Mental Health

Mental health is about emotional regulation through the use of appropriate coping skills, stress management tools, and defense mechanisms. The influences on what determines good mental health versus illness create a problem within itself. We have a wide range of what is deemed normal in a society, consistently trying to expand the realms of both normal and abnormal. There has been an expansion of mental illness through the decrease in requirements, lowered standards for terms such as trauma, and a more subjective approach to the declaration of illness. Social Referential Comparison also contributes to a rise in mental illness by feeding into feelings of insecurity, which contribute to Depression, Anxiety, substance issues, and a host of other problems. Being able to appropriately utilize the skills to navigate this life without sustained impairments in social, occupational, and other areas, or functioning, is generally accepted as good mental health.

Diagnostic concerns

The landscape of mental health diagnosis and treatment is tricky as well. There has been the targeted marketing of mental illness through social media and an increase in self-diagnosing based upon information obtained through the Internet, AI, and unvetted sources, which may be biased towards the presence of illness.  On social media, many people attempt to pathologize generalized insecurities and normal struggles. They sell you on life in general as an illness to bring you into the marketplace for their ineffective pills, pamphlets, and programs. When seen by mental health professionals, the diagnostic process can be compromised by time constraints, less qualified providers or limitations based on investment and quality of providers. There are also times when both client and provider have an agenda, as evidenced by the shutdown of certain online diagnostic factories. Technology has increased reach, yet some elements of diagnosing are lost in the process as we are confined to sensory input through a screen.

Safety trumps everything

If ever you feel helpless, hopeless, or overwhelmed, experience thoughts that life is not worth living, or have any issues concerning self-harm, or suicidal thoughts, seek emergency assistance immediately.  Call 911, 988 or go to the nearest Emergency Room. If you or somebody you know begins to hear things other people don’t hear, or see things other people don’t see get an assessment. If there is ever a safety concern, having an assessment as soon as possible is the best course. .

Warning signs (common, not all-inclusive)

Here are just a few changes that warrant an evaluation from a qualified professional. Remember that some of these issues, when brief, can reflect normal adjustments in life. However, seek an assessment if they persist for more than a few days or lead to dysfunction in life.

1. Changes in sleeping, eating, appetite, energy, or motivation.
2. Lack of enjoyment or interest in previous activities, hobbies, and organizations.
3. Decline in self-care: hygiene, exercise, dietary control, or generalized appearance.
4. Persistent issues with irritability, restlessness, or being easily agitated
5. Isolation and withdrawal from activities and functions.
6. Onset or increase in substance use, especially if you need to smoke, drink, or use substances to feel calm, normal, or to go to sleep.
7. Failure to maintain commitments to family and friends.
8. Decline in functioning at home, school, or the workplace due to problems with forgetfulness, disorganization, and distractibility.
9. Issues with feeling on edge, hypervigilant, a constant state of apprehension, or intrusive thoughts, especially after a traumatic or negative experience
10. Missing workouts, church, or being disinterested in other beneficial activities

All safety concerns, such as thoughts of hurting oneself or others, require an emergency assessment. Call 911 or 988, and call on God.