It’s estimated that nearly 50% of people in the United States experience a mental health problem at some point during their lifetime. Unfortunately, half of those people may not get the treatment they need because of the stigmas surrounding mental illness.
Many people believe mental health disorders aren’t real or that they’re a sign of weakness. Some people also fear seeking help for their mental health concerns because they believe it may affect how other people view them.
At Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, in Grand Island and Hastings, Nebraska, we want to make sure our patients get all of the health services they need to live their best life. Our team understands the importance of mental health and how it affects overall wellness, and that’s why we provide counseling services with a mental health expert.
Here, we explain why mental health awareness is so important.
Mental health refers to your emotional, social, and psychological well-being. It influences how you think, feel, and behave, and it plays a role in how you make life decisions and handle stress.
Many factors influence your mental health, including genetics, environment, and personal experiences. Anyone can develop a mental health condition at anytime. These conditions affect how you feel about yourself and the world around you, and they may change how you interact with other people.
Mental well-being is important because it affects your overall health. There’s a close connection between mental health and physical health.
When you’re struggling with a mental illness, you may find it difficult to take care of yourself. Your eating habits may change, you may have a hard time getting enough sleep, or you may turn to drugs, alcohol, or food to numb your emotional distress. These choices may negatively affect your physical health, leading to problems like weight gain, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
Additionally, physical health conditions like cancer, arthritis, or an autoimmune disorder may make it harder for you to engage in your usual activities, affecting your mental well-being.
Taking care of your mental health improves your physical health.
Many people may avoid getting help for their mental well-being because of their own self-stigma toward mental illness. They may feel ashamed or view their emotional difficulties as a flaw in their personal character. But mental illness is a disease just like diabetes and hypertension and needs professional medical help.
The sooner you get help for a mental health condition, the sooner you can feel better. Early intervention may prevent your mental illness from turning into a chronic health problem.
The following are signs and symptoms that indicate you or someone you love may be struggling with mental well-being:
Recognizing that you or someone close to you is struggling is part of mental health awareness.
Are you feeling sad? Is your anxiety so overwhelming that you have a difficult time leaving the house? It’s time to get help. The counseling team at Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, can provide the answers you need. Call our office today or request an appointment online.
