Mental health care involves professional treatment of those living with mental illnesses – conditions affecting emotions, thinking and behavior that may cause distress and interfere with daily activities. Treatment options for such disorders may include psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication or electroconvulsive therapy; all with the goal of helping people live productive lives while experiencing normal ranges of emotions and thoughts. It is essential that early symptoms be recognized early so as not to place someone’s mental wellbeing at risk.
People with healthy mental health are better able to enjoy life and cope with challenges such as job loss or relationship breakup more effectively. A strong support network and accessing help when necessary are also keys to good mental health and wellness, which have been associated with higher productivity, stronger relationships and stronger educational achievement.
One in five adults in the U.S. currently has some form of mental illness, making these illnesses just as serious as heart disease or diabetes and should be addressed as quickly. Unfortunately, many don’t seek help because they either don’t know where or have access to services; additionally there is often difficulty finding providers due to an ongoing shortage of behavioral health providers.
Understanding what mental health care entails is vital to making wise choices for yourself and your family. One effective approach for improving and maintaining mental health is early treatment for illnesses or emotional difficulties such as depression or anxiety – whether this means visiting a therapist, receiving support from friends and family members or joining support groups.
One way you can maintain good mental health and boost it further is through eating nutritious food, exercising regularly and getting adequate restful sleep. Furthermore, it’s also wise to avoid substances harmful to both mind and body such as tobacco, alcohol and illegal drugs which could threaten it further.
Integrating mental healthcare with primary healthcare is vital to the overall wellbeing of society. Training primary healthcare workers – who serve as first point-of-contact between people and families and the national healthcare system – and individuals is required in this regard.
Integrating is at its heart the provision of treatment for mental illnesses and providing accessible services to those who require them. Working across sectors – education, labor, transportation, housing and welfare – to reduce risks associated with mental health conditions and build resilience will be necessary. The health sector can assist by embedding promotion and prevention interventions, supporting advocacy initiatives, providing referral links between primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of care, increasing capacity between primary healthcare and behavioral healthcare and strengthening coordination between them as well as guaranteeing access to high quality but affordable mental healthcare for all.