Mental health is a state of emotional well-being, social functioning and ability to adapt to change that enables you to manage life’s challenges. Mental illness is not a character flaw and is characterized by an array of disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety (including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety and specific phobias), eating disorders, impulse control disorders and psychotic symptoms.
Psychiatric treatment includes talk therapy and medications. Generally, an individual’s treatment plan is developed collaboratively between a clinician and the person receiving services. It takes into account severity of symptoms, how much the symptoms interfere with daily living and the risks and benefits of available treatments. It also may include complementary and alternative therapies.
People of all ethnic and racial backgrounds can struggle with mental health issues. For example, many Asian Americans feel stigmatized due to cultural pressures that lead to high achievement, despite their struggles with depression and other mental illnesses. And Latinos face societal discrimination, and report heightened levels of shame about their struggles with mental illness, which delays seeking professional care, exacerbates symptoms and can hinder progress.
When creating content about mental health, it is important to use words that end stigma and not perpetuate it. Avoid using derogatory terms such as nuts, crazy, insane and psycho. And remember that mental health is just as important as physical health, so be sure to exercise regularly; eat a healthy diet; and get enough sleep.
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