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10 things you must know about mental health.
1. A mental illness is when your ability to function properly is affected by negative changes in your mood, thoughts, emotions and behaviour.
2. People with mental health problems are more likely to be violent and unpredictable, but not all are.
3. Although most people assume that mental health problems are irreversible, with proper treatment, and support, mental health patients can recover completely.
4. Prevention is better than cure. Focus on a holistic state of wellbeing, pay attention to warning signs, consciously lower your stress levels and go for medical check-ups to make sure you identify the problem before it even starts.
5. Many people assume that mental health problems are a result of personality problems or character flaws, but this isn't the case. A history of abuse in any form, a family history of health problems and a brain injury are usually factors.
6. Coping with a mental illness can be hard but there are things that can help. Join a support group, speak to a close friend about your feelings, keep a journal and try to have an active social life.
7. Prolonged use of drugs and alcohol may increase the chances of a mental illness surfacing. If you have a family history of mental illness, be especially aware of this and kick these bad habits.
8. Take comfort in this quote: instead of saying, "I'm damaged, I'm broken", say "I'm healing, I'm rediscovering myself, and I'm starting over."
9. If you have a loved one with a mental illness, the best thing you can do is educate yourself about the illness. This will ensure that you can be compassionate and they'll be more likely to accept your support when they see your efforts.
10. Mental illness often begins in childhood, so pay attention to your children for signs. If treated early, children often make a faster recovery than adults.
