In a developing country like Pakistan, mental health is a concerning issue. Pakistan is one of the countries with the highest mental illness rates in the world. According to research, Pakistan has less than 500 psychiatrists for a population of more than 200 million people. Due to this reason, most mental health patients are left untreated. Women are most affected by psychiatric illnesses. Depression and anxiety are common disorders noted. Awareness regarding mental health issues is improving among the general population but the stigma is still there. Find below expert Mental Health Advice, dealing with Stress and Anxiety:

The suffering of a Mental Health Patient:

The onset of any mental health illness is insidious but it is one of the most painful episodes of one’s life. The trouble starts when it becomes difficult to perform daily tasks of life. It even becomes difficult to do small chores and lack of interest makes this condition vulnerable. Concentration is constantly being diverted and frustration increases with time. It feels like nothing is improving as the condition continues to deteriorate. It seems impossible to find a way forward. In this time of dismay, persons who are part of your life can help overcome this challenge. They help to gain strength and courage to face the illness.

Mental Health Vs. Emotional Health:   

Emotional health is very important for the well-being of a person. Being emotionally healthy means you can control your emotion and you know how to respond to different situations. Bad mental health is responsible for negative emotions and feelings of hopelessness, fear, anger, and helplessness.

Are Mental and Physical Health Related?

Mental and physical health are closely related. Good mental health improves your physical health. On the contrary, bad mental health has a negative impact on your physical health. Most chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, asthma, etc. are linked to mental health. According to research, people with mental illness are more prone to have physical health conditions such as heart disease. So, it is essential to consider mental health as important as your physical health. The body’s hormones and chemicals such as cortisol and endorphins are produced according to the interpretation of our experiences. So, your physical health is linked to mental health.

How to take care of your mental health?

Self-care is very important for your treatment and recovery if you are suffering from mental illness. It includes doing things that uplift your mood, make you happy and improve your overall mental and physical well-being. Try the tips mentioned below to get yourself back on track:

  • Get regular exercise
  • Stay positive
  • Eat healthy and stay hydrated
  • Value yourself
  • Surround yourself with good people
  • Set goals and priorities
  • Do activities that you enjoy
  • Rest
  • Seek professional help

One exercise that significantly improves your mood and mental health is yoga. Yoga lowers stress hormones in your body and helps you to cope with stress and depression. Brain chemicals such as endorphin and GABA are elevated which uplifts your mood.

Most people with mental illness remain untreated due to fear of being considered insane or different. Stigma, prejudice, and discrimination are faced by those affected by different mental health conditions. The key to overcoming these issues is not believing other people’s ignorance. Do not isolate yourself and let stigma create self-doubt and shame.

“Mental health and mental illness impact nearly every family, yet stigma still causes so much shame, fear, doubt, isolation, and misunderstanding,” says Dave Eldredge, HMHI. “The shame caused by stigma keeps people from seeking treatment so richly needed and deserved.”

Dave Eldredge, MSW, LCSW, Senior Director of Clinical Operations at HMHI