Mental health problems are on the rise all over the world, yet many of them go unnoticed because of the stigma attached to them. While it is simple to discuss physical health, people are afraid to discuss mental health since they are concerned if they will receive the help they require. Dealing with mental illnesses alone might make you feel even more alienated and uncomfortable. A mental health condition is considered to affect one out of every four adults at some point in their lives. Despite their widespread presence, many diseases go unnoticed. People are often completely unaware that they are suffering from a mental health problem. Because of the stigma connected with mental illness in other situations, they may be hesitant to seek assistance.
What is mental health, and why is it taboo to discuss it openly?
Mental health is often regarded as a taboo subject, yet it is one that we need to start talking about more openly. Mental health encompasses all aspects of emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It has an effect on our feelings, thoughts, and actions.
According to the psychotherapist, three of the most common mental health diseases that are misdiagnosed are:
- Depression is a prevalent yet misunderstood mental health problem. Depressive symptoms include long-term feelings of despair, hopelessness, and worthlessness. Some people’s sleeping patterns, appetites, and energy levels may all change. While it’s natural to feel depressed from time to time, if these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, they could signal a more serious problem.
- Another common but underdiagnosed mental health disorder is anxiety. Anxiety manifests as in constant worry, complete avoidance of particular situations or activities, and physiological symptoms including perspiration and racing heartbeats. Anxiety, like depression, can range from mild to severe, and if untreated, it can negatively impact every part of a person’s life.
- Bipolar disorder is a mental condition characterised by mood fluctuations that are intense. Patients with bipolar illness may have periods of mania followed by periods of depression (depression). While the highs may be pleasurable, the lows can be debilitating, making it impossible to function in everyday life. Bipolar disorder is frequently misdiagnosed since the symptoms might be mistaken for other mental diseases or simply put down to having a bad day.
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The following are some of the reasons why mental health illnesses may go undiagnosed.
- If you have a mental health problem, it might be challenging to maintain relationships, work, or do well in school or at work. Mental diseases are frequently misdiagnosed because their symptoms might be hidden. For instance, someone suffering from depression may be unable to express their sorrow or despair. Instead, they may appear withdrawn or uninterested in activities that they formerly enjoyed. Someone with an anxiety condition, on the other hand, may not display signs of suffering and instead avoid circumstances that provoke their worry.
- Another reason for untreated mental health illnesses is people’s reluctance to seek treatment. Many people are embarrassed or humiliated to disclose that they are having difficulties. As a result, people may suffer in quiet or attempt to conceal or reduce the severity of their symptoms.
- Because symptoms vary so much from person to person, diagnosing mental health illnesses can be difficult. It’s difficult for friends and family to tell when someone is hurting because of this. According to the expert, even doctors have difficulties diagnosing mental illness because there is no one-size-fits-all method for treatment.
How to Obtain Assistance
Seeing a mental health expert who can analyze your symptoms and offer you the right care is the best method to acquire a correct diagnosis. It is critical to get help if you feel that you or someone you love is suffering from a mental health problem. Early intervention can make a huge difference in how a mental disease progresses.
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