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What Is Good Mental Health
According to the American
Psychological Association, “mental health…is the way your thoughts, feelings,
and behaviors affect your life. Good
mental health leads to positive self-image and in turn, satisfying relationships
with friends and others. Having good
mental health helps you make good decisions and deal with life’s challenges at
home, work or school.” It is not uncommon for many people
to develop problems related to their mental health. Numerous research studies indicate that
between 5 and 10 percent of all adults will have a mental health problem in any
given year, and the figure can be as high as 20 percent among teens and young
adults. These problems in the general
population range from mild to severe, but sadly among teens, suicide is the
third leading cause of death. Unfortunately, many people with
mental health problems don’t get any treatment for their difficulties. However, major research studies show there
are effective treatments available. For
example, research studies have consistently demonstrated that people suffering
from depression usually receive significant benefit from weekly psychotherapy
sessions in about three to six months.
They usually receive as much or more benefit in this period of time as
those who receive medication only, and without the potential side effects of
drugs. If you broke an arm or came down
with pneumonia, you wouldn’t ignore the problem and let it go untreated,
without professional assistance.
However, many people with mental health problems ignore them, thinking
the problem will just go away, or they will some how “snap out of it.” Others feel that seeking help is a sign of
weakness, and they are ashamed of their feelings and symptoms. Of course, that type of thinking usually
prolongs the problem (anxiety, depression, compulsions, addictions, etc) and
prevents people from getting the help that can make a significant
difference. Help that
can get them back on track to a happy, productive and healthy life. So, here are some important
reminders:
This material was excerpted and edited by D. Lee Stoltzfus, Ph.D. from a brochure entitled CHANGE YOUR MIND (About Mental Health) published by the American Psychological Association. Additional copies of the entire brochure may be ordered by calling 1-877-495-0009 or viewed on-line at: http://www.apahelpcenter.org/featuredtopics/feature.php?id=37 |