Mental Health
WHAT IS Mental Health
When we think of the term mental health, many of us think of the absence of a mental condition. In fact, mental health is much more than that. Being mentally healthy is about having good personal relationships with others, being part of the community and being cognitively, emotionally, and socially well adjusted.
Good mental health is a state of wellbeing where you are able to cope with the normal ups and downs of daily living, work productively with others, and realise your own potential in life. Good mental health has also been linked to higher creativity, better physical health and longer life expectanc.
In contrast, a mental health condition is something that can impact negatively on our day-to-day existence and can destroy relationships, careers and physical health, and even lead to premature death in its severest form.
Yet, this is a somewhat simplified definition, because mental health conditions can manifest in many different ways and occur at fluctuating levels of acuity. In fact, most of us will experience a mental health issue of some kind at least once during our lives.
A mental health issue becomes a problem when it starts to adversely affect our everyday lives. And if it starts to feel as if nothing can make it go away, then it might be considered to be a mental illness.
What Causes MENTAL ILLNESS?
There are several commonly experienced mental health conditions including:
- Depression – feelings of hopelessness and low self-worth, despondency, dejection, apathy, guilt, and often suicidal thoughts.
- Anxiety – abnormal feelings of unease, apprehension and fear, often accompanied by panic attacks and insomnia.
- Drug addiction – the use of substances as a way of coping that leads to addiction and becomes both physically and socially damaging and life threatening.
- Alcohol addiction – the use of alcohol as a way of coping. Can be accompanied by depression, anxiety, guilt, infidelity, weight gain, liver toxicity, disconnection and relationship breakdown.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), C-PTSD and/or Trauma – anxiety triggered by a traumatic event causing extreme fear, shock, flashbacks and/or full or partial disassociation.
SYMPTOMS OF MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS
Some of the general symptoms that indicate your mental wellbeing needs attention can include:
- A tendency to worry more than those around you
- A lack of interest in activities you previously found enjoyable
- A feeling of constant irritability
- Sleep conditions (either insomnia or sleeping more than usual)
- Crying spontaneously for no particular reason
- An unwavering feeling of sadness or hopelessness
- A lack of motivation
- An inability to concentrate
- Changes to eating habits (eating more or less than usual)
- Struggling with normal tasks such as work, study or daily tasks
- Use of alcohol, drugs, sex, shopping or medications as a coping mechanism
- Difficulty participating in everyday activities
- Isolating yourself from friends and family
While none of these symptoms alone necessarily indicate the presence of a mental health issue, if you experience any of them over a prolonged period or in conjunction with other symptoms, it would be a good idea to talk to someone you trust about them, as well as your GP.
Potential causes of mental health conditions
Mental health professionals have long debated the cause of mental illness, but the common consensus these days is that mental health conditions are most likely caused by one or more of the following influences:
- Psychological factors – how we feel about ourselves (i.e. low self-esteem or body image).
- Substance abuse factors – overuse or misuse of drugs or alcohol.
- Experiential factors – traumatic life events such as neglect, abuse, severe stress or the loss of a loved one.
- Biological factors – genetics (a family history of mental illness) or hormonal imbalances (hypothyroidism, menopause, postpartum depression etc).
TREATMENT FOR MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS
Mental health professionals have long debated the cause of mental illness, but the common consensus these days is that mental health conditions are most likely caused by one or more of the following influences:
PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENTS
These are particularly useful in the treatment of disorders such as depression and anxiety and include:
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
This therapy aims at redirecting a patient’s thoughts and feelings away from unhelpful patterns into positive new ways of thinking and acting, often involving the completion of tasks outside the therapy sessions.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
This approach aims at improving a patient’s relationships with others through self-examination of their own thoughts and behaviours.
TREATMENT FOR MENTAL HEALTH AT PALLADIUM PRIVATE
At Palladium Private, our program is designed exclusively for those suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD, alcohol dependancy or drug addiction.
The Palladium Private Program is a full immersion, holistic, integrative program where we limit the distractions of the outside world and help you to understand the core thinking, behaviours and beliefs behind your symptoms.
Treatment takes a holistic approach in a Community Therapy (CT) setting, involving a combination of daily components: mental/emotional therapy, physical training and yoga, relaxation, detoxification, mindfulness, education, nutrition and interpersonal engagement.
Our psychotherapists draw from a wealth of experience and wide range of cognitive, emotional and behavioural therapies to suit the individual client. Evidenced-based therapies may include a combination of CBT, REBT, Schema Therapy, Gestalt, ACT, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Emotion Focused Therapy, Neuropsychotherapy, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, Sensorimotor Therapy, Art Therapy, Expressive therapies or Schema Therapy.
This focus on both mind, body and sociology to achieve total health takes place during a residential stay of two to twelve weeks in tranquil surrounds, where you are supported by an experienced team who are dedicated to you achieving a long-lasting positive change to your mental state and quality of life. Your team includes psychotherapists, counsellors, support hosts, personal trainers, massage therapists, mindfulness trainers, yogi’s and chefs.
To take the first step to a better life for you or your loved one, make the call to one of our Admissions team who will listen, ask detailed questions, then tailor a program to best facilitate your recovery. Or if you prefer, enter your details in our online enquiry form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Call Palladium Private on 1300 573 095.
Talk to us today
Are you or a loved one…
- Allowing negative behaviour to control your life or damage your relationships?
- Is a past or recent traumatic experience causing you suffering?
- Are you using alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription medication to make life tolerable, or to ease the extremes of anxiety or depression?
- Are you ready to make a commitment to change?
- Are you ready to improve the quality of your life?
If yes, please enter your details in the form below and we will contact you back very soon. We welcome you to discuss your needs, have your questions answered and start the journey towards full recovery.
Mental Health Treatment FAQs
When it comes to mental health conditions, symptoms can vary widely. Symptoms will typically depend on the specific condition you might be experiencing as well as you as an individual – not everyone experiences the same mental health condition in the same way.
Awareness of your mood, emotions and behavioural responses is essential to identify changes that could indicate you’re experiencing a mental health condition.
Some common signs to look out for may include:
- Persistent sadness, anxiety, or feelings of hopelessness
- Changes in sleep patterns, appetite, or energy levels
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Withdrawal from social activities or relationships
- Substance abuse or excessive use of drugs or alcohol
- Irritability, anger, or hostility
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviours
Sometimes we experience symptoms associated with a mental health condition when we’re going through a challenging experience, and these last only as long as we’re resolving the challenges or issues we face. Sometimes symptoms can be more persistent, or they might even come and go in phases.
Whether you’ve been experiencing these symptoms for a long time, just started experiencing them or have been experiencing them on and off for a while, seeking the help of a mental health professional can always be valuable.
Remember, mental health conditions are very common and highly treatable. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Mental health affects every aspect of our lives, including how we think, feel, perceive and behave. With good mental health, we can better cope with the ups and downs and daily stresses that simply form a natural part of our days.
Mental is important for a variety of reasons:
- Mental health affects our physical health:Mental health conditions can have physical symptoms, such as headaches, muscle tension, and fatigue. Chronic stress and anxiety can also weaken the immune system and increase the risk of health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
- It impacts our relationships:Good mental health enables us to form positive relationships with others and to communicate effectively. Experiencing poor mental health or chronic mental health conditions without seeking support can lead to social isolation, conflict, and difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships.
- It affects our performance at work and/or school:Mental health conditions can make it difficult to concentrate, remember things, and make decisions. This can impact work and school performance, leading to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and lower academic achievement.
- It impacts our overall quality of life:Mental health conditions can cause significant distress and reduce our satisfaction and joy in life activities. Seeking treatment for mental health concerns can help improve our quality of life, creating a greater sense of emotional well-being.
Good mental health is essential for leading a fulfilling and meaningful life. It is vital to prioritise and care for your mental health just as you would your physical health.
There are many mental health conditions, each with symptoms and treatment approaches. At Palladium Private, our programs aim to support those who may be experiencing the following common mental health issues:
- Depression: Depression is a mood disorder characterised by prolonged feelings of sadness or despondency that significantly interfere with the sufferer’s everyday life. It is often typified by feelings of hopelessness and low self-worth. A person with depression can find it challenging to maintain interest, perform daily functions and feel joy or satisfaction with life.
- Anxiety disorders: Anxiety disorders are characterised by excessive and persistent worry, fear, or panic, such as generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. With mental health, anxiety is a future-oriented mood state in which a person dreads or attempts to prepare themselves to cope with an anticipated negative event or situation. Anxiety may fall under an acute anxiety disorder when it becomes excessive and debilitating.
- Trauma, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a severe anxiety disorder that can develop either after exposure to a traumatic event or exposure to many smaller events over time (C-PTSD). Sufferers often develop PTSD after experiencing an event that caused them extreme fear, shock or helplessness, such as a car accident, wartime atrocity, a sudden bereavement, or being repeatedly exposed to trauma such as childhood sexual abuse or violence.
- Drug Dependency: Drug abuse is the overuse or misuse of drugs for non-medical purposes. These can be illegal drugs such as speed, ice and cannabis, prescription drugs such as Valium or common anti-depressants such as Xanax, Codeine, Oxycodone (Endone), Dexamphetamine, etc. Addiction sufferers use drugs to conjure and maintain a state of altered consciousness that removes them from the reality around them. Meanwhile, the debilitating effects of drug addiction slowly take over that reality and destroy the vital threads of connection linking them to loved ones and healthy existence.
- Alcohol Dependency: Alcohol abuse is the recurring overuse of alcohol despite negative consequences that seriously impact many aspects of the drinker’s life. A pattern of daily, non-stop or binge drinking results in physical harm to the individual’s health, affects their relationships with loved ones and their ability to work and socialise, and causes a gradual decline in mental health, often leading to anxiety and/or depression.
These are just a few examples of common mental health conditions, but there are many others. It’s important to remember that no matter which condition you feel you may be experiencing, all mental health conditions are treatable. Seeking help is essential in managing your symptoms and improving your overall well-being.
Mental health issues are much more common throughout Australia than you might initially think, affecting many people in different ways.
The Australian National Health Survey reported the following regarding the mental health of Australians in their most recent survey:
- One in five (20.1%), or 4.8 million Australians, reported experiencing a mental or behavioural condition
- 2 million Australians (13.1%) had an anxiety-related condition
- One in ten people (10.4%) had depression or feelings of depression
- Suicide is a leading cause of death among young Australians aged 15-24, accounting for around one-third of deaths in this age group
- Women are more likely than men to experience a common mental disorder, with a prevalence rate of 23% compared to 17% for men
These statistics highlight the significant impact that mental health issues have on individuals and the broader community in Australia.
Early intervention is essential if you’re worried you may be experiencing a mental health condition. Receiving timely, professional support is invaluable in the long-term care of your emotional and mental health.
There are no strict rules about when and at what age mental health conditions start. The onset of mental health issues can vary widely due to a few different variables including, but not limited to, genetics, environment and life experiences.
That said, research suggests that many mental health conditions typically begin during adolescence or early adulthood. Conditions most likely to start during this time include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Drug and alcohol dependence are also commonly cited as starting during adolescence or early adulthood due to several physical, psychological, emotional and social problems.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur at any age but often develops after a traumatic event in adolescence or adulthood.
These are general guidelines, and as stated, mental health conditions can start at any age. It’s also common that even though many mental health conditions may start during adolescence or early adulthood, many people do not seek out and receive treatment until later on in life.
If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, it is important to seek professional help, regardless of your age.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on mental health worldwide. The pandemic brought many challenges to individuals and families, including social isolation, financial stress, uncertainty, and multiple health-related fears and anxieties because of the virus itself.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported on the ways COVID-19 affected mental health globally, including:
- Increased rates of anxiety and depression:The pandemic led to increased rates of anxiety and depression, with many people feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and uncertain about their future.
- Increased rates of substance abuse:The pandemic increased rates of substance abuse, as people turned to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with ongoing stress, anxiety, and boredom.
- Increased rates of suicide:The pandemic led to increased rates of suicide as people struggled with social isolation, financial stress, loss of work, and fears about their future.
- Increased demand for mental health services:The pandemic increased demand for mental health services as more people sought help for anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
WHO also reports that the pandemic inadvertently impacted the mental health of some community groups more than others, especially young people. Youth mental health charity, Headspace, reported that three-quarters (74%) of respondents to their survey on the impact of COVID-19 on mental health said that their mental health was a little (47%) or a lot worse (27%) since the outbreak of COVID-19.
This is a brief look at how the pandemic has affected mental health. The impact of the pandemic is still being felt. If you feel you are still struggling with your mental health, you are not alone. Help and support is available.
Seeking help for your mental health concerns is the first important step towards recovery and reclaiming your overall well-being. If you’re wondering how to do this, below are a few easy ways to get started:
- Talk to your doctor:Your doctor can refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, who can evaluate your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan.
- Contact a mental health hotline:Many mental health hotlines are available 24/7 and offer confidential support and information. Some examples include Lifeline Australia (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 224 636).
- Seek out online resources: Many online resources are available, including self-help tools, resources, and articles to grow your understanding of your mental health.
- Get support from family and friends: Talking to family and friends about your mental health concerns can provide emotional support and help you feel less alone. They can also help you find appropriate resources in your community.
- Contact a professional mental health retreat: Professional mental health retreats, like Palladium Private, provide robust treatment programs specifically tailored to support your unique mental health needs. Our residential retreat program combines psychological, physical, educational and social strategies with a focus on nutritional elements to help you combat and eradicate the root cause of your condition.
We welcome you to contact our admissions consultants to discuss your needs and start the journey towards full recovery.
To get in touch, call 1300 573 095 to speak confidentially to one of our Admissions Consultants.