Mental health directs how we think, feel and behave. It determines how we make decisions, cope with stress and form relationships with other people. Mental health affects physical health and physical health can affect mental health. Nearly 25% of patients with medical symptoms such as chest pain, headache, hyperacidity etc. visiting a general doctor suffer from a mental health condition. It is important to care for our mental health in order to achieve overall good health.
Mental health conditions can affect anyone anytime anywhere. Poor mental health can be caused by many factors such as a family member with a mental illness, when an individual is unable to face their challenges and many more. Poor mental health may lead to mental illness such as depression and anxiety.
Mental illness is a diagnosis given to an individual experiencing function impairment at home, at work or other key areas of functioning as a result of altered thinking, emotions or behaviour. 1 in every 8 people in the world suffer from mental illness. Depression and Anxiety are the most common mental illnesses.
Depression affects 1 in every 4 Kenyans and is the leading cause of disability and the leading cause of death among young people. Depression can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Chronic illnesses such as cancer, kidney failure, autoimmune disease are associated with depression.
Screening for depression and anxiety is recommended to know yourself and how to protect your mental health. One can use PHQ-9 for depression and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) for anxiety. Regular or annual mental health check-ups with a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist are as important as medical check-ups for maintaining overall good health.
Psychotherapist | Parenteenaging Convener | Speaker | Trainer at FITAHI Consultancy.