The Common Thread Between Mental Health and Behaviors
One of the most popular categories in the field of mental health is behavioral health. It covers a wide range of conditions that involve an individual’s ability to function normally in social situations. Most often, these disorders are related to problems in the area of the brain, but can also include learning disabilities, developmental disabilities and other brain injuries. The term, behavioral health, is also used to describe mental illnesses such as depression, psychosis, bipolar disorder, substance abuse and eating disorders. Mental health is an overall term that encompasses a variety of areas that deal with how an individual relates to the world around him/her, how they think, how they reason, how they interact with others and their emotions.
DescriptionMental health, described by the World Health Organization, is a condition in which the patient realizes his/her capabilities, can cope effectively with the daily stresses of life, is able to create a meaningful contribution to society and can make a positive difference in his/her life. It has been found that there is a strong link between early childhood health and behavioral health, and that the most effective treatments are those that take care of both areas at once. A combination of therapy, medication, stress management, education and behavioral training has shown to be highly effective in treating many types of mental disorders and improving the quality of life for millions of people.
Research has proven that a strong bond between mother (and father!) and child plays a crucial role in children’s development, well-being and behavioral health. It is also known that a happy family life is a key ingredient in preventing the onset of serious mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Family therapy has become a very successful method of treatment in combating these disorders.
The link between substance use disorders and behavioral health goes far beyond the direct mental health effects. These conditions often times lead to much more severe conditions such as depression, anxiety and other mood disorders, substance abuse, risky sexual behaviors and even suicide. Researchers have found that individuals who suffer from any one of these three behavioral disorders are much more likely to experience serious psychiatric illness. Even children who suffer from mood disorders or hyperactivity are more likely to eventually experience depression and/or substance abuse. As children progress through adolescence and adulthood, they are more likely to develop chronic and serious conditions such as autism, chronic rickets, blindness and learning disabilities.
Children who exhibit delinquent behaviors and have a history of parental divorce are more likely to become alcoholics and/or have other serious behavioral health problems. This is because it has been found that when there are ongoing conflicts in a home, children (through their relationships with their parents) tend to respond to the perceived injustice and violence in the home more than other causes. Unfortunately, it is often families such as these that fail to provide the necessary structure and support required for proper child rearing and healthy behavioral health. It is important to realize that childhood experiences and early experiences can impact health behaviors for the rest of a person’s life.
The link between childhood experiences and behavioral health is also present in the mental health of those who display mood disorders and/or hyperactivity. These conditions often times lead to a greater likelihood of developing depression and other mood-related disorders. There is also a strong link between smoking and other forms of unhealthy behavioral health behaviors and mental health problems as well. Both smoking and depression have been shown to have an impact on physical well-being and emotional well-being.
One common thread tying together all of the well-being and behavioral issues of individuals suffering from various mental health conditions is the need for psychological support. In most cases, behavioral health clinics and hospitals do not offer the type of on-site counseling and therapy that may be able to help individuals better cope with their disorders. As a result, many people suffering from these types of conditions are left struggling with both their mental health and their behavioral health on their own. For these individuals, professional assistance is crucial to gaining control over their lives and regaining the happiness and well-being that they deserve. Many behavioral health clinics around the country now offer a variety of different programs designed to help people overcome their behavioral challenges, as well as gain greater self-esteem and confidence.
Although every individual is different, there are many common threads tying behavioral health issues and mental health issues. This is why many mental health centers strive to provide customized patient care solutions. They understand that each patient is unique and that the cause of a particular mental disorder can vary from person to person. Because of this, they work closely with their patients and their families to find the most effective mental health treatment options for each patient. By offering a comprehensive range of different treatment programs, a good mental health clinic helps to give their patients the tools and resources they need to regain control over their lives and achieve optimal mental and physical health.