This year on October 10th we celebrate the World's mental health day. This day gives an opportunity for people around the world to raise awareness towards mental health, people with mental health disorders can share their stories, and mental health professionals can talk about their work and what they have accomplished.
Every year more and more people are diagnosed with mental health disorders, whether it's anxiety or depression. This year the numbers have risen even more due to the Coronavirus. According to the KFF, 53% of adults in the US reported that their mental health has been negatively affected since the beginning of the pandemic. People have reported difficulty sleeping, feeling very anxious, feeling alone and depressed, and an increase in alcohol consumption due to the stress over the Coronavirus. During this pandemic people have been losing their jobs, struggling to make ends meet, and worrying about getting sick. The key to dealing with mental health disorders is early detection and treatment.
Warning Signs
The most important thing is to know the signs so you can detect potential issues early and get the proper treatment.
- Excessive worrying or fear
- Feeling sad or low
- Difficulty concentrating and learning
- Mood changes
- Difficulty sleeping and relaxing
- Change in sex drive
- An increase of alcohol consumption
As soon as you detect one of these signs in a loved one, or a friend, it is important to talk to them directly and try to help them. Let them know that you are here for them and that whatever they are going through they are not alone.
Types of Treatment
Once you are aware that there is a problem, treatment is needed. There are many different types of treatment for people who have mental health disorders. Some are natural and include spending time with family and friends, and some involve going to a therapist and taking the required medication.
- Meditation and relaxing exercises – many people try to deal with their stress naturally before going to a professional. Meditation and breathing exercises are a great way to escape from your everyday life and relax. Meditation gives you a chance to leave your fears behind and focus on breathing.
- EMDR – there are many relaxing techniques that help you relax without taking medication. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy treatment that was originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. This treatment has very positive results for people who have been through a traumatic event.
- Therapy – If time and breathing exercises don't work then you should seek therapy. There are many trained professionals that help thousands of people all over the world deal with their mental health disorders.
- Medication – Sometimes people require medication given by a psychiatrist to help relieve their stress. This is very common and effective.
It is important to deal with stress and anxiety effectively in order to allow yourself or your loved ones to live a better and healthier life. This day is all about showing awareness and support to the people who suffer from these disorders.