Mental Health

Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting how we think, feel, and behave. From a medical standpoint, it is recognized as a crucial aspect of overall health, influencing our ability to manage stress, make choices, and interact with others. Good mental health is not merely the absence of mental disorders but is characterized by a state of well-being where individuals realize their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and can contribute to their community.

Medical professionals understand that mental health issues can arise from a complex interplay of genetic, biological, personality, environmental, and cultural factors. Disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia are recognized and classified with specific diagnostic criteria in manuals such as the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition). Treatment for mental health disorders may include psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle modification, and support services, with an increasing emphasis on early detection and intervention to improve long-term outcomes. Mental health is integral to living a healthy, balanced life and is a key component of primary healthcare due to its impact on overall health and quality of life.