Mental health, or behavioral health, comprises an individual’s emotional, social, and psychological well-being. It defines how you feel, think, or behave. Broadly, your mental state also affects how you cope with stress. For example, some people with poor mental health suffer from behavioral illness, which affects their moods and makes it difficult for them to function at school, work, home, and in the community. However, poor mental health cannot always be equated with behavioral disorders.

Causes of mental health issues
Generally, environmental and genetic factors cause mental illness. Below is a list of some common causes:

Inherited traits
Behavioral illness is common in people whose relatives have had a mental illness. Some genes aggravate your risk of developing poor mental health, and the situations in your life can trigger them.
Environmental exposures before birth
Constant exposure to environmental stressors, toxins, or inflammatory conditions while in the womb can also be associated with poor mental health.
Brain chemistry
The neurotransmitters in the brain carry signals to different parts of the body and brain. When neural networks are impaired, the functioning of the nervous system and nerve receptors changes, leading to emotional disorders and depression.

Risk factors of mental health issues
Beyond the above-listed causes, some risk factors aggravate your risk of developing a mental illness. These are as follows:

A prior mental illness
The lack of healthy relationships or friendships
A childhood history of neglect or abuse
Traumatic experiences like an assault or military combat
A violent blow to the head or any other traumatic brain injury
Chronic illnesses like diabetes
Stressful life situations like financial constraints, divorce, or a loss of a loved one
History of mental illness in a blood relative

Symptoms of mental health disorders
Mental health issues may commence at any age, and most cases typically start early in life. The effects may be long-lasting or transient. Further, you may also have more than one mental health disorder simultaneously. Some common symptoms that should trigger you to get help are:

Crankiness or sadness that lasts longer than usual
Noticeable modifications in eating or sleeping habits
Withdrawal from family and friends
Changes in sex drive
Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
Ignorance of personal hygiene and grooming
Disproportionate fears or worries regarding everyday issues
Low and high emotional extremes
Excessive anger
Confused or disorganized thoughts
Talking or thinking about suicide
Hearing or seeing things that others cannot
Ideas that do not line up with reality
Many incomprehensible physical illnesses

Diagnosis of mental health issues
Diagnosing a mental health issue is usually a multi-step process. In the first appointment, your doctor will conduct a physical examination to determine the signs of physical disorders that may add to the symptoms. Some doctors might also order tests to study the less apparent or underlying causes. Once physical illnesses are ruled out, you may be asked to fill in the mental health questionnaire and get a psychological evaluation. Usually, you may not have a definite diagnosis in your first appointment. But if they suspect a mental health illness, they will refer you to a mental health professional to help you with the due course.

Treatment options for mental health issues
There is no one size fits all treatment, and the treatment options do not usually focus on offering a cure. Instead, they aim to address underlying causes, reduce the symptoms, and make things more manageable. You will work with your doctor to devise a fool-proof treatment plan. Some of the most commonly suggested alternatives are:

Prescription treatments
These comprise four categories: mood-stabilizing, anti-anxiety, antidepressants, and antipsychotic treatments. Your doctor will recommend the treatment depending on your symptoms and other factors.

Psychotherapy
Also called talk therapy, Psychotherapy is where you speak to a mental health expert about your ideas, feelings, experiences, and thoughts, and they will help you with coping strategies and techniques to manage the symptoms of your condition.

Residential and hospital treatment
Some people might require brief intensive treatment at residential facilities or hospitals. You can opt for overnight stays or daytime programs as convenient.

Mental health exercises
While physical exercises can do wonders for your body, you can do mental health exercises for your brain. These offer relief from anxiety and depression symptoms. Some such exercises include:

Listening to calming music
Practicing yoga
Practicing progressive muscle relaxation

While there is a lot of stigma attached to mental health issues, these are as common as other conditions, if not more. With proper attention, treatment, and care, a person can manage the symptoms of their condition or even overcome them for good.