by Grace Johnson
Just like running on a broken ankle will only make it worse, allowing yourself to struggle with your mental health instead of taking the time to care for yourself just perpetuates your suffering. Mental health issues – like all health issues – are largely influenced by biochemistry and physiology. Unfortunately, mental health has been a historically stigmatized issue, and even with the modern shift in the public’s understanding of it, many people still feel too embarrassed or scared to ask for help when they need it. That is why “Obstructed View” was created. This poster is meant to separate mental and emotional wellness from the history and reputation that has been associated with it, and to talk about mental health in a different, intuitive way. And just like all the Pictures of Health posters, it was based entirely on science.
The Science Behind “Obstructed View”
Mental wellness is a two-part issue comprising both mental health and mental illness. Mental health describes executive functioning and pertains to the ability to be productive, maintain social and romantic relationships, and handle stressors. Mental illness describes specific disorders that impact a person’s emotions and ways of thinking, which can also impact their mental health.[1] Despite the persistent stigma and lack of public awareness, mental illness is a widespread issue, with approximately one in five U.S. adults and 17% of children aged 6-17 experiencing mental illness.[2] Examples of common mental illnesses are depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).[3]
The severity of mental illnesses can vary widely, from mild to severe, and can be heavily influenced by both biological and environmental factors. Many mental illnesses can be genetically inherited, so a family history of mental illness may raise your risk of developing illness yourself. Mental disorders also are influenced by brain chemistry, so things like neurotransmitter deficiencies, brain damage, or exposure to toxic substances in the womb can contribute to the development of mental illnesses later in life.[4] Your risk and susceptibility to mental illness is also more frequently impacted by environmental stressors such as trauma, grief, financial strain, bullying, or dealing with chronic health issues.[4] Individually, physical and environmental stressors do not pose an immediate risk of leading to mental illness. Rather, it is a person’s combination of stressors and protective factors that determines the state of their mental health and their susceptibility to mental illness. Protective factors are attributes, skills, and circumstances throughout a person’s life that contributes to their ability to withstand and cope with stressors. Examples of protective factors are resilience, good emotional regulation, strong social relationships, community support, financial security, and physical safety.[5]
Even if someone is diagnosed with a mental illness, it is important to remember that it is not a life-ending event, and that there is an array of options for managing and treating it. First and foremost, a plan for treatment should always be made through collaboration between the individual, a physician or licensed health professional, and any members of the individual’s support network that they wish to include. This plan can then be tailored to the specific needs of the individual based on the severity of their illness. Management options can include self-help and lifestyle changes (like improving diet, exercise, and sleep habits), psychotherapy (also called talk therapy), medication, or a mix of all three.[1] There are a variety of medications available, each with different purposes and effects, that can radically improve quality of life for those dealing with mental illnesses. Reuptake inhibitors are commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders by targeting certain neurotransmitter deficiencies. Stimulants are useful for people with ADD/ADHD or narcolepsy as they increase focus and energy. Mood stabilizers and antipsychotics are often prescribed for disorders like bipolar, depression, and schizophrenia.[6] Some medications may produce immediate results for those who take them, but often it will take multiple weeks for medications to take effect, so it is important to be consistent and to openly communicate with your health provider about the status of your mental health.
Though it may be intimidating to speak out and seek help when it comes to struggling with mental health, it is an important and beneficial thing to do. Not only can your mental health suffer due to unmanaged mental illness, but your physical health can suffer as well. Many disorders are associated with fatigue, pain from muscle tension, issues resulting from poor sleep, and heart disease. Unmanaged depression and related disorders can also lead to physical self-harm.[3][4] But it does not have to come to that. There are so many local and national resources available to help you if you feel like your mental health is suffering, and medicine is constantly advancing to discover new ways to treat mental illness. Everyone struggles, and everyone deserves help, so do not be afraid to ask for it when you need it.
[1] APA. (2022, November). What is Mental Illness?. Psychiatry.org – What is Mental Illness? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-mental-illness
[2] NAMI. (2023, April). Mental health by the numbers. https://www.nami.org/mhstats
[3] National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (UK). (2011, January). Common mental health disorders. Common Mental Health Disorders: Identification and Pathways to Care. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92254/
[4] Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022, December 13). Mental illness. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968
[5] WHO. (2022, June 17). Mental health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5cOwBhCiARIsAJ5njuYdGiyvCRmPNwOTE-yQx0uVWEdMtqO10YoKsYNRL4aDfjyuzq_XP0AaAjZUEALw_wcB
[6] NIMH. (2024). Mental health medications. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications
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