Mental health has become somewhat of a buzzword, but how many of us really understand what it means? After all, it’s not a simple concept. Mental health is a complex and multifaceted aspect of our well-being that encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social state. Dynamic and ever-evolving, our mental health influences how we think, feel, and act in various situations.

If you’re confused, know you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of mental health, exploring its definition, factors that contribute to it, and the importance of fostering a positive mental state. Here at Plus by APN, we’re passionate about educating people about the significance of mental wellness in addition to supporting holistic and alternative approaches to mental health.

Defining Mental Health

At its core, mental health refers to a person’s emotional and psychological well-being. It encompasses the ability to handle stress, relate to others, make decisions, and navigate the challenges of life effectively. Mental health is not a binary state of being either “healthy” or “unhealthy.” Rather, it exists on a continuum where individuals may experience varying degrees of mental well-being throughout their lives.

Factors Influencing Mental Health

Several factors contribute to the overall mental health of an individual. These factors can be broadly categorized into biological, environmental, and psychological aspects.

Biological

Studies show people are more likely to be diagnosed with mental health disorders if they have a genetic predisposition (meaning, someone else in the family has a mental health disorder as well). Brain chemistry has been shown to contribute to mental health disorders.

Environmental

Environmental factors, such as upbringing, social support, exposure to trauma, pollution, or living conditions have been shown to impact mental well-being.

Psychological Factors

Psychological factors, such as thought patterns, coping mechanisms, and self-esteem can play a crucial role in an individual’s mental health.

Oftentimes, it is not simply one thing that determines a person’s mental health outcome. The interplay of these factors creates a unique and personal profile for each person that will likely require a holistic approach to establish a state of mental well-being.

The Importance of Mental Health

Maintaining good mental health is an essential ingredient to a positive quality of life. A balanced mental state contributes to better physical health, improved relationships, and increased resilience in the face of life’s challenges. Conversely, poor mental health can lead to a range of issues, including mental disorders, physical health problems, and difficulties in daily functioning.

Promoting mental health does not mean getting rid of mental health disorders. It’s important that people with mental health conditions know they can live a happy and fulfilling life amidst their disability.

By laying the groundwork for positive emotions, strong social connections, and effective coping strategies, anyone can cultivate a toolbox of aids to promote a more resilient mental state. Recognizing the importance of mental health and taking the time to prioritize it is a critical step toward creating a society that values and supports all its members.

Common Mental Health Disorders

Mental health disorders are prevalent and can affect individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. In the United States, it is estimated that one in five people will experience a mental health condition. Globally, that number is one in eight.

Conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia are among the many challenges people may face. It’s important to note that mental health disorders are medical conditions that require proper diagnosis and treatment, just like physical ailments. However, because mental health disabilities are less visible than physical challenges, they often go unnoticed, dismissed, or underestimated.

Reducing Stigma Surrounding Mental Health

Despite significant progress in understanding mental health, there is still a pervasive stigma surrounding mental health issues. This stigma often leads to discrimination, isolation, and reluctance to seek help. Addressing and reducing this stigma is crucial in creating an environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing their mental health and seeking the necessary support without fear of judgment.

Traditional Treatments for Mental Health

Just as one would seek medical assistance for a physical ailment, seeking professional help for mental health concerns is crucial. Mental health professionals, such as licensed therapists and counselors, can provide guidance and support for a variety of unique experiences, challenges, and concerns.

Click here to explore Plus by APN’s virtual therapy options.

Additionally, mental health professionals may recommend medication to treat troublesome symptoms. While medication can be extremely helpful and necessary for many individuals, it doesn’t always address the underlying causes of disease. Also, medications can cause unwanted side effects that may prompt patients to seek alternative treatments.

Additional Strategies for Maintaining Positive Mental Health

Here at Plus by APN, we believe the best approach to mental health is both holistic and flexible. Because each individual is unique, so too must their strategies be for maintaining optimal mental wellness. Below are some additional strategies for maintaining positive mental health.

Self Care

Taking care of oneself is paramount. This includes getting enough sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress through relaxation techniques.

Social Connections

Building and maintaining strong social connections is vital for mental well-being. Social support provides a buffer against stress and contributes to a sense of belonging and connection.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Practices such as mindfulness and meditation can help cultivate a sense of presence and awareness, reducing stress and promoting overall mental well-being.

Alternative Mental Health Therapies

Of course, there are many times when we need to seek help beyond our initial efforts. It’s important to remember that it’s OK to need help, and that it’s a sign of strength – not weakness. Here at Plus by APN, we utilize a variety of alternative approaches to help our patients restore optimal mental wellness.

Ketamine-Assisted Therapy

Ketamine-assisted therapy is a therapeutic approach that involves the supervised administration of controlled, low-dose ketamine in conjunction with a licensed mental health professional. This method has been observed to swiftly alleviate symptoms associated with depression and other mental health disorders.

Upon entering the brain, ketamine initiates a series of neurobiological effects, leading to positive alterations in neurochemistry, heightened neuroplasticity, and improved mood regulation. Notably, the outcomes of this treatment are often noticeable within a relatively short time frame, ranging from hours to days, in contrast to the prolonged period required by conventional antidepressants.

Individuals undergoing ketamine treatment may initially encounter dissociative symptoms, a shift in the perception of time and space, and vivid mental imagery as part of the therapeutic process.

Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS)

Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) is a non-invasive technique employing magnetic fields to activate nerve cells within the prefrontal cortex of the brain. The prefrontal cortex is frequently implicated in depression, and dTMS is designed to regulate its activity, providing a potential solution for individuals who have not found success with conventional treatment approaches. Studies suggest that dTMS has the capacity to influence mood regulation, and is typically well-tolerated, accompanied by minimal side effects.

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback, alternatively termed EEG biofeedback, entails the continuous monitoring of brain activity using electrodes positioned on the scalp. Individuals undergo training to self-regulate their brainwaves, aiming to enhance brain patterns linked to improved mood and emotional regulation.

Studies propose that neurofeedback could be a viable option for people experiencing depression who haven’t been responsive to conventional treatment modalities. Furthermore, neurofeedback offers a non-pharmacological avenue for individuals to regulate their emotional well-being, fostering an improvement in their overall quality of life without any of the side effects that typically come with medication.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), the inhalation of pure oxygen within a pressurized room or chamber, was traditionally utilized for various medical conditions. However, recent studies have shown HBOT is as effective in addressing depression as traditional psychotherapy.

Furthermore, research has proposed that heightened oxygen levels may exert neuroprotective effects on brain function, offering the possibility of an improved mood or mental state.

Stellate Ganglion Blocks

Stellate ganglion blocks (SGB) entail the administration of a local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion, a grouping of nerves located at the back of the neck. Initially designed for pain management, SGB has demonstrated potential in addressing symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition frequently linked with depression.

Research indicates that stellate ganglion blocks may influence the sympathetic nervous system, offering a potential avenue for alleviating trauma-related symptoms and influencing depressive symptoms.

Mental Health: A Complex and Dynamic Aspect of Overall Well-Being

It can certainly take time to understand the vastness of mental health. After all, mental health is a dynamic and integral aspect of our entire well-being as humans. Influenced by a variety of biological, environmental, and psychological factors, a successful mental wellness approach is often a holistic one. By learning more about mental health and why it matters, we can help co-create a society that values the mental well-being of its members.

As we continue to unravel the complexities of mental health, it’s imperative to foster open conversations, reduce stigma, and prioritize mental well-being as an essential part of our healthcare system. By doing so, we can work towards building a world where individuals feel supported, understood, and empowered to prioritize and care for their mental health. This, in turn, has a ripple effect on the overall well-being of our society, its families, institutions, and systems.

To learn more about Plus by APN, our mental health services, and approach, call 424.644.6486, or fill out our online contact form today.

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