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WHEN WE HEAR THE WORD “HEALTH,” the majority of us immediately think of our physical health. We may work to stay physically healthy, by eating right, exercising, and visiting our health care provider regularly.

Unfortunately, we’re less likely to make a conscious effort to care for our mental health. This may be because for centuries words like “crazy,” “mad,” “disturbed,” “whacked,” or “screwed-in-the head” have been used to stigmatize sectors of the population: mentally ill people have been feared, scorned, or just “put away”-and we don’t want to be like them or even talk about mental illness.

This is why we’ve come to believe that mental health is separate from physical health, when in fact the two are closely related. It’s important to assess and take care of our mental health, and to understand the mental conditions such as depression, that can affect us.

How Do You Know When Your Mental Health is Suffering ?

We can define mental illness as major shifts in mood, thoughts, or behavior that have a severe and continuous impact on all aspects of life, such as work, love, and play. But exactly when do normal changes in our thoughts and moods indicate a psychological condition. For example,

Does somebody who has repeated fits of anger or fear suffer from anxiety?

When do moods that swing from elated to sad indicate bipolar disorder?

How can someone know whether she suffers from post-traumatic stress, substance abuse, eating disorders, or an adjustment disorder?

What constitutes sexual dysfunction?

And do a few days of feeling “blue” mean that someone has major depression, one of the most important psychological issues affecting women?

The answers aren’t always clear. What is clear is that education, assessment, and a personal plan are vital tools in preserving mental health. While there aren’t always obvious clues to show you when your mental health is suffering, there are some helpful ways to distinguish symptoms from an actual diagnosis.

Identifiable Mental Health Issues

Each one of us is unique. What makes us laugh or cry, the music and books we enjoy, our talents and strengths, our weaknesses and worries: none of these are exactly like anyone else’s. And when we suffer from psychological difficulties, that experience is unique to us, too.

However, there are identifiable mental health issues with recognizable symptoms. A basic understanding of some of the more common and/or important issues can therefore be helpful if we believe our mental health may be suffering.

Depression:

Major depression is much more than a feeling of sadness. Someone with major depression has a persistent sad mood and is uninterested in all or most pleasurable activities. There are also other depressive symptoms, such as weight loss or gain, fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty sleeping, and thoughts of death or suicide. The symptoms are present nearly all day every day for at least two weeks. A self-assessment can help you determine whether you are depressed. Women are more prone to depression, including postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric syndrome, and seasonal affective disorder. There are various causes of, and treatments for, depression. Self-help measures can help a depressed person and her family cope.

Anxiety:

Someone suffering from anxiety has long-term unrealistic fears, extreme worry, and a vague uneasy feeling. She may also have sudden attacks of anxiety or panic.

Bipolar disorder:

This is a newer term for what used to be called manic depression. Someone with this disorder suffers from periods of depression alternating with periods of elation (extreme happiness) and excitement.

Post-traumatic stress:

This condition is caused by great stress, such as sexual assault or wartime experiences. A person relives the traumatic experience (e.g., in nightmares or when she is reminded of the event). She may also seem less responsive emotionally and detached from other people. She doesn’t enjoy pleasurable activities.

Substance abuse:

Someone who abuses alcohol or other drugs may only be experimenting, or, she may be trying to relieve problems in her life. Eventually she may become dependent on the substance. Often substance abuse begins because of low self-esteem, sadness, or environmental and social reasons.

Eating disorders:

These are more common in women, and include anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Often a girl or woman with anorexia nervosa is intelligent and perfectionistic. She has an unrealistic body image, avoids eating, loses a great deal of weight, and may find her periods stop. Bulimia involves binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting and/or the use of laxatives and diuretics.

Adjustment disorder:

When a person is unable to adapt to a stressful life event, such as illness, divorce, or a natural disaster, this is known as adjustment disorder.

Sexual dysfunction:

Sexual dysfunction can take many forms. For instance, a woman with this disorder may lack interest in sex, strongly dislike and wish to avoid sexual activity, or be unable to experience sexual pleasure. Dyspareunia (pain during intercourse) can also have a psychological cause, although there may be a physical reason for it.