When someone mentions their health, our first thoughts are of their physical fitness and wellbeing. What many individuals don’t acknowledge, or straight up neglect is the person’s mental health. The same applies to their own mental wellbeing as well. A lot of people are still skeptical of what mental health means and why recognizing their—and other people’s—mental wellness is so important.

The World Health Organization defines mental health as “a state of wellbeing in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”. In simpler terms, mental health describes a person’s behavioral, emotional, and cognitive wellbeing. It refers to how they behave, feel, and think, alluding to the thought processes involved. Preserving your mental health is important not just for yourself, but also for the community at large.

In the US alone, approximately 1 in 5 adults experience some type of mental health issues. This can range from mild symptoms to severe mental illnesses and disorders of various sorts. Many individuals also struggle with more than one mental health illness at a time. These mental health issues affect their psychological, social, and emotional wellbeing. They interfere with various aspects of a person’s life, creating several challenges. In addition to influencing their mood and thought process, mental health issues also impact their decision-making abilities, affect their desire or energy to participate in activities, and can even take a toll on their physical health.

There are many factors that contribute to an individual’s mental health problems, such as their genetic buildup, brain chemistry, family history, and lived experiences. Mental health issues may go undetected or undiagnosed for years, creating significant challenges in the affected individuals’ lives. Early signs of mental health deterioration typically include:

• A feeling of hopelessness
• Severe mood swings
• Inability to perform tasks they’d previously do regularly
• Lack of or excessive sleep
• Social isolation
• Having persistent thoughts and memory flashbacks

If you notice these symptoms in a loved one, it’s highly likely that they’re struggling with some sort of mental health issue. Mental health counseling can help them immensely.

At Guiding Light Holistic Center Inc., we offer mental health recovery services. This refers to a systematic process that helps in recovering the patient’s mental condition through the use of both medicines as well as therapy. We have licensed mental health counselors and therapists on board with us, who offer diagnostic mental disorders services in addition to mental health counseling to individuals seeking professional help.

Get in touch with our team today for therapy services in Kentucky and Ohio!