Mental health is as important as physical health. Unfortunately, in the past, it was harder to treat mental related illnesses.
Many people were ashamed of having mental health challenges and avoided seeking professional help.
Today, the good news is, there’s more awareness about depression and other mental illnesses. Also, more people are open about their mental illnesses and seeking professional help.
Many people hold the opinion that the physical body relies on mental health to stay healthy hence the need to take it seriously. Recent reports show depression has been on the increase and suicide is the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S.
Also, the World Health Organization estimates about one million people die of suicide each year. However, in light of recent awareness of mental health wellness, you can get important information about this condition.
If you believe you have a mental illness, don’t suffer in silence when there are several resources to help mental related illnesses.
Why You Should Seek Professional Help
- A mental health professional will help you through your symptoms by finding the root cause and deciding the best line of treatment. Also, they have the best resources to guide you into setting realistic goals that can fuel your recovery.
- The sooner you seek help, the better your chances of making a full recovery. About 80 percent of the people who seek professional help improve over time. However, statistics show only about 37 percent of mental health sufferers seek treatment for the condition leading to the damaging effects of mental illnesses.
- A mental health professional is best equipped to help you come up with a step by step plan on how to fight your illness. Also, a good professional will guide you every step of the way, limiting feelings of hopelessness and helplessness that often drive people to suicide.
- Having a professional walk this journey with you is the best way to change certain behaviors which may limit your progress to recovery. They will also help you build or regain your self-confidence.
Mental illness cuts across all ages and gender. Several factors can cause your mental health to deteriorate. Such as the loss of a loved one, a job, poor finances, weight or severe health problems, or a failed marriage.
Many adolescents and young adults also suffer from depression due to societal pressures or challenges in their academics. A good number of people begin to battle with suicidal thoughts when they are plagued with a mental condition.
When to Seek Professional Help
- Feelings of sadness for longer than two weeks
- Inability to carry out daily tasks and activities
- Lack of enjoyment for activities usually enjoyed
- Social isolation
- Irregular or unstable sleeping and eating patterns
- Unexplainable weight loss or weight gain
A mental health professional will make a difference. Remember most mental illnesses including depression are highly treatable and you’re not alone in this fight. Find a mental health professional and begin your journey to recovery.
Finally, a good mental health professional will engage you in positive thinking interventions which will be beneficial in your fight against depression.
