By Dr. linell king
Being healthy is a universal goal (or should be) for people everywhere. When we are sick, we see a doctor. When we get injured, we go to the hospital. When we have a toothache, off to the dentist we go. We start a new diet and try to feed our body what will make it run at an optimal level. We join the gym and keep our body fit. All of these are common practices for maintaining a “healthy lifestyle”. But what if I asked you about your mental health? When is the last time you talked to someone about your emotional and psychological health?
When we talk about mental health, we are talking about more than just emotions, although those are included. We are also talking about our psychological and social well-being. Our mental health affects how we feel, think, and act. It determines how we handle our daily tasks, how we relate to the world around us, and the choices we make.
Throughout our life, we will experience ups and downs. Our thinking, our mood, and our behavior are affected by what happens to us and around us. How we react, how we process, how we recover, and how we go forward are all aspects of our mental health, yet we neglect this part of a “healthy lifestyle” all too often.
Mental health problems can occur and can affect every aspect of our life. How do we know when our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are “normal” or when we might have an actual mental health problem? Some factors that may contribute to a mental health problem are:
• Biology (genes or brain chemistry)
• Life experience (abuse, trauma, accidents)
• Family history of mental health problems
The truth is mental health problems are common and they are treatable. Many people get treatment and get better. Sometimes a few modifications or someone to talk to is all we need. However, sometimes there are deeper issues that will need to be worked on over time. Those who suffer from issues such as PTSD, TBI, or OCD, for example will need to learn to live with and manage their mental health problems, but even still, treatment is available and living a “normal” life is possible.
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating disorder that can negatively impact a person’s everyday life. When someone experiences trauma in their life, it may cause stress later in life. This can be a one-time event like living through a tornado or may happen over years, which would often be the case with abuse. Those suffering from PTSD often feel isolated and helpless.
Signs and symptoms of PTSD
How PTSD affects each person varies greatly depending not only of the person but also on the trauma they’ve experienced. Sometimes symptoms present themselves immediately, but sometimes it can be months later.
Many people with PTSD suffer from nightmares and flashbacks. They relive the experience again and again to the point that affects their daily life. This can cause a person to experience debilitating fear and anxiety in everyday situations. They may also suffer from depression, be easily frightened, become agitated or angry easily, or have a persistent negative mood.
TBI
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are injuries that are caused by a bump or blow to the head or a penetrating injury such as a gunshot to the head. They are associated with many neurological, psychological, and physical consequences that can drastically affect a person’s behavior, their physical abilities, and their quality of life.
Those suffering the effects a TBI may suffer cognitive consequences such as inability to pay attention, lack of concentration, or general “fogginess”. They may also have trouble learning due to memory problems. The psychological consequences may include depression, anxiety, extreme personality changes, difficulty controlling emotions, and severe mood swings.
OCD
It is estimated that 1.2% of Americans suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD is a mental health condition in which a person has obsessions that cause intrusive thoughts or urges that control them and compulsions that are irrational behaviors used to deal with their obsessions.
It can disrupt daily life when it is left uncontrolled. An example of an obsession may be an extreme fear of germs. The compulsive behavior might lead the person to wash his/her hands far beyond what is necessary.
Bottom line
Whether you are suffering from PTSD, a TBI, OCD or are going through difficult time in your life, there is help available. Mental health problems are quite common. It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans experiences a mental health issue each year. One in 20 is living with a serious mental illness such as the ones we have mentioned here or others like major depression or bipolar disorder.
Studies have shown that people who suffer from mental health issues very often get better and many recover completely. This means they can live, work, learn, and participate in the world around them. Today, more than ever before, there are treatments and services available.
We help patients get resolve from these challenges in our office with a non-invasive therapy called MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy).
Linell King MD, renowned internist and author of “Mastering Vitality” received his medical degree from the University Of Wisconsin School Of Medicine, and completed his residency at The Johns Hopkins University Sinai Hospital Program of Internal Medicine. He has been practicing for twenty years; currently at his “Naples Vitality” office in Naples, FL.
Our practice size is limited to ensure the best possible care for our clientele; we qualify and accept patients committed to working collaboratively to create improved health and continued success.
Call 239-465-0098 to reserve a free 15 minute consultation call with our team to discuss your personalized success strategy.
www.naplesvitality.com/consult
239-465-0098
www.Naplesvitality.com
3411 Tamiami Trail N. Suite 200
Naples, FL 34103