Mental illness is classified as a psychological or behavioral deviation from normal ways of functioning which negatively affects the life of the patient.Examples of mental illness include mood disorders,psychotic disorders,eating disorders and anxiety disorders.Mental illness is difficult to prevent once it is in full force but if you know the warning signs and take preventative measures in the early stages,it is possible to prevent the worst scenarios.
1 Know your family history.Mental illness is often hereditary.If you have a family history of a specific mental disorder,there is an increased chance that you could also be affected by this disorder at some time in your life.Become educated about any disorders that have affected your family and see a doctor or psychologist immediately if you develop any concerns about your own mental health.
2 Address traumatic events.When stressful situations,such as a death in the family,divorce,violence or catastrophe,occur in your life,be proactive.Discuss your feelings about the event with friends,family members or a counselor.
3 Know the warning signs.If you are feeling emotionally off-center,take precautions and go to a doctor or psychologist for help.If you are thinking strange thoughts,feeling withdrawn,are depressed or excessively angry,have trouble eating or sleeping,these may be signs that you are experiencing emotional difficulty and should be addressed as soon as possible.
4 Take steps to keep yourself mentally and emotionally healthy.Just as you exercise and eat healthy foods to prevent physical ailments,it's important to incorporate relaxation and stress-relief techniques into your daily life to prevent mental and emotional distress.Learn about the benefits of deep breathing exercises,meditation,journaling and many other strategies that enhance mental health.Find the ones that work best for you.