Hesperian Health Guides
Chapter 27: Mental Health
Mental health and physical health are equally important and each builds upon the other
If someone suddenly begins acting strangely, it might or might not be a mental health problem. Physical illness, chemical or pesticide poisoning, side effects of medicines, or alcohol or drug use may be the cause.
When a womanâs mind and spirit are doing well, she has the strength to take care of herself and others, to feel and manage her emotions, and to recover from loss, frustration, and disappointment. This allows her to plan for the future, handle new situations, and have good relationships with other people.
We all have some difficult times. But if a hard time continues and keeps someone from carrying out their daily activitiesâ for example, if they become so distressed that they cannot care for themselves or their familyâthey may have a mental health problem. These problems can be harder to identify than problems in the body, which we can often see or touch. Yet mental health problems need attention and treatment just as physical problems do.
This chapter explains how the conditions of our lives put pressureâstressâon our mental health and it offers suggestions for how how to help yourself or help others when this happens.