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A support group offers a safe place where you can get information that’s practical, constructive, and helpful. You’ll have the benefit of encouragement, and you’ll learn more about coping with your problems through shared experiences.

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Support Groups: Types, Benefits, and What to Expect

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Whether you’re seeking support for addiction, caregiving, or a mental health issue, overcoming your fear and attending a support group can be a valuable step toward healing

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People living with a serious mental illness are at higher risk of experiencing a wide range of chronic physical conditions. Co-existing mental and physical conditions can diminish quality of life and lead to longer illness duration and worse health outcomes.

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Psychologists have always had a hand in consulting with organizations and systems, but recently, they’ve expanded their reach to popular brands and companies. To make mental health more accessible, it’s essential for organizations and brands to partner with psychologists. Organizations should invest in mental health programs and ensure that insurance coverage includes mental health services. This not only removes the stigma around seeking help but also makes it financially viable for more people.

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Mental health is a global concern with profound societal and individual implications. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression affects over 264 million people worldwide, making it the leading cause of disability. Anxiety disorders aren't far behind. To tackle this growing crisis, we need to highlight the role of consulting psychology in improving mental health accessibility. This bulletin will delve into the crucial impact of consulting psychology on enhancing mental health accessibility.

In recent years, consulting psychology has been on the rise (Lowman, 2016). Psychologists have always had a hand in consulting with organizations and systems, but recently, they've expanded their reach to popular brands and companies. As a counseling psychologist in NYC, I've carved out a unique niche, consulting with brands on subjects like mental health, wellness, diversity, equity, and inclusion. My passion for consulting stems from my work in private practice, where I assist BIPOC folxs dealing with the complexities of life. Many of my clients face challenges like depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, relationships, and even trauma. While one-on-one therapy is fulfilling, I'm driven by the belief that my purpose extends beyond individual sessions. I'm on a mission to reach a broader audience and make a more significant impact on mental wellness.

Consulting with brands like Omnicom Group or L'Oréal represents a groundbreaking approach to promoting mental wellness through everyday experiences. For instance, I might conduct workshops with DEI leaders to discuss compassion fatigue, burnout, and multiculturalism within the workplace. Furthermore, I might join a panel to talk about how a specific dermatology product can boost self-esteem and reduce depression and anxiety. Consulting offers another way to provide services and make mental health more approachable.

Unfortunately, mental health concerns often carry a stigma, and many individuals are hesitant to seek help. Consulting psychologists play a pivotal role in bridging this gap by providing a safe and confidential space for people to discuss their mental health concerns. Through psychotherapy and counseling, they help individuals manage their emotions, alleviate symptoms of mental illness, and develop effective coping strategies.

One of the most significant roles of consulting psychology is to close the treatment gap. The World Mental Health Survey Initiative reports that nearly 76-85% of people with severe mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries receive no treatment for their condition (WHO, 2023). Consulting psychologists, with their expertise, can help identify and address these treatment gaps, making mental health services more accessible.

Furthermore, consulting psychology extends beyond traditional therapy and is integral in workplaces, schools, and community settings. My consulting work has often focused on improving workplace environments by enhancing employee well-being, boosting productivity, and promoting compassion among coworkers. This fosters a healthier work environment, ultimately contributing to job performance and job satisfaction.

To make mental health more accessible, it's essential for organizations and brands to partner with psychologists. Organizations should invest in mental health programs and ensure that insurance coverage includes mental health services. This not only removes the stigma around seeking help but also makes it financially viable for more people.

In conclusion, consulting psychology plays a critical role in addressing mental health concerns, empowering individuals to seek help, and providing essential support for those facing mental health issues. By integrating consulting psychology into various aspects of society, we can make mental health services more accessible, ultimately enhancing the well-being of individuals, communities, and the world around us.

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Making Mental Health More Accessible – Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Mental health is a global concern with profound societal and individual implications. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression affects over 264 million people worldwide, making it the leading cause of disability. Anxiety disorders aren’t far behind. To tackle this growing crisis, we need to highlight the role of consulting psychology in improving mental health accessibility. This bulletin will delve into the crucial impact of consulting psychology on enhancing mental health accessibility.

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The poor physical health of people with mental illness

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Results of most research on the physical health of people with mental illness suggests the morbidity and the mortality from certain physical conditions is high in people with long-term mental illnesses. In this review, I examine the physical health of psychiatric patients, especially those with schizophrenia or depression and some possible explanations for any inequities in their health status. I also discuss the health care that psychiatric patients receive, both in terms of recognition of physical illness and subsequent intervention, with particular reference to cardiovascular disease. Finally, I review potential barriers to effective care and methods for overcoming these.

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Because psychiatric patients are more likely to die of natural causes, the obvious correlate is that they have more physical health problems than the general population. Physical health is inextricably linked to mental health, and physical illness may cause psychiatric symptoms. Lack is sleep is very common as most mental illnesses cause sleep problems like insomnia or sleep apnea.

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Support groups connect people facing similar challenges. Members share experiences and advice.

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The correct treatment for mental illness can help a person?s condition to improve or help a person to live well, despite the presence of some ongoing symptoms.

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Abstract

Background and objective

A healthy lifestyle encompasses healthy eating, regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking, drug abuse, and alcohol, which will help improve mental health and manage the symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between a healthy lifestyle and psychological well-being among Saudi adolescent girls.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescent girls in secondary schools in Taif City, Saudi Arabia. The main outcome measures were the Simple Lifestyle Indicator Questionnaire (SLIQ), Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) and PHQ-9 (if PHQ-2-positive), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) questionnaire, and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores.

Results

The age of the respondents ranged between 15 and 19 years with an arithmetic mean of 16.72 and a standard deviation (SD) of 0.96 years. Most of the students (58.3%) followed a healthy lifestyle whereas only 6.7% followed an unhealthy one. The prevalence of depression was 52.5%; moderately severe depression was observed in 14.8% and severe depression was seen in 6.9% of the schoolgirls. Moderate or severe anxiety was observed in 24.3% and 17.8% of schoolgirls, respectively. High perceived stress was observed in 18% of the students. There was a statistically significant association between students' lifestyle and the severity of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress (p<0.001).

Conclusion

While unhealthy lifestyles are not common among secondary schoolgirls in Taif City, we found a significant association between such lifestyles among students and the deterioration of their psychological well-being.

Keywords: stress, anxiety, depression, schoolgirls, lifestyle

Introduction

Health is important to all of us. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not just the absence of disease or infirmity. There are different types of health: mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, and financial. All of these contribute to overall health, decrease stress, and improve mental and physical well-being [ 1]. Healthy nutrition does not mean tasteless food; on the contrary, it is a method to ensure eating all essential nutrients to maintain the body's function properly. The definition of a balanced diet varies from person to person and depends on many factors like age, gender, lifestyle, and medical conditions. Following a balanced and healthy eating lifestyle keeps the body in excellent and optimum condition [ 2]. When it comes to nutrition, there are macronutrients and micronutrients. The "big 3" macronutrients (macros) are carbohydrates, protein, and fats; fiber can also be considered a macronutrient. These macronutrients can help improve weight, health, and overall physical well-being [ 2].

Carbohydrate is an essential source of energy. It is classified into simple (sugar) and complex starches. Carbohydrates from grain are classified into whole and refined grain; it is healthier to eat whole grain because it has a milder effect on blood sugar and insulin than refined grains. The recommended dietary intake of carbohydrates is 45-65% of the total calorie intake. Added sugars should constitute less than 10% of total calories [ 2]. Protein is an essential part of a healthy diet. It helps build muscles, cartilage, and skin and also plays a role in hormonal regulation. The recommended dietary intake of proteins is 10-35% of the total calorie intake [ 2]. Fat is also an essential part of a healthy balanced diet. It helps the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. Also, fat is a rich source of energy. There are three types of fat: saturated, unsaturated, and trans-fat; as part of maintaining a healthy diet, it is advisable to replace saturated and trans-fat with unsaturated fat. The recommended dietary intake of fats is 20-35% of the total calorie intake [ 2]. Fibers are found mainly in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Fibers provide a lot of benefits; they help prevent and relieve constipation, help maintain a healthy weight, and lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer. There are two types of fibers: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol and glucose levels. Insoluble fibers help to relieve and prevent constipation. The recommended dietary intake of fiber is 14 g per 1000 calories. For most moderately active adults in the United States, that translates to approximately 25-36 g per day [ 2]. Micronutrients include vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are indispensable for numerous vital functions in the human body and it is necessary to consume them through dietary sources [ 3].

Physical activity is defined as any body movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. Regular physical activities confer a lot of health benefits. They help to prevent and manage non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and several types of cancers. They help to maintain a healthy body weight and improve mental health and quality of life. The recommended physical activity for an adult involves 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or at least 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity exercise regimens throughout the week. They should also perform muscle-strengthening activities that involve all major muscle groups two or more days a week. For children and adolescents aged 5-17 years, the recommended physical activity involves at least 60 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous intensity, mostly aerobic, exercise across the week [ 4].

Smoking can significantly harm the body. A smoker is at a significant risk of developing diseases that affect several organs in the body. It increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases like acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and stroke. It can also cause lung diseases like COPD, increase the risk of developing different types of cancers like laryngeal cancer, lung cancer, and bladder cancer, and increase the risk of infertility in both men and women. It also affects the immune system. Quitting smoking is necessary to improve health and well-being [ 5]. Psychological well-being is defined as a state that combines feeling good and functioning effectively. It does not mean feeling good all the time; the experience of negative emotions is also a normal part of life, and managing these negative or painful emotions is vital for long-term well-being. Psychological well-being is affected when negative emotions are extreme or long-lasting and interfere with daily activities [ 6].

WHO defines adolescents as individuals aged between 10 and 19 years. Adolescence is a period of life with specific health and developmental needs and rights. Also, it is a time to develop knowledge and skills, learn to manage emotions and relationships, and acquire attributes and abilities that will be important for enjoying the adolescent years and laying the foundation for assuming the role of an adult [ 7]. This study aimed to evaluate the association between a healthy lifestyle and psychological well-being among adolescent girls in Taif City, Saudi Arabia.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Taif City, which is located in the Makkah Province of Saudi Arabia. The city has an estimated population of 688,693. There are 72 female-only secondary schools in Taif City (22 schools in the Al-Hawiyah region, 29 schools in the West region, and 21 schools in the East region). This study included all adolescent girls attending secondary schools in Taif City (n=18,609).

By using the Raosoft equation with a confidence interval of 95%, a margin of error of 5%, and a distribution response of 50%, the determined sample size was 377. A multistage random sampling technique was adopted. In the first stage, female secondary schools in Taif City were divided into three groups according to their geographic location (East, West, and Al-Hawiyah). In the second stage, two to three schools were selected randomly from each region. In the third stage, an almost equal number of students were selected from nine schools; therefore, about 70-75 students were selected from each school. In the fourth stage, 25 students were chosen randomly from every level. Students who were already diagnosed with psychiatric illnesses (anxiety, depression, or others) were excluded from the study.

Four self-administered, valid, and reliable questionnaires were distributed and collected by the researcher: the Simple Lifestyle Indicator Questionnaire (SLIQ), Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) and PHQ-9 (if PHQ-2-positive), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) questionnaire, and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) [ 11]. The validity of the Arabic version of SLIQ was ascertained by two family medicine consultants.

The questionnaire included sociodemographic data: the name of the school, age, scholastic level, GPA (general grade point average), height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) calculated by the researcher, and medical history of psychiatric illness diagnosed by a doctor (depression, anxiety, or other). BMI was calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. As per the CDC guidelines, the BMI-for-Age Percentile Growth Chart was used [ 12]. SLIQ consists of 12 questions on five domains (diets, physical activity, smoking, stress, and alcohol consumption). The overall SLIQ score is determined by summing up the raw scores of the five categories. The students were classified as follows based on the total scores: unhealthy (0-4), intermediate (5-7), and healthy (8-10) [ 8]. PHQ-2 contains the two first questions of PHQ-9, and if it was found positive, PHQ-9 was used. The level of depression in students was categorized as follows as per the total scores: minimal depression (1-4), mild depression (5-9), moderate depression (10-14), moderately severe (15-19), and severe (20-27) [ 13]. The GAD-7 comprises seven questions. The anxiety level was categorized as follows based on the total scores: mild anxiety (5-9), moderate anxiety (10-14), and severe anxiety (15+) [ 14]. PSS consists of 12 questions. There are two subscales in the PSS-10: (1) perceived helplessness (items 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 10) - measuring an individual's feelings of a lack of control over their circumstances or their own emotions or reactions; and (2) lack of self-efficacy (items 4, 5, 7, and 8) - measuring an individual's perceived inability to handle problems. To calculate the total PSS score, responses to the four positively stated items (items 4, 5, 7, and 8) first need to be reversed, and the stress level is categorized as follows based on the total score: low stress (0-13), moderate stress (14, 26), and high perceived stress (27, 40) [ 11].

Written permission from the authority and ethical approval from the concerned body (the Research and Studies Department of the Directorate of Health Affairs in Taif) was obtained before the commencement of the study. The data were collected and verified manually and then coded before being entered into the computer. SPSS Statistics software version 28.0 was used for data entry and analysis. Frequency and percentage were applied to describe categorical variables whereas range, arithmetic mean, and standard deviation (SD) were used to describe continuous numerical variables. The chi-square test was utilized to test for the association between categorical variables, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 562 schoolgirls were initially recruited. However, 23 were excluded either due to incomplete questionnaires or because of being previously diagnosed with psychological diseases (depression and anxiety). Thus, a total of 539 students were included in the final analysis. The age of the participants ranged between 15 and 19 years with an arithmetic mean of 16.72 and a standard deviation of 0.96 years. They were almost equally distributed between the three educational levels. While a majority of them (83.3%) had an excellent GPA, 13.9% had a very good GPA (Table 1).

Overweight and obesity were observed among 13.7% and 3.7% of the schoolgirls, respectively (Figure 1). While most of the students followed a healthy lifestyle (58.2%), only 6.7% followed an unhealthy lifestyle (Figure 2).

The prevalence of depression among schoolgirls was 52.5%; while 14.8% had a moderately severe level of depression, 6.9% were severely depressed (Figure 3). As for anxiety levels, we found that while 24.3 of schoolgirls had moderate anxiety, 17.8% had severe anxiety levels (Figure 4). Regarding stress, high perceived stress was observed among 18% of the participants (Figure 5).

The mean age of students with unhealthy lifestyles (16.89 ±0.98 years) was significantly higher than those with intermediate (16.84 ±0.91 years) and healthy lifestyles (16.50 ±0.98 years) (p<0.001). Also, 47.4% of students in the first scholastic level were found to have a healthy lifestyle compared to 26.5% in the third scholastic level (p<0.001) (Table 2).

Table 2. Association between personal characteristics of the students and their lifestyle.

Association between students' lifestyle and their psychological well-being

Depression

Students with unhealthy lifestyles were more likely to have moderately severe depression (27.8%) or severe depression (8.3%) compared to those with healthy lifestyles, in whom the rates of moderately severe and severe depression were 9% and 2.6%, respectively (p<0.001) (Table 3).

Anxiety

Moderate and severe anxiety were reported in 38.8% and 27.8% of students with unhealthy lifestyles compared to 16.4% and 12.2% respectively of students with healthy lifestyles (p<0.001) (Table 4).

Perceived Stress

More than one-third (38.9%) of students with unhealthy lifestyles had high levels of perceived stress compared to only 9.5% of those with healthy lifestyles (p<0.001) (Table 5).

Association between students' body mass index and their psychological well-being

Depression

There was no statistically significant association between students' body mass index and their severity of depression (Table 6).

Table 6. Association between students' body mass index and severity of depression.

Anxiety

There was no statistically significant association between students' body mass index and their severity of anxiety (Table 7).

Table 7. Association between students' body mass index and severity of anxiety.

Perceived Stress

There was no statistically significant association between students' body mass index and the severity of their perceived stress (Table 8).

Table 8. Association between students' body mass index and severity of perceived stress.

Association between lifestyle and scholastic achievement

There was no statistically significant association between students' lifestyle and their scholastic achievement expressed as GPA (Table 9).

Discussion

The psychological well-being and mental health of adolescents are influenced by numerous factors, including their lifestyles, which they can change. However, many adolescents ignore the utmost importance of different components of a healthy lifestyle such as exercise, healthy eating, and avoiding smoking, which could help them improve their psychological well-being [ 15]. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between a healthy lifestyle and psychological well-being among schoolgirls attending secondary schools in Taif City, Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia.

Our findings revealed that a considerable proportion of schoolgirls had severe forms of psychological problems: 14.8% and 6.9% of them had moderately severe and severe depression, respectively; 17.8% had severe anxiety; and 18% had high perceived stress. This indicates that these students do have psychological issues. In a similar study performed in Malaysia among university students [ 16], no students were categorized as having severe forms of depression, anxiety, and stress while >20% of them had moderate levels. However, the comparison between the two studies should factor in the difference in the demographics of the participants, as the present study included secondary school girls. In contrast, the Malaysian study included university students of both genders. Also, the perception of psychological elements could differ between the two countries.

The current study revealed that a minority of the students (6.7%) followed unhealthy lifestyles while a greater proportion (58.3%) followed a healthy lifestyle. In a similar study conducted in Malaysia using the same data collection tool utilized in the present study, the majority of the students (71.6%) were classified as having an unhealthy lifestyle with 28.3% having an intermediate healthy lifestyle [ 16]. The great differences between the two studies should be seen in light of cultural and environmental differences as well as variations between the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants.

Furthermore, in this study, we observed an association between the unhealthy lifestyle of schoolgirls and psychological issues among them in the form of depression, anxiety, and stress. This indicates that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for adolescents in terms of their mental health. Other recent studies have reported similar findings. Among adolescents in Belgium, healthy lifestyle behaviors were associated with better psychological and mental health [ 17]. In Malaysia, students with poor lifestyles had higher anxiety, depression, and stress [ 16]. In Nigeria, moderate to high levels of physical activity (which is an element of a healthy lifestyle) were associated with a high level of psychological well-being among male university students [ 18 ]. The same has been observed in Finland where higher physical fitness and leisure-time physical activity levels were observed to promote specific dimensions of health-related quality of life while morbidities impaired them among the young population [ 19]. A study from Iran has suggested that modifying the lifestyle of university students to adopt healthier ways can improve their mental health [ 20]. In Namibia, it has been observed that school students engaging in a more significant amount of harmful, consumptive, sedentary, and risky sexual behaviors was associated with an elevated risk for anxiety, suicide attempts, and loneliness [ 21]. A study conducted in Australia reported an association between lifestyle behaviors and mental health among schoolchildren [ 22]. In New Zealand and Australia, mental health in adolescents was found to improve with practicing aerobic exercise at lunchtime three times per week for eight weeks [ 23]. A study carried out in the UK reported that physical activity was important in improving mental well-being in students [ 24]. Even at the local level, as evidenced in a study in Abha, Saudi Arabia, the findings supported an association between adolescents' lifestyle-related behaviors and their quality of life [ 25].

In this study, older students and those of higher scholastic level were more likely to have an unhealthy lifestyle. This is an alarming finding, and it indicates that scarce efforts are made in schools as well as homes to encourage students to follow a healthy lifestyle, and the consequences of such lack of effort tend to aggravate with time. However, another study carried out in Malaysia [ 16] found no significant association between a healthy lifestyle and the year of study. In the present study, we did not observe a significant association between students' lifestyle and their scholastic performance. However, in another study carried out in Malaysia, students with an unhealthy lifestyle were more likely to have difficulty in learning and thus had poorer scholastic achievement and lower school attendance [ 26].

Some studies have reported an association between body mass index of adolescents and their psychological well-being [ 27]. A study from the Netherlands observed that overweight and obesity were significantly associated with mental health problems in adolescents, and victimization played a mediating role in this association [ 28]. In New Zealand, lower health-related quality of life and a higher prevalence of psychological difficulties were more prevalent in obese children and adolescents [ 29]. In the United States, a study found that schoolchildren who believed that it was difficult to live a healthy lifestyle were more likely to be overweight [ 30]. However, the present study failed to find such an association.

This study has several limitations, primarily its cross-sectional design, which precluded us from ascertaining the causal directions of the associations. Also, the study was conducted only among schoolgirls, and hence its findings cannot be compared with those in studies among males. Moreover, we did not analyze each aspect of lifestyle as a separate domain, as we used the total score of lifestyle categories for comparisons. Despite these shortcomings, the fact that we included a large sample size and applied multi-stage random sampling can be considered the major strengths of this study, which enables the generalizability of our findings.

Conclusions

Based on our findings, while unhealthy lifestyles were not common among secondary schoolgirls in Taif, those were associated with the deterioration of their psychological well-being. Unhealthy lifestyles were more prevalent among older students and those of higher scholastic levels. Overweight and obesity affected a relatively small proportion of schoolgirls and these were not associated with their mental health. Also, students' lifestyles were not associated with their scholastic performance. We recommend that schools should offer and promote healthy activities to encourage healthy lifestyle practices among students. In addition, regular screening for the psychological well-being of school students using a simple valid tool should be implemented. Also, the inclusion of mental health promotion programs in school curricula should be considered besides promoting healthy lifestyles. Finally, further studies that include male students and employ a longitudinal design are warranted to gain deeper and broader insights into the impact of healthy lifestyle behaviors on the mental health of students.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Aishah Ahmed AL-Kabi, Amal Saleh Alfaqeeh, Salwa Yahya Alhazmi, Samera Hanash Alamri, Reuof Abdullah Alotibi, Alshaymaa Ali Alkharashi, and Maha Hamadi Alkhaldi for their help in data collection.

Author Contributions

Concept and design: Sarah S. Bin Baz, Mohammed D. Alzaydi, Hazim A. Alsalmi, Waad M. Malibarey, Alwah M. Alqahtani, Reham Y. Alghamdi

Acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data: Sarah S. Bin Baz, Hazim A. Alsalmi, Waad M. Malibarey, Alwah M. Alqahtani

Drafting of the manuscript: Sarah S. Bin Baz, Mohammed D. Alzaydi, Hazim A. Alsalmi, Waad M. Malibarey, Alwah M. Alqahtani, Reham Y. Alghamdi

Critical review of the manuscript for important intellectual content: Sarah S. Bin Baz, Waad M. Malibarey, Alwah M. Alqahtani, Reham Y. Alghamdi

Supervision: Mohammed D. Alzaydi

Human Ethics

Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Research and Studies Department of the Directorate of Health Affairs in Taif issued approval 768

Animal Ethics

Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue.

References

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6. Psychological well-being: evidence regarding its causes and consequences. Huppert FA. Appl Psychol Health Well-Being. 2009;1:137-164. [Google Scholar]

21. Lifestyle and mental health among school-going adolescents in Namibia. Peltzer K, Pengpid S. J Psychol Afr. 2017;27:69-73. [Google Scholar]

25. Health related quality of life of adolescent school aged students in southwestern Saudi Arabia. Alsamghan AS, Assiri AM, Farag S, Al-Saleem SA. King Khalid Univ J Health Sci. 2020;5:19-25. [Google Scholar]

26. Evaluating the profile of health and lifestyle effect among undergraduate students in the university campus. Elias EM, Abu Bakar HS, Abu Bakar SK, Mahidin N, Fang KJ. AIP Conf Proc. 2021;2339:20069. [Google Scholar]

Articles from Cureus are provided here courtesy of Cureus Inc.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Impact of a Healthy Lifestyle on Psychological Well-Being Among Saudi Adolescent Girls Attending Secondary Schools in Taif City, Saudi Arabia

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Background and objective A healthy lifestyle encompasses healthy eating, regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking, drug abuse, and alcohol, which will help improve mental health and manage the symptoms of anxiety, stress, and ...

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Exercise is important for people with mental illness – it not only boosts our mood, concentration and alertness, but improves our cardiovascular and overall physical health. Exercise doesn't have to be strenuous, structured or take a long time to have benefits. Also, the symptoms of many of these conditions are more tolerable and easier to live with for those struggling.

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The best treatments for serious mental illnesses today are highly effective; between 70 and 90 percent of individuals have a significant reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life with a combination of pharmacological and psychosocial treatments and supports. Behavioral health services have been implemented into apps, primary or community based care, the workforce, etc.

# data[].attributes.body
Oftentimes, we think we are struggling alone, but support groups help us see that there are others who may dealing with similar situations and who in turn can help us get better. Talking with others who are going through the same difficulties helps normalize the condition and be more prone to talk to our loved ones and not feel embarrassed, ashamed.

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Authors Thesis: Mental-heath urgent-care clinics are much cheaper, faster, welcoming, and overall essential and efficient in people's mental health emergencies.

1. "Supporters say the new clinics can provide better care than overwhelmed emergency departments, while costing less. The sites also can see patients quickly, a big difference from many psychologists' offices, which have wait lists averaging three months or longer for appointments"

2. '"It was quick and helped me with what I needed. It was very supportive," said Scharyta Wilkins, who is homeless and was diagnosed with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Wilkins, 31, was treated in February at the center in upstate New York".

3. "Clients spend at least two hours while a team of clinicians provides a screening, and also do therapeutic worksheets to help identify triggers for their emotional challenges. They leave with discharge and safety planning and a follow-up therapy appointment if needed. The cost varies based on length of time and services provided, and the clinic also provides a sliding-fee scale and takes Medicaid".

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Mental Illness Stigma, Help Seeking, and Public Health Programs

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Globally, more than 70% of people with mental illness receive no treatment from health care staff. Evidence suggests that factors increasing the likelihood of treatment avoidance or delay before presenting for care include (1) lack of knowledge to…

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The most common reasons people don't seek care: stigma, cost, lack of access, and misinformation about what mental health care is and what it can do.

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Before Heather Loeb started to have signs of depression , she enjoyed going out with her husband on date nights and getting together with her girlfriends for monthly movie nights. But when her symptoms worsened, she stopped making social plans and pulled away from her family and friends.

"I found myself not wanting to be around anyone and not even wanting to leave the house," Loeb, a writer and affiliate leader for the nonprofit National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Corpus Christi, TX. "Things that I loved doing like reading or sewing didn't interest me anymore - nothing really did. I craved alone time to recharge, but no matter how much time I had, all I felt was drained and overwhelmed."

Avoiding social contact is a common pattern in people with depression. Some people skip activities they normally enjoy and isolate themselves. Others turn to alcohol or junk food.

Depression traps vary from person to person, but what they have in common is that they can lower your mood, driving a vicious cycle. Here are six behavioral pitfalls that often come with depression - and how you can steer clear of them as you and your doctor and therapist work on getting back on track.

Depression can go hand-in-hand with social isolation .

"When we're clinically depressed, there's a very strong urge to pull away from others and to shut down," says Stephen Ilardi, PhD, author of The Depression Cure and an associate professor of psychology at the University of Kansas. "The brain's stress response is an adaptation telling you it would be good to shut down just like when you're sick with a viral infection. But in this case, it's false information. It turns out to be the exact opposite of what we need."

"In depression, social isolation typically serves to worsen the illness and how we feel," he says. "Social withdrawal amplifies the heightened stress mode, and over time, that's really toxic to the brain and body. Social contact helps put the brakes on it."

What helps: Gradually counteract social withdrawal by reaching out to your friends and family. Make a list of the people in your life you want to reconnect with, and start by scheduling an activity.

After Loeb recovered from her depression, she resumed date nights with her husband and going to the movies with girlfriends. "As an introvert, I crave alone time to recharge, but now I have to ensure that I'm not isolating due to depression and anxiety," she says. "Sometimes it's a fine line, but I also enjoy going out more now."

A major part of depression is rumination, which involves dwelling on and brooding about themes like loss and failure that cause you to feel worse about yourself.

Rumination can lead to negative self-talk such as, "Oh, I really screwed it up with that person. They hate me. I'm a bad person."

"The act of having a particular thought over and over can have a snowball effect with a direct impact on your mood and behavior," says psychiatrist Christine Crawford, MD, MPH, director of medical student education in psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine. "During periods of depression, you can be sensitive to rejection and feel like a burden."

Rumination can also cause you to interpret neutral events in a negative fashion. For example, when you're at the grocery store, you may notice that the checkout person smiles at the person in front of you but doesn't smile at you, so you perceive it as a slight.

"When people are clinically depressed , they will typically spend a lot of time and energy rehearsing negative thoughts, often for long stretches of time, typically when they're isolated," Ilardi says.

What helps: Write the thought down on a piece of paper. Doing so may help you be more rational about whether there's any evidence to support or disprove the thought. "Being engaged in activity diminishes the power of that thought," Crawford says. "If you brought a snowball into the house and dissected it, it will melt and won't be a big deal anymore."

Turning to alcohol or drugs to escape your woes is a pattern that can happen in depression, and it usually makes your depressive symptoms worse.

may make you feel a little better in the moment and distract you, but then you'll return to low mood and depression, Crawford says. It's important to notice if there's a pattern of using alcohol or cannabis when you're feeling sad. Be curious about what motivates any ongoing substance use.

What helps: Talk to your doctor or therapist if you notice a shift in your drinking habits. Alcohol can interfere with antidepressants and anxiety medications, and make your sleep suffer.

If you're someone who likes to go to the gym regularly, dropping a series of workouts could signal that something's amiss in your life. The same goes for ditching other activities - such as swimming, yoga, or Zumba classes - that you once enjoyed.

can be therapeutic and beneficial, Ilardi says, because it boosts the signal strength of serotonin and dopamine, two brain chemicals that impact mood. But depression can make it harder to stick with a regular exercise program, even though it might help you feel better.

"It's a paradoxical situation," Ilardi says. "Your body is capable of physical activity. The problem is [that] your brain is not capable of initiating and getting you to do it. That frontal executive function goes offline in depression."

What helps: Ilardi recommends finding someone you can trust to help spark your exercise - a personal trainer, therapist, or even a loved one. "It has to be someone who gets it, who is not going to nag you, but actually give you that prompting and encouragement and accountability," he says.

When you feel down, you may find yourself craving sweets and turning to junk foods that are high in carbs and sugar.

Sugar does have mild mood-elevating effects, Ilardi says, but it's only temporary. Within 2 hours, blood glucose levels crash, which can bring your mood back down.

What helps: Avoid sugar highs and the inevitable post-sugar crash. It's always wise to eat healthfully, but now more than ever, your mood can't afford to take the hit. Limit processed foods and add more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to your diet.

When you're depressed, it's easy to zone out by constantly checking social media and doomscrolling on your phone.

Chances are, you're not really looking for information.

"When people are experiencing depression, they are eager to find activities to distract and numb themselves from what they are feeling," Crawford says. "Also, reading about ongoing negative news can further reinforce a negative outlook."

What helps: Limit your time on social media. Be curious about what's driving this behavior, and whether you use it to connect with others or as a way to disengage. Put down your phone and take a short walk or screen break.

Everyone has hard days, so don't be tough on yourself. If you notice that you might be falling into any of these depression traps, you'll want to take action to shift course and do things that boost your mood.

Remember you can reach out for support. "If you are having any thoughts about life not being worth living, that is a clear red flag to seek help from a mental health provider," Crawford says. "Dial 988 for immediate support. Please don't delay in getting help."

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Depression Traps: Social Withdrawal, Rumination, and More

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WebMD identifies 6 behaviors that can worsen depression. Get tips for avoiding these traps.

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Sometimes the negative thoughts that are a part of depression make them feel unworthy of being around others, or doubt that others care about them or want to be with them, or make them feel like a burden to talk about their troubles or be around others.

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Although the mind and body are often viewed as being separate, mental and physical health are actually closely related. Good mental health can positively affect your physical health. In return, poor mental health can negatively affect your physical health.

Your physical well-being also has an impact on your mental health. People with physical health conditions may also develop mental health conditions.

Psoriasis is a dermatological condition characterized by painful red sores on the skin. It is associated with acute stress and depression.

Individuals with psoriasis experience emotional and psychological distress that negatively impacts their overall health and quality of life. Stress and depression mainly come from anxiety, stigma, and rejection.

Being diagnosed with cancer or having a heart attack can also lead to feelings of depression or anxiety. Around one-third of people with serious medical conditions will have symptoms of depression, such as low mood, sleep problems, and a loss of interest in activities.

If you want to improve your general well-being, you should take care of both your physical and mental health.

Here are some ways to take care of yourself physically and mentally:

Get regular exercise. Exercise is important for keeping physically fit, but it can also help improve your mood. A daily 10-minute walk may increase your mental alertness leaving you energetic and in a good mood.

Eat a proper diet. A diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in processed sugars or fats can make you feel better physically and mentally. Consider working with a qualified nutritionist to help you create a diet plan customized according to your needs.

Avoid alcohol and drugs. Although drinking and smoking may make you feel better in the short term, they can have a negative effect on both your physical and mental health.

Get enough sleep. A good night's sleep is around seven to nine hours for adults. You can also take a 30-minute nap during the day to feel more alert.

Try relaxation techniques. Meditation, deep breathing, and focusing your thoughts can all help when you are feeling stressed.

Develop good mental practices. Try to focus on positive emotions and events rather than negative ones.

Seek help from others. Talking with friends or family members can help you feel less stressed. Getting others to help with difficult situations can also reduce the burden you feel.

Your mental health plays a huge role in your general well-being. Being in a good mental state can keep you healthy and help prevent serious health conditions. A study found that positive psychological well-being can reduce the risks of heart attacks and strokes.

On the other hand, poor mental health can lead to poor physical health or harmful behaviors.

Chronic diseases. Depression has been linked to many chronic illnesses. These illnesses include diabetes, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis.

Schizophrenia has also been linked to a higher risk of heart and respiratory diseases.

Mental health conditions can also make dealing with a chronic illness more difficult. The mortality rate from cancer and heart disease is higher among people with depression or other mental health conditions.

‌Sleep problems. People with mental health conditions are more likely to suffer from sleep disorders, like insomnia or sleep apnea. Insomnia can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. Sleep apnea leads to breathing problems, which can cause you to wake up frequently.

‌ Around 50% to 80% of people with mental health conditions will also have sleeping problems. Only 10% to 18% of the general population experience sleeping problems.

While conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder may lead to sleep problems, sleep problems can also make existing mental health conditions worse.

Smoking. People with mental health conditions are more likely to smoke than those who do not have mental health conditions. Among smokers, people with mental health conditions are more likely to smoke a greater number of cigarettes.

People with depression have lower levels of the chemical dopamine. Dopamine influences positive feelings in your brain. The nicotine in cigarettes triggers the production of the chemical dopamine, so smoking may be used as a way to relieve symptoms of depression.

However, since nicotine only offers temporary relief, you may feel a recurring need to smoke, which may lead to possible addiction.

‌Access to health care. People with mental health conditions are less likely to have access to adequate health care.

It may also be more difficult for people with mental health conditions to take care of their physical health When you have a mental health condition, it can be hard to seek care, take prescriptions regularly, or get enough exercise.

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How Does Mental Health Affect Physical Health

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Learn more about how mental health affects your physical health, what you can do about it, and more.

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By impairing immune response, mood disorders may also increase the severity of allergies and asthma which can be triggered by viral illnesses. In addition to directly impacting immune functioning, individuals with mental illness may be more likely to engage in behaviors that lead to physical illness.

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Why Do People Avoid Mental Health Treatment? | Thriveworks

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1 in 5 Americans has a mental illness, but the majority don’t seek treatment. This is due to many reasons, including fear and misinformation. Learn more.

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The majority of individuals who have a mental illness do not seek or receive treatment. Individuals fear judgment, change, the unknown, and what they might discover in therapy; additionally, they're too prideful to admit they need help.

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Feeling socially isolated lately? Here’s what causes social withdrawal and what it can do to your health.

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There are many reasons why people may choose not to connect with others, including anxiety, fear, shame, vulnerability, potential rejection, and more.