Mental Wellness: Your path towards happiness!

Mental wellness is all about improving your emotional, psychological, social, and mental well-being. Read on to find out more about mental health and wellbeing.

Types of mental disorders

Here is a mental illness list of common types of mental disorders:

• Anxiety disorder
• Depression
• Phobia
• Panic disorder
• Eating disorder
• Mood disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Insomnia
• Psychotic disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Personality disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Substance abuse

Causes of mental illness

Although the exact causes of mental illness are unknown, it may be caused due to biological, psychological, or environmental factors. Below are some risk factors that may affect your mental health and wellbeing.

Genetics

Mental illness can sometimes be hereditary. It can run in families. It may be passed through genes. In fact, experts believe that many mental illnesses are linked to abnormalities in genes.

Infections

Some infections can worsen existing mental problems or lead to the development of mental illness. For instance, obsessive-compulsive disorder in children can occur due to pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder linked with the streptococcus bacteria.

Brains defects, injury, or abnormal nervous system

Researchers have also linked injury to the brain or psychological defects to certain mental illnesses. The abnormal functioning of nerve cell pathways is also said to affect mental wellbeing.

Prenatal damage

Trauma during birth or disruption of early fetal brain development may lead to the development of several mental illnesses. For instance, loss of oxygen to the brain at the time of birth can cause conditions such as autism spectrum disorder.

Psychological factors

A stressful environment, trauma, loss of a loved one, being in a car accident, and negative thoughts are examples of psychological factors that can act as causes of mental illness.

Environmental factors

Factors such as dysfunctional family life, social expectations, low self-esteem, job changes, and alcohol and drug abuse can affect your mental health and wellbeing.

Importance of mental health

The importance of mental health can be understood through the following reasons.

Increases your ability to cope with stress

Mental health and wellbeing help you cope with the stresses of life. A good mental and emotional state helps you overcome the challenges of life more easily.

Boosts confidence

Mental wellness correlates with your feelings. It helps boost your self-esteem. When you have a healthy mindset, you will be able to think positively and lead a life of happiness.

Improves productivity

Mental illnesses such as depression can significantly affect your productivity at school or work. A person with good mental well-being can work more efficiently.

Improves relationships

When your mental health is in a good condition, you tend to be socially active, communicate well, and support your friends and family. This helps build bonds and better relationships.

Helps you stay physically healthy

Your mental health can affect your physical health too. For instance, the risk of physical health issues such as stroke and heart disease increases with mental disorders.

Helps you lead a better quality of life

Mental wellness is related to the quality of your life. You will lead a much healthy and happier life if your mental health and well-being are in a good state.

Need for mental health awareness

Mental illnesses in India had doubled between 1990 and 2017. In fact, the prevalence of mental illnesses in India is one of the highest in the world. More than 14% of our country’s population has mental health issues. About 56 million people in India suffer from depression and around 38 million suffer from an anxiety disorder.

The various causes of mental illness are common worldwide. To address these issues, World Mental Health Day is observed every year on 10th October. It aims at creating mental health awareness and help mobilize efforts in support of mental health and wellbeing.

Explore our mental wellness section to know more about common mental illnesses that you or your loved ones may experience. Our articles will also help you boost your mental health and wellbeing using simple tips such as meditation and journaling. By boosting your mental health awareness, you can live a happier and more rewarding life!

To address any mental health issues, book an online consultation on Bajaj Finserv Health. You can also sign up for health plans under Aarogya Care to benefit from insurance and a range of preventive care features that help you address and solve health issues before they worsen.