Until recently, mental health was a taboo subject due to the widespread belief that it was not a “real” illness or medical condition. Fortunately, over the last few years, the world has become more aware of how serious mental illness can be, and that it isn’t just someone claiming to be depressed for the sake of attention. So that begs the question, what is mental health, and can you really fight it?

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So what is mental health?

Mental illness can manifest itself in a variety of ways for the sufferer, and each type of mental illness affects people differently. Here’s a rundown of some of the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Anxiety 

• Fearful for no apparent reason.
• Feelings that something bad is going to happen all of a sudden.
• Not wanting to be surrounded by people, but also not wanting to be alone.
• You can see your heartbeat through your neck at times because it is so fast.
• You’re sick to your stomach and don’t know what to do.
• Unnecessary overeating
• Appetite loss.
• Sleeping is difficult, and when you do fall asleep, your dreams are radical and unusual.
• Sleep paralysis is a condition in which you wake up terrified and are unable to move your body.
• You cough a lot because you feel like you’re choking or about to choke.
• If your anxiety is linked to a phobia, you may experience panic attacks as a result of the constant reminder of the phobia.
• Hyperventilating.
• Because being still makes you feel uneasy, you rock back and forth.
• Shortness of breath, as if you can’t get enough air in your lungs.
• Sweats, both cold and hot
• Irritable mood

Depression 

• Suicidal ideation or self-harm
• Feeling worthless and as if nothing you do is ever good enough.
• Sleeping problems, or sleeping too much at times.
• Lack of motivation, which causes you to sit for long periods of time without doing anything productive.
• You’re not having as much fun as you usually do.
• The sensation of being empty, with no feelings for things you would normally care about.
• Feeling cut off from the people you care about, despite their best efforts.
• You’re always crying, and you’re not sure why.
• Forgetfulness in simple conversations.
• Eating too much or too little
• Having an extremely short temper
• Excessive consumption of luxuries such as alcohol, tobacco, and drugs

The issue with mental health is that it is still difficult to discuss. Even among close family members or friends, the fear of being told that you’re being silly and that “you’re fine” keeps people from discussing how they really feel. It takes a lot of courage to talk about your thoughts and feelings, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms that aren’t typical. You don’t want to be branded as weird or psychotic, so many people avoid speaking up or seeking help, causing their mental health problems to worsen.

Did you know that you can seek advice from your local pharmacist on how to deal with your current state of mind? Pharmacists are trained to give advice and can save you time and money by avoiding the need to see a doctor. People are encouraged to contact Simple Online Pharmacy for assistance and advice. They will be able to help you get the right treatment for anything from a simple headache to mental health issues.

So how can you help fight these awful conditions?

There are many different ways to combat symptoms and improve your mental health, but speaking with your doctor is usually the first step. Whether or not they are your regular GP, they will be able to assist you and listen to your concerns, fears, and symptoms. If you’d prefer to speak with a familiar GP, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment ahead of time so you can feel more at ease discussing your symptoms.

Once your doctor has determined what you’re suffering from, they can take action and offer you a variety of treatment options from which to choose, so you can find the one that’s right for you. In the first instance of diagnosis, you’re likely to be offered the following treatment options:

• Medication
• CBT therapy
• Continued support and checkups with your doctor

Mental health is far more complicated than many people believe, but it is also far from fatal. If you’re in distress, see your doctor right away so you can get help before the problem worsens and you feel like you need to end your life. It’s important to remember that just because you can’t see mental health doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.