Master Your Mind
Understanding emotional health
At one time, mental illness was misunderstood. Fortunately a lot of progress has been
made in understanding and treating mental illness. But there are still myths about
emotional health that can keep people from getting help.
Mental illness is widespread. Milder forms touch one-fifth of U.S. adults each year. One
fifth of school-age children also have mental health problems. Three percent of the
people in the U.S. have severe mental illness.
What are the causes?
No one knows the exact causes of mental illness. But research shows that these things
may be part of the cause:
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Inherited personality traits
Family relationships or work issues
Poverty or financial troubles
Uncontrolled stress
There are successful ways to treat many physical problems, such as diabetes, cancer
or heart disease. The same holds true for mental illness. If you suffer from mental
problems it’s important to get help. Medicine can be effective, but it’s not the only
treatment. Sometimes therapy alone can help those with mental disorders. Others may
need therapy and medication. A psychiatrist can help patients learn more about their
situation. When visiting a psychiatrist, you will go through a full mental and physical
health exam. Your doctor wants to learn what things in your life may impact your
condition, such as those related to family, job, school or community.
Retrain your brain
There are a number of ways to boost your mental health. Try these tips to help keep
your emotional health in balance:
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Pick positive people –surround yourself with people you can trust who will
support and encourage you.
Stave off stress -avoid things that remind you of why you are stressed. Limit
negative activities, such as listening to downbeat news. Make time for relaxing
events like playing a board game or taking a nature walk.
Find time for fun - invite friends and family to a picnic, have a movie night with
popcorn at home, or spend time playing with a pet or enjoying a favorite hobby.
Ask for more help- tune in to your feelings and know when to get more support
from a mental health professional, doctor or religious or spiritual advisor.
If you have tried to build up your mental and emotional health and still don’t feel good,
then it’s time to seek professional help. A behavioral health professional can work with
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you to set up a treatment plan that meets your needs. It’s important to get help early
before the problem is harder to treat. The sooner you do, the sooner you can get back
to an enjoyable, useful life.
Source: American Psychiatric Association
53753.0810
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