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Mental health The problems are on the rise around the world, but when it comes to treating them, many of the disorders remain undiagnosed due to the stigma attached to them. While it’s easier to talk about physical health, people are hesitant to have a conversation about mental health because they’re not sure they’re getting the support they need on their journey. Dealing with mental illness alone can make one feel more alone and miserable. (Also read: 10 simple tips to control your mental health)
It is estimated that one in four adults suffers from a mental health disorder at some point in their life. Despite the high prevalence, many disorders go undiagnosed. In some cases, people simply don’t know they have a mental health problem. In other cases, they may be reluctant to seek help due to the stigma surrounding mental illness.
What is mental health and why people don’t talk openly about it
“Mental health is often seen as a taboo subject, but it’s one we need to start talking about more openly. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects the way we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions,” says Chandni Tugnait, MD, MD (Alternative Medicine), Psychotherapist, Life Coach, Business Coach, NLP Expert, Healer, Founder & Director – Gateway of Healing.
Dr. Tugnait says that because of the many myths and misconceptions about mental health, we often keep our struggles to ourselves, but this needs to change.
The psychotherapist suggests three of the most common mental health disorders that often go undiagnosed:
1. Depression: Depression is a common but often misunderstood mental health disorder. Symptoms of depression can include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness for long periods of time. Some people may also experience changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and energy levels. While it’s normal to feel depressed at times, if these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it may be indicative of a more serious problem.
2. Anxiety: Anxiety is another common but often underdiagnosed mental health disorder. Anxiety symptoms can include persistent worry, complete avoidance of certain situations or activities, and physical symptoms such as sweating and a fast heartbeat. Like depression, anxiety can range from mild to severe and, left untreated, can harm every aspect of a person’s life.
3. Bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes extreme mood swings. People with bipolar disorder may experience periods of highs and lows (mania) followed by lows (depression). While the highs and lows can be pleasurable, the lows can be very debilitating, making it difficult to function in everyday life. Bipolar disorder often goes undiagnosed because the symptoms can be confused with other mental health disorders or simply attributed to “having a bad day.”
Reasons why mental health disorders can go unnoticed
Mental health disorders can make it hard to be in relationships, do a job, or do well in school or at work.
“Mental health disorders often go undiagnosed because symptoms can be hidden. For example, someone struggling with depression may not express feelings of sadness or despair. Instead, they may appear withdrawn or disinterested in activities once enjoyed. Similarly, someone with an anxiety disorder may not show signs of distress, but instead may avoid situations that trigger their anxiety. As a result, mental health disorders can go unnoticed for months or even years,” says Dr. Tugnait.
Another reason mental health disorders often go undiagnosed is that people are reluctant to seek help. Many people feel embarrassed or embarrassed to admit that they are struggling. As a result, they may suffer in silence or try to hide their symptoms or minimize their severity.
“Mental health disorders can also be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can vary so much from person to person. This makes it hard for friends and family to know when someone is truly suffering. Even doctors can have a hard time diagnosing an illness because there is no one treatment approach that suits everyone,” says the expert.
How to find help
The best way to get a proper diagnosis is to see a mental health professional who can assess your symptoms and provide appropriate care. If you suspect that you or someone you know may be struggling with a mental health disorder, it’s important to seek help. Early intervention can make a big difference in the course of a mental illness.
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