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| What is Mental health Problems? |
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| A mental health problem can be a short-term reaction to a stressor (
such as a loss, painful event, illness, medication, etc.). If the situation does not
abate or if the symptoms of distress are interfering with other aspects of life, assistance
from a mental health professional may be needed. We do not generally avoid getting help for a
physical problem (such as having a broken bone set by an orthopedist, or a cavity filled by a dentist).
Yet some people believe it is shameful to seek help for an emotional health problem, or think that an
emotional problem means you are "crazy." In many situations, the sooner help is sought, the less
ongoing difficulty there will be with the problem.
Just as with medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes,
there are some mental health problems (such as major depression, schizophrenia,
or bipolar disorder) that tend to run in families - either because of genetics or
family interaction styles. The majority of people who experience mental health problems
can overcome them or learn to live with them, especially if they seek help from a qualified
source soon enough. Modern approaches to treatment can relieve symptoms and prevent
long-term disabilities from mental health problems.
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| Events and experiences that increase the risk of mental health problems : |
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Chaotic, unsafe or dangerous environments (for example, living
in a violent home, or living in a house with shedding asbestos,
peeling lead paint, or toxic drinking water). |
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Loss of social support (due to death of a loved one, divorce,
moving away from friends and family, break up of a relationship,
loss of a job, or loss of trust). |
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Substance abuse: alcohol and some drugs are known to have
depressive effects, and the negative social and personal consequences
of substance abuse can also be a contributing factor to depression
(however, it is not clear which comes first – depression
and attempts to control it with substances, or the use of substances
that then cause depression). |
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Genetic causes: people with close family members who suffer
from depression are more prone to depression (however, since
no gene for depression has been found, this may be environmental
rather than genetic). |
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