Introduction

Good mental health depends upon many aspects of our lives. As human beings we are both social and individual. Unless we look after both our individual and social natures we risk our mental health. 

As human beings we have basic needs. This include love, security and self esteem. We also need attention, a sense of community, and special relationships. We need to find meaning in life, to use our imagination, to feel control over our lives and have a sense of achievement. 

When we do not meet our needs, we put ourselves at risk of mental illness. Many people have learnt to put their physical health first, by not smoking, not drinking excessively, eating a healthy diet and exercising, so it is time to develop similar attitudes towards mental health.

The mind and body are linked. Mental health can be affected by physical illness, by chronic or severe pain or physical deprivation. The body can be damaged by stress. Sometimes mental health problems seem physical, for example, depression causes tiredness, loss of appetite and other bodily symptoms.

Nevertheless, it is easy to imagine mental health problems where none exist. It is normal to feel sad and happy at different times during the day and it is almost always possible to explain these moods. If, however, moods become overwhelming and you are feeling excited or sad for no good reason and are unable to live normally then this indicates that your mental health is not good. Depression is common. The following questionnaire looks at symptoms of depression.Griffin J., Tyrrell I.,  The 'human givens'. The Therapist .1998 5:1:24-29

Common Mental Health Problems 

Depression describes a period when life loses its meaning and seems worthless. The person has neither energy nor motivation. Sleeping is affected, either increased or decreased. Thinking is slow and their concentration poor. The person feels distanced from everything and everyone around them, and suicide is a risk. They may have feelings of severe guilt and anxiety.  

Bipolar Affective Disorder is named after the periods of severe depression and hypomania that occur in this condition. These represent the two extremes of mood, Bi (two) polar (extremes) Affective (of emotion). It is also known as manic depression. The diagnosis depends upon a person having had at least one episode of depression and one episode of hypomania. People who have depression alone are described as having unipolar depression or simply depression.  

If you are concerned about mental health or have some questions for an experienced professional, consider a confidential med4u consultation.

A med4 doctor will send you a considered response within 48 hours.