Mental symptoms are often ignored because many people fail to recognize that something is wrong, even though these issues can have a huge impact on a person’s life.
Usually, we treat the symptoms patients present with, and they recover physically. But what if the patient is mentally stressed, facing multiple challenges in life, and suppressing emotions for a long time? Continuous stress increases cortisol levels, and gradually a cascade of diseases may begin.
We feel reassured when there is no pain or physical discomfort in the body. However, we often remain unaware of the chaos within the mind that affects the brain, hormones, the HPA axis, mood, behavior, and overall health.
Physical symptoms are commonly considered important reasons to consult a doctor. But severe mood swings, persistent low feelings, chronic fatigue, involuntary self-talk, irritability before menstruation (PMS), anger issues, and excessive stubbornness may also indicate underlying mental health concerns. These symptoms need attention too.
In India, many of these signs are considered “normal,” which is why very few people understand when it is necessary to consult a psychiatrist or a psychological counsellor.
There is also a stigma attached to mental health. Many people fear that consulting a psychiatrist will make others label them as “insane.” This is one of the major reasons people avoid seeking help for emotional or psychological disturbances.
For healthy living, both physical and mental well-being are equally essential.
The real question is — how much importance do we truly give to symptoms related to emotions and behavior?
MBH / PS