Today, October 10th, is World Mental Health Day, yet, regrettably, people suffering from mental health issues are often misunderstood, stigmatized, and excluded. This stigma stems from a lack of knowledge and understanding about mental health. This article aims to demystify stereotypes by sharing information about mental illness, both for those suffering from mental health problems and for those around them, as it ultimately affects social, family, and professional relationships.
According to the WHO, mental health refers to a state of well-being in which each person understands their potential, is able to cope with life's adversities, works productively, and is able to contribute to their community. Thus, mental health refers to the capacity of each individual to feel, think, and act in order to improve their ability to enjoy life and cope with challenges. It is a positive feeling of emotional and spiritual well-being.
The definition of health is much broader than simply the absence of disease. It is defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and in addition to physical health, mental health also plays an extremely important role (WHO). In fact, there is no health without mental health.
According to statistics, approximately 23% of the Brazilian population has a psychiatric disorder, 6.8% of the Portuguese population has depressive disorder, 16.5% suffers from anxiety disorder, and 17% of the Portuguese population take antidepressants.
Factors that harm mental health:
- Negative thoughts;
- Alcohol and drug use;
- Excessive exposure to the internet/social media;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
Factors that help to enhance mental health:
- Don't isolate yourself;
- Choose a healthy diet.
- Practice some type of physical exercise.
- Implement a self-care routine.
- Strengthen family and friendship ties;
- Bet on meditation;
- Expand your interests;
- Stay intellectually and physically active;
- Don't be afraid or ashamed to ask for help.
How do you know if you need help?
- He begins to isolate himself, distancing himself from family and close friends;
- Constant mood swings;
- Excessive loss or gain of appetite;
- Uncontrolled drinking/smoking;
- Feeling confused/having episodes of forgetfulness;
- Not feeling energy/motivation for anything;
- To feel fear, anguish, anger, and worry at exaggerated levels.
There are a number of treatments available for mental health problems, and the choice and duration are determined according to each person's needs. It is worth noting that, often, a person presents with more than one mental disorder, thus requiring different approaches to optimize the recovery process.
Psychological treatment is one of the cornerstones of mental health disorder management, employing specific psychological intervention techniques based on dialogue or action. While psychological treatment can be effective for some disorders, in some cases it may be necessary to supplement it with pharmacological treatment.
Most of the time, psychological problems arise gradually and silently, and it's not always easy to interpret the warning signs. However, it's extremely important to value them and not be ashamed to ask for help. In fact, seeking help is an act of courage, as it acknowledges the impossibility of facing the problems alone. It's giving yourself the opportunity to break free from an illness and learn to live a healthy and happy life again. It's crucial to start facing mental health problems in the same way you face physical illnesses, since both require care and treatment for a good recovery and a return to normal life.
If you need more information about mental health, visit websites such as:
- World Health Organization who.int/pt
- Directorate-General of Health dgs.pt
- National Health Service sns.gov.br
- Portuguese Order of Psychologists ordemdospsicologos.pt
- Portuguese Association of Psychology appsicologia.org
- Brazilian Society of Psychiatry and Mental Health sppsm.org
At Taipas Termal, we have a Mental Health and Therapy Unit team to meet the needs of each individual. Prioritize your mental health, prioritize your well-being and your happiness, and never be ashamed to ask for help.
Because remember… you are not alone on this journey!
Dr. Mariana Silva – Taipas Termal Mental Health and Therapy Unit
