitate the process by helping clients identify their solutions and then take action to achieve them (Grant et al., 2010). Withal psychiatrists motivate clients to concentrate on the present and future instead of dwelling on past experiences, identify their current strengths and resources, and work towards developing new skills and resources for problem-solving.
SFBT is goal-oriented and focuses on identifying solutions that are achievable, realistic, and beneficial (Choi, 2019). Techniques such as scaling questions help clients identify their current functioning level and then set goals toward increasing the psychologist’s functioning (Curwen, 2000). Moreover, therapists use techniques such as miracle questions, which help clients envision their lives if their problems are resolved entirely (O’Connell, 2012). The ethical implications of SFBT must be considered to guarantee that the therapeutic process adheres to ethical standards. For example, the therapist must ensure that the client’s autonomy is respected and that any decisions are in the client’s best interests.
Thus, the therapist must also ensure that they provide clients with accurate information and that any advice is based on evidence (Briers, 2012). SFBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and working toward solutions to mental health issues. It is goal-oriented and encourages clients to focus on the present and future rather than the past. Medics use techniques such as scaling questions and miracle questions to help clients recover and achieve their goals. It is crucial to consider the ethical implications of SFBT in order to ensure that the therapeutic process is conducted ethically.
Treatment Risks
Consequently, mental health professionals must also be aware of the potential risks associated with providing psychological treatment and be willing to take appropriate steps to minimize those risks. It may include obtaining informed consent from clients, regularly monitoring progress, and providing appropriate referrals when necessary (Dawson & Moghaddam, 2016). Mental health professionals must also be aware of their limitations and be willing to seek consultation and supervision with more experienced practitioners when needed (Baier, 2019). Furthermore, they should strive to maintain a high level of professionalism and demonstrate respect for the autonomy and dignity of their clients. This includes avoiding discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, and other demographic characteristics (Dawson & Moghaddam, 2016).
Mental health professionals must also be aware of relevant laws and regulations affecting their practice and strive to remain current on research and advances in the field. Despite this, mental health issues are often linked to social determinants of health, such as income, education, employment, and access to healthcare (Ungar & Theron, 2020). Cultural factors, such as stigma surrounding mental illness, can also affect an individual’s willingness to seek help and receive treatment. Political factors such as policies related to mental health care and funding for mental health services can impact the availability and quality of mental health care (Ungar & Theron, 2020). These factors are essential to consider when discussing mental health and its treatment.
Ethical Responsibilities
Ultimately, mental health professionals must remember that they are accountable to their clients, their profession, and the public. As such, they must remain committed to the ethical standards of their profession and strive to provide quality care that adheres to those standards (Dawson & Moghaddam, 2016). By doing so, mental health professionals can ensure that they are providing the best possible care for their clients and upholding the values of their profession.
Conclusion
Mental health is an important aspect of overall health and safety. It is essential to understand that mental health is a complex concept that impacts all aspects of a person’s life and that various internal and external factors can influence it. It is also essential to recognize multiple mental health conditions and disorders, each with its symptoms and treatment approaches (Stafford, 2020). Individuals experiencing mental health challenges should seek help from mental health personnel because early intervention can often lead to a more successful recovery. Nevertheless, society must destigmatize mental health conditions and provide resources and support for those who need it.
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