Now that we have covered myths, facts, stigmas and the role of our culture and religion in MH. Let’s go back to talk about some types of mental illnesses. This will be relevant as we discuss on MH and COVID-19.

It’s difficult to discuss MH without discussing emotions. Emotions are neither good/bad. Emotions r signals to our bodies telling us to pay attention to something. For example:
Stress - I need to slow down
Anxious - I need calmness
Sad - I need joy and love. I miss something/one

Depression, anxiety, panic attacks are the most common MH illnesses we hear of & we will discuss these in this thread. However another one that is emerging or has emerged in other societies in substance-induced mental illnesses where drugs/alcohol have contributed to MH illness.

DEPRESSION.
Depression is a not a singular disease and has several variations to it. Depression is very common and 1 in 10 people suffer from it. Depression is not something you can ‘snap out of’ quickly, however it can be treated via medication or talking therapy strategies.

There are several causes that can lead to depression. These include triggers to a past event, death/loss, weather (seasonal affective disorder), life transitions, financial struggles, overworking/burnout, poor social network and ongoing or immense crises.

PANIC ATTACKS
Panic attacks are often associated with anxiety issues. Some even mistake it for a heart attack. What are the symptoms?
Dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, trembling, fight/flight mode, numbness amongst other symptoms