Dr. Pooja Anand Sharma is the Founder and Chairperson of Vishwas Healing and Healthcare LLP, a renowned Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Alternative Healing Master with over 22 years of experience in the healing industry. Dr. Pooja’s passion for healing and counseling goes beyond just a profession; it is her true calling.
Mental health is a critical part of human beings, but it is not given the attention it deserves or is even treated as a taboo. The consequences of not paying attention to mental health are dire, as they can permeate all spheres of one’s life. This article aims at identifying the consequences of disregarding mental health and how people can seek help to overcome such problems.
The consequences of ignoring mental health
1. Physical health decline
Some of the physical manifestations of mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, include headaches, fatigue, digestive system problems, and chronic pain. Stress, in the long run, can reduce the strength of the immune system and thus make people fall sick more often.
2. Impaired daily functioning
Mental health disorders affect the brain which in turn affects the ability of an individual to focus, reason and even recall information. This can impact one’s performance at work or school and the ability to meet various tasks in a day.
3. Relationship strain
Mental health problems can also affect the relationship with family, friends, and even co- workers. People may become withdrawn, moody, or have problems with expressing themselves and may cause quarrels.
4. Substance abuse
In order to deal with the unaddressed mental health problems, some people may resort to drinking alcohol, drug abuse or other vices. This can lead to addiction which in turn worsens the initial mental health issues and brings in other physical and social complications.
5. Increased risk of suicide
Not attending to mental health problems, particularly severe depression and anxiety, makes the person vulnerable to having suicidal thoughts and actions. Suicide is ranked as one of the deadliest diseases in the world. Therefore, mental health issues are of utmost importance.
Strategies for handling and solving mental health problems
1. Recognizing the problem
The initial process of managing mental health is identifying the problem and the symptoms that are associated with it. Some of the symptoms are; feeling sad most of the time, being worried all the time, changes in appetite or sleep, and lack of interest in activities that one used to enjoy. Recognizing the issue is the first step towards getting the right assistance that one needs.
2. Seeking professional help
It is important that professionals deal with mental health problems in order to manage them and to be able to cure them. Here are some steps to consider:
Consulting a primary care physician: A primary care doctor can perform an intake evaluation and determine if there are any other medical issues that may be causing the patient’s symptoms. They also can refer patients to mental health practitioners.
Therapy and counseling: Psychotherapists, counsellors and psychologists provide different types of therapy which include CBT, DBT and talking therapies among others. These therapies assist in identifying the thought processes and actions, acquire ways on how to manage the situation, and treat the root cause.
Medication: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can give patients medicines to reduce or get rid of some of the signs and symptoms of mental health problems. Some of the commonly used drugs include the antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and mood stabilizers that can be helpful when used together with counseling.
Support groups: One of the reasons is that it creates a support system and people who are in the same situation as you. Telling others about it helps to know that other people have the same issues and it also helps to get advice and support.
3. Developing healthy habits
In addition to professional help, individuals can adopt healthy habits to support their mental health:
Exercise: It has been found that exercise can help in decreasing the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety. It enhances the levels of mood elevating chemicals in the brain and hence the quality of life.
Balanced diet: Nutrition is very important in the overall health of an individual, including the mental health. There are foods that contain nutrients that help to boost mood and energy such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.
Sleep hygiene: This is because it is vitally important to get enough good quality sleep. Adherence to a daily sleep schedule and engaging in activities that help the body and mind to prepare for sleep also helps with sleep.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Some of the activities that can be done to manage stress include meditation, yoga, and deep breathing which can also improve one’s emotional intelligence.
4. Building a support network
Having family and friends, as well as other people in one’s close circle, can help with emotional support and help with tasks. Disclosing the information about mental health to friends and family can help to decrease the prejudice and increase the acceptance of the issue.
Conclusion
The consequences of not paying attention to mental health include adverse physical, emotional, and social effects. But, if one is aware of the symptoms, looks for help, and practices a healthy lifestyle, then one can manage and even overcome mental health disorders. This process cannot be done without the help of professionals since it requires tools and guidance on how to handle mental health and general health. Mental health is something that should be given much attention not only for the benefit of the individual but for society as well.
Read more from Dr. Pooja Anand Sharma
Dr. Pooja Anand Sharma, Healing Therapist & Life Coach
Dr. Pooja, an exceptional communicator, seeks to revolutionize holistic healing by emphasizing the profound interconnectedness of the mind and body. Her philosophy rests on the belief that mental and physical health are inseparable. Any ailment affecting one inevitably reverberates through the other. With this vision, Dr. Pooja has transformed countless lives.
