Developing Good Health Habits
The concept of health is universal. It refers to a state of total well-being that encompasses physical, mental, and social well being. Health is one of the most important factors in society. It affects all aspects of our lives. People strive to stay healthy as it increases their life expectancy.
Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is “a condition of full physical, mental, and social well being and not just the absence of sickness and disease.” Various definitions have also been used over time to describe what it means. One major factor that contributes to a person’s well-being is good health conditions. Other contributing factors may include emotional health, coping skills, social support systems, physical health, and others.
There are many disorders that fall under the realm of mental health, but there is a difference between mental health and the more severe disorders. Mental disorders are more serious and can lead to severe consequences. Some of these consequences include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, and psychotic disorders. Individuals who suffer from mental illness can experience feelingings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and sadness as well as guilt and irritability. Psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions are common with this condition.
There are various diseases that fall under the realm of physical health conditions, but these diseases are usually associated with physical conditions. For example, heart diseases, hypertension, cholesterol, and diabetes can all be related to a poor diet and lack of exercise. However, some people may have an easier time spreading infections like herpes, HIV, and bacterial infections due to higher stress levels. These high stress levels can lead to more problems if they spread to other areas of the body.
When it comes to physical health, the focus tends to be on symptoms or conditions such as infections or disorders. However, the mental health of a person has a lot to do with overall good health. The types of health conditions that need to be addressed include depression, stress, and anxiety. Depression and stress both impact sleep patterns and eating patterns. As a result, individuals who are suffering from these conditions tend to lack energy and can feel sluggish throughout the day.
The lack of energy can mean that individuals have higher risks of developing heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. It can also mean that individuals have increased risk of developing psychological illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia. In developed countries, the physical effects of these illnesses are fairly common, but the mental illness is much more rare in the United States. The lack of research into mental health issues and their relation to overall health problems means that the greater the lack of research, the more we are at risk for developing illnesses that will take our lives down a bad road for the rest of our lives.
