We all want to be healthy and enjoy a general well-being, but that is not always possible if we are not mentally healthy. In this article, we will dismiss some myths and preconceived notions about mental illness corrected by a Psychotherapist. In addition, we will give you the keys to improving your psychological well-being health and that of your loved ones.

What is mental health?

Generally, when we talk about health, we think of the common cold, the headache, and other more or less serious physical problems. Yet, mental health is essential for us to be really well. Without it, no matter how good our blood tests are.

It is impossible to separate our psychic state from our body. Both maintain a two-way relationship. The study of mental health is addressed by multiple professions and many models. Currently, there is a great awareness of the urgency to consider health from a holistic point of view in order to improve our personal development.

Causes of poor mental health

The risk factor for a person’s mental well being is multiple and heterogeneous. The complexity and diversity of mental problems make it very difficult to know their roots. Each has its own causes and peculiarities.

Mental health problems can have a wide range of causes. It’s likely that for many people there is a combination of factors, although some people may be more deeply affected by certain things than others. Despite the fact that there is some uncertainty, mental health professionals can name some of the main risk factors that could potentially trigger a period of poor mental health:

• Childhood abuse, trauma, or neglect
• Social isolation or loneliness
• Experiencing discrimination and stigma
• Bereavement
• severe or long-term stress
• unemployment or losing your job
• social disadvantage, poverty or debt
• homelessness or poor housing
• caring for a family member or friend
• a long-term physical health conditioning diabetes
• drug and alcohol misuse
• domestic violence or other abuse as an adult
• significant trauma as an adult
• Genetic factors – researchers are currently investigating whether there might be a genetic cause of various mental health problems but there is no clear proof yet.

Consequences and effect of poor mental health

The fruits of poor mental health can be appreciated in many aspects of people’s lives. We all have times when we feel down or stressed or frightened. Most of the time these types of feelings will pass but sometimes they can develop into a more serious problem and that could happen to any one of us.

However, if this lack of well-being intensifies, it can become a physical, material, family or professional problem and you may be required to consult a Mental health professional. Poor mental health has negative psychological and economic effects for the person who suffers from it and can negatively impact on physical health, leading to an increased risk of some conditions.

How to detect and consult a mental Health professional?

Mental health problems can affect us throughout our lives. Lack of sleep, self-control problems, phobias, developmental disturbances, abrupt changes in mood and other circumstances can make us feel intense discomfort.

If you are concerned about your mental health or if you observe unusual behavior in one of your loved ones, notice a surprising decline in performance, report it to a professional who may be able to help.

It’s always easier said than done, but remember that mental health is malleable and that not all mental health problems are necessarily serious.

Mental health problems range from every day worries that we can all experience to serious long term-conditions. The majority of people who experience mental health problems can learn to cope or get over them especially if they get help early on.

What are the essential traits of a mental health professional?

• • Sensitivity, tact, patience and a prejudice-free treatment of patients
  • Communication skills, empathy, assertiveness, etc. to listen to patients and extract information to help them understand their feelings.
  • Involve yourself in knowing the patient to gain your trust and be able to establish this necessary and essential for the therapeutic relationship.
  • Continuous observation skills, both verbal and non-verbal communication to be able to detect changes occurring in the patient and act quickly.
  • Professional ethics and confidentiality.
  • Be proactive and responding.
  • Leadership
  • Sense of humor
  • Have the ability to disconnect from work at the end of therapy sessions and not bring your personal problems to work.