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I DON’T RECOGNIZE MYSELF ANYMORE
ASKING FOR HELP IS A SIGN OF STRENGTH
Are you experiencing unexplained moodiness, sleep problems, pains and fatigue?
Did you know that these symptoms may
be linked to your mental health?
Mental health is as essential as physical health.1
Mental health problems lead to suffering in families,
at work, at school and can be a serious impairment in life.2
The first step is always talking to your doctor.
What may be happening to me?
Anxiety
What are the physical signs of an anxiety?
When anxiety affects your daily life it’s called an anxiety disorder and it
might appear as physical problems.3
Anxiety can take many forms and can be related to many different causes,
with general anxiety disorder being one of the most widespread.4,5
Effects of anxiety on your body6
excessive, uncontrollable worry
aches & pains
restlessness
fatigue
rapid heartbeat
dizziness
sweating
headaches
digestive upset
Are you experiencing symptoms of anxiety?
Don’t wait for them to pass! Talk to your doctor, who will help you
address your symptoms, discover the causes, and eventually establish a
path for treatment and cure. Remember, there’s no shame in taking care
of your mental wellbeing.
Panic attack
What are the physical signs of a panic attack?7
Panic attacks are hard to identify. They are not a simple moment of
discomfort as a result of an unpleasant situation, but sudden periods
of strong discomfort, accompanied by a sense of losing control, often
a sense of dread or fear, even when there is no clear danger or trigger
and the context is not actually menacing.
Effects of panic attack on your body6
Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
Sweating
Trembling or shaking
Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
Feelings of choking
Chest pain or discomfort
Nausea or abdominal distress
Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint
Are you experiencing symptoms of panic attacks?
If you are going through any of these symptoms, don’t wait until
they are overwhelming. Just as with other medical illnesses, early
intervention can make a crucial difference.8 Talk to your doctor for
advice and eventually a path to treatment and cure!
Depression
What are the physical signs of depression?
Depression may also be a cause of physical symptoms, that may be
mistakenly believed to be the result of illnesses related to the body rather
than the mind.
Effects of depression on your body9
chronic joint pain
limb pain
back pain
gastrointestinal problems
tiredness
sleep disturbances
psychomotor activity changes
appetite changes
Are you experiencing symptoms of depression?10
Depression can be mild, moderate, or severe. Even mild depression can
become more serious if it’s not treated.
If you’ve been feeling sad or down and can’t seem to shake it, talk with
a doctor about depression. The good news is that you can get treatment
for depression. Getting help is the best thing you can do for yourself and
your loved ones. You can feel better.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)11
What are the physical signs of GAD?
With GAD, you often find yourself worrying about everyday issues for
no obvious reason, but you may experience also physical symptoms that
make it hard to function and that interfere with daily life.
Symptoms may fluctuate over time and are often worse during times
of stress - for example -with a physical illness, during school exams, or
during a family or relationship conflict.
Physical symptoms
headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches, or unexplained pains
sweat a lot, feel lightheaded, or feel out of breath
tire easily or feel tired all the time
difficulty swallowing
feel restless and have trouble relaxing
trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Are you experiencing symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
If you think you’re experiencing symptoms of GAD, talk to your doctor.
After discussing your history, he may conduct a physical exam to ensure
that an unrelated physical problem is not causing your symptoms.
The good news is GAD is treatable; the first step to effective treatment is
to get a diagnosis, usually from a mental health professional.
Mental health is as essential as physical health
Asking for help is a sign of strength
Many people who have a mental illness do not want to talk about it. But mental illness is
nothing to be ashamed of! It’s a medical condition, just like heart disease or diabetes.
Mental health issues do not need to be “serious” before you could ask for support; your
emotions and experiences are valid, and you deserve help. It is crucial to seek assistance,
when it comes to mental health, for various reasons.
How can we reduce the negative attitudes and beliefs surrounding mental health issues
to promote greater understanding and acceptance of individuals who struggle with these
conditions?
Reducing the negative attitudes and beliefs about mental health
People who experience mental health challenges may avoid seeking help due to the fear of
being labeled as “weak” or “crazy.”12
Don’t let the negative stereotype stigma surrounding mental illness prevent you from seeking
support! Talk about your concerns with your doctor,
who has developed a long-term trusting
relationship with you and is aware of your family background and psychosocial status.13
Speaking honestly about your mental health is a positive step toward improving it.
Mental health does not discriminate
Anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, social class or income level can be affected.
Approximately 792 million people suffer from mental health problems -
that is one in ten
people.14
Around 20% of the world’s children and adolescents suffer from a mental disorder;
adolescent depression often continues unabated into adulthood.8
Over 20% of adults aged 60 and over suffer from a mental or neurological disorder;
depression accounts for 7% and anxiety disorders for 3.8%.15
Mental health problems may be perceived by older people and their families as an inevitable
consequence of ageing, but they are not. They are health problems that will improve after
adequate treatment.16
Early intervention and treatment are crucial.8
Seeking help can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Talk to your doctor. It’s never too late or too early to take care of your mental health.
And it’s never inappropriate to deal with it.
Treatment is available
Do you feel like you may be experiencing a mental issue? Know that tens of thousands of
studies have demonstrated that mental disorders can be successfully treated.8
There are many different treatment options available, including lifestyle changes, therapy
and medication.17 There is no treatment that works universally; which is the best for you?
Talk to your doctor and start addressing your problems.
Live your life at its best
Mental health is just as essential as physical health1; with appropriate support and early
intervention, people with mental illness can live fulfilling and productive lives, even while
having symptoms.
But the longer mental health conditions go untreated, the more severe they become.18,19
Don’t hesitate to seek out the support you need and start living your life in full.
Don’t wait: talk to your doctor20
1. Prepare ahead of your visit
Your doctor probably has a limited time for each appointment, so it may be
helpful to think of your questions or concerns beforehand.
2. Be honest
Your doctor can help you get better only if you have open, honest
communication; remember that these discussions are private and cannot be
shared without your permission.
Describe all your symptoms and be specific about when they started, how
severe they are, and how often they occur. You should also share any major
stressors or recent life changes that may be causing or worsening your
symptoms.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
If you have questions or concerns, ask your doctor for more information about
the mental health diagnosis or treatment.
If your doctor suggests a treatment option that you’re not comfortable with,
express your concerns and ask if there are other options. It’s important to
remember that there is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment.
It’s crucial to seek help from your doctor
It’s crucial for individuals with mental health issues to seek help from a doctor.
An honest conversation with your doctor is a good place to start for most mental health
conditions;
he or she can provide treatment or refer you to a therapist, psychiatrist, or other
mental health professional. With the right support and treatment, people with mental health
issues can find relief from their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
Remember, taking the prescribed medication correctly is an essential part of managing
your mental health and well-being.21
Sticking to a medication regimen can be challenging. However, taking your medication
is key, because it allows you and your healthcare provider to conduct an accurate
assessment of how well a drug and dosage work for your treatment.22
Mental health: Myths and Facts
Sometimes, misinformation about medicine and science in general can lead people to make
wrong choices about their health.
Learn the truth about the most common mental health myths and information to help get
free from misconception about them.
If you have doubts or need clarification about mental health problems, their treatment and
cure,
don’t hesitate, talk to your doctor.
Correct information is fundamental to address any problem.
Myth:
Mental health issues can’t affect me.
Fact:
Mental health issues can affect anyone.23
Myth:
People with mental health problems don’t have
difficulty being productive in life.
Fact:
Most people with mental health problems are
impaired in their daily functioning, but with treatment
they can be as productive as anyone else.23
Mental health and productivity are closely linked. When our mental
health is compromised, it can severely impact our motivation and
productivity, making it challenging to accomplish even the simplest
tasks. However, seeking help from a mental health professional and
following the treatment plan, individuals can experience increased
energy levels and a renewed sense of motivation, leading to
improved productivity.24
Myth:23
Mental health issues are a result of personality
weakness or character flaws, and people can “snap
out of it” if they try hard enough.
Fact:
Mental health conditions have nothing to do with
being lazy or weak and many people need help to get
better, as anyone else would.
Many factors contribute to mental health conditions, including biological
factors, life experiences and family history of mental health conditions.
People with mental health conditions can get better and many seek
recovery support.
Myth:23
There is no hope for people with mental health issues.
Once a friend or family member develops a mental
health condition, they will never recover.
Fact:
Studies show that people with mental health
conditions get better, and many are on a path to
recovery. They can play an active and productive role
in all aspects of society and life.
There are now more effective treatments, services, and community
support systems available than ever before, and they work!
References
Peate I. Making mental health as important as physical health. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants 2014; 8 (2): 92–93
Chen YH et al. Association between fecal microbiota and generalized anxiety disorder: Severity and early treatment response. J Affect Disord 2019; 259: 56-66
Brahmbhatt A et al. Identifying and Managing Anxiety Disorders in Primary Care The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 2021; 17: 18-25
Clement S et al. What is the impact of mental health-related stigma on help-seeking? A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies. Psychological Medicine 2015; 45: 11–27
Gask L, Kendrick T, Peveler R, Chew-Graham CA. Primary Care Mental Health. RCPsych Publications, 2009
Lee JE et al. Mental health awareness of secondary schools students: Mediating roles of knowledge on mental health, knowledge on professional help, and attitude towards mental health. Heliyon 2023; 9: e14512
Damsgaard JB, Angel S. Living a Meaningful Life While Struggling with Mental Health: Challenging Aspects Regarding Personal Recovery Encountered in the Mental Health System. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18, 2708.
Wang Ps et al. Delay and failure in treatment seeking after first onset of mental disorders in the World Health Organization’s World Mental Health Survey Initiative. World Psychiatry 2007; 6: 177-185
Kauppi K et al. Perceptions of treatment adherence among people with mental health problems and health care professionals. J Adv Nurs. 2015; 71 (4): 777-88
Jimmy B, Jose J. Patient Medication Adherence: Measures in Daily Practice. Oman Med J 2011; 26 (3): 155-9
