Mental health and illness
Mental health refers to someone's emotional and social wellbeing.
With good mental health we manage the normal ups and downs of
life but if our mental health declines it can affect our feelings,
thoughts and actions. Sometimes these changes in our mental health
can also affect how we do our day to day activites, such as school,
work and relationships.
Some mental health problems fade with time, while others can be
managed with support from friends and family. When mental health
problems last for long periods of time and begin to significantly
change a person's daily life, or to cause them distress it is
possible that a mental illness is developing. It is very important
to seek professional help early if you feel that you or someone you
know may be developing a mental illness. Contacting your GP or your
nearest headspace centre is a good place to
start.
Mental illness
When mental health problems last for long periods of time and
begin to significantly change a person's daily life, it is possible
that a mental illness is developing. Mental illness refers to a
range of issues which may affect someone's thoughts, feelings,
actions and/or memory. These issues are longer lasting than mental
health problems and cause more distress and disruption to life.
Although mental illness can occur at any age, anxiety disorders and
depression are quite common problems for young people.
Some of the things to look out for if you are worried about
someone are:
- New, noticeable and persistent changes that last at least a few
weeks
- Obvious and persistent changes in:
- Behaviour - for example, appetite, sleep, use of drugs, change
in school performance, avoiding school/work, withdrawal from
people
- Thinking - for example, poor concentration, poor motivation,
constant worrying, preoccupation, hearing or seeing things that are
not there
- Feelings - for example, unhappiness, depression, irritability,
fear, anger, loss of pleasure
Causes of mental illness
Most mental illnesses are thought to be caused by a variety of
factors including:
- Biological factors - inherited or environmental
- Negative early life experiences - for example: abuse, neglect,
death of a relative or other losses and trauma
- Individual factors - for example: self-esteem or way of
thinking
- Current social circumstances - school, work, financial,
relationship or family stress, or negative life events
There are a number of mental illnesses including: