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Mental Illness: Heal Yourself or Seek Help
   

When it comes to your mental health, can you tell the difference between a problem that can be alleviated simply by consulting a few self-help books, and one that requires professional attention? We are a culture awash in information, and today there is more information created for mass public consumption than ever before. In many ways, this age is more enlightened than ever before. We are beginning to remove much of stigma that was once attached to mental health issues, and opening ourselves to the possibility of leading happier, healthier lives.

With so much information at our ready disposal, it can be tempting to attempt to 'cure' ourselves, no matter what type of mental health issue we face. But when is it time to visit a professional? Here are a few guidelines on when you should seek professional help, and what type of self-help tools you should choose to best heal yourself.

When to Seek Help from a Professional Mental Health Physician

If you suspect that you or a loved one suffer from any of the following disorders, or observe any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical and psychological help as soon as possible:

• Schizophrenia
• Severe depression or grief
• Severe anxiety
• Trauma caused by a stressful event
• Severe mood swings/mood disorder
• Psychosis
• Lethargy and Daytime Fatigue
• Chronic Insomnia or Oversleeping
• Paranoia
• Suicidal thoughts or tendencies
• Inability to function normally
• Inability to find pleasure in things that used to be pleasurable

All of these symptoms can indicate a serious mental disorder. Reading self-help books or using alternative therapies will most likely not be effective for treating serious mental disorders.

Helping Yourself: Practicing Good Mental Fitness and Stress Management

If you find yourself occasionally overwhelmed by work responsibilities, family duties, and social obligations, you are not alone. Everyone, even the most laidback among us, can benefit from practicing good mental fitness and stress management.

Good mental fitness means you are making the conscious decision to cultivate a stable and content state of mind that can help you cope when stress strikes. These self-help techniques, when practiced on a daily basis, can help you overcome the daily stress that your mind and body are exposed to daily.

- Practice the art of daydreaming. Perhaps you were scolded as a child for having your head 'in the clouds.' You may be surprised to learn that many mental health professionals recommend a period of extended contemplation and daydreaming to many of their patients. Daydreaming is a relaxing act, one in which our mind roams free, unobstructed by negative thinking or anxious thoughts.

- Keep a journal. Journaling is a proven self-help therapy for releasing stress and tension. Writing down what you feel and think can be remarkably self-actualizing, and even fun!

- Keep a regular exercise regime. Even if it means simply taking a walk around the block with a neighbor, moving your body is one of the best ways to heal your mind.

- Call up an old friend. Don't be afraid to confide your troubles with a close acquaintance. Freud called it the "talking cure." Articulating your worries and problems can often diffuse the intensity of the stress.

The Wide World of Self-Help Books

Perhaps the most important development of the modern self-help phenomenon is the glut of self-help books available to us today. Are you depressed? Gong through a divorce? Suffering from severe anxiety? Not able to get a good night's rest? Whatever your troubles, you can be sure someone has written a book addressed specifically to your problem.

The most prescient concern is choosing a good self-help book that can actually be beneficial to you. Make sure the author of the book you choose is well qualified to address the subject you are interested in. Are they endorsed by a well-known organization? What kind of critical attention did the book receive? More importantly, if you find a good self-help book, it's not enough to purchase the book and read it. As obvious as it may sound, you should make a conscious effort to follow the advice in the book to gain real results.

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by SolveYourProblem.com : 2006

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