Mental health disorder is one of the main cause of disability worldwide. Everyone has some risk of developing a mental health condition, hence the need for a mental health break. Mental health illness can appear due to conditions such as stress, depression, and anxiety which can all affect mental health regardless of the age, sex, race, ethnicity or income.
Read more: Help! I feel depressed.
Mental health and substance use disorders affect 13% of the world’s population. Anxiety affects 284 million people in the world and depression affects 264 million people. The number of people affected by the coronavirus pandemic could increase as people adjust to a new normal. In the US, for instance, 59% of people reported experiencing mental health issues.
People from the low-income households are four times more likely to have mental health difficulties by the time they are 11 than those from the richest households, new research shows. They are less likely to receive the mental health care they need. 75% to 95% of people with mental illness in low- and middle-income countries are unable to access mental health services at all, and access in high income countries is not much better. However, millions of young adults with mental health illness do not realize they have this condition hence do not seek help.
Not sure whether or not you need a mental health break?
Here are 5 signs it’s time to take a mental health break:
- You can’t focus
Inability to focus is a sign your mental health break is long overdue. Taking short breaks improves focus. In situations when you are overwhelmed with your task, step back and take a break. It’s good to be on top of your game but ensure to prioritize your health for an even better result.
- You are irritable
When your reaction towards issues is questionable and you constantly snap at people, get a break to relieve your mind off tense feeling.
- Lack of sleep
It is so frustrating when you are exhausted but can’t sleep. Sleep can be the first to get affected when you are exhausted and overwhelmed. This could be a sign that you need a break.
- Your relationships are suffering
If you find yourself turning down plans to go out, wanting to be alone and not interacting with friends and family, it is an obvious sign you need to pay attention to your mental health.
Read here: Dealing with anxiety in children
- You’re showing physical signs of stress
Stress and mental health go hand in hand. If you feel unusually stressed or you feel stressed quite often, then opt for a mental health break.
WHY TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH BREAK?
A mental health break allows you relax and recharge your mind. Taking out time to care for your mental health can boost productivity rather than hinder it. So why take care of your physical heath and ignore your mental health? They both crave equal treatment.
Your general well-being is not just about your physical health, there is much more to it. A person’s well-being also cuts across emotional and psychological well-being. It is important to take a few minutes, a day or two break to reenergize and get back on track.
Read here: Preventing Suicide.
References
World Federation for Mental Health (2021). Mental Health. Available at https://wfmh.global/2021-world-mental-health-global-awareness-campaign
US.News(2021). When to take a mental health break. Retrieved from https://health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/2019-01-30/
Medlineplus (2015). Mental Health. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/mentalhealth.html
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