TOMORROW is World Mental Health Day. Mental health refers to the general state of how you regulate your behaviour, feelings and thoughts. Protecting your mental health is a key part of taking care of your overall health and should be a priority for all of us.

Mental health illnesses such as anxiety, depression, insomnia and more are plaguing Jamaica. The stigma behind mental illness has caused less attention being given to mental health. In turn, this has led to many people not understanding mental illnesses or when it’s time to get help.

The number of suicides in Jamaica increased by nearly 20 per cent in 2021 compared to 2020. And it is estimated that approximately four per cent of Jamaicans suffer from anxiety disorders. Hence, World Mental Health Day was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is acknowledged in October. This day has sought to prioritise the necessity of mental health care as we navigate living in an ever-changing, post-pandemic, technological world. It serves as an opportunity for health-care workers and the general population to make mental health a point of consideration and conversation. The most important thing to note is that mental health is a crucial and indispensable part of your overall health. As you focus on bettering your physical health, you should also focus on bettering your mental health as an all-in-one package.

Mental health and COVID-19

Recently, the entire world experienced the stressful period of the novel coronavirus pandemic and the periods of lockdown and social isolation that accompanied it. Out of the pandemic came an increased awareness of the importance of mental health, building on the momentum of increased worldwide interest over the last decade. People now being more aware of what struggling with their mental health looks like, understanding that they are not alone in their struggles and being more open to asking for help have all become increasingly important.

Signs you need to focus on your mental health

Sometimes our feelings of anxiety and sadness are normal reactions to life’s events. However, there is a point where these normal reactions may become an increased risk to you and your health. In understanding this boundary you can ask yourself the following questions which can give insight into tending more to your mental health.

Have everyday tasks started to feel more challenging to undertake?

Have you lost interest in the hobbies and activities you used to enjoy?

Do you feel less productive at work or school?

Do you constantly feel irritated and on edge with situations and/or other people?

Have your energy levels consistently declined?

Do you find it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep?

Does your family have a history of mental health issues?

If you are concerned about any of the scenarios above, reach out to a health-care provider for advice. It may mean that your mental health is suffering and getting help should be a priority. Many mental health diagnoses overlap and can be symptoms of others. Therefore, getting advice and guidance from a professional can be extremely useful in determining what you may need to feel your best.

How can you take care of your mental health?

The first step in mental health care is taking care of yourself. While your loved ones, health-care provider or counsellor can support you in treating your mental health struggles, at the end of the day these struggles are very personal. Therefore, it takes your individualised effort to ensure that you are able to work towards a stronger mind. The following are just a few tips that may help you feel better mentally.

Educate yourself about mental health

Have a healthy and balanced diet

Exercise three to five days a week

Avoid abusing substances

Set realistic goals

Get help if you feel overwhelmed

Telemedicine and mental health

Telemedicine platforms such as MDLink have revolutionised health care across the world. As mental health care is crucial to overall health care, telemedicine also is a great resource for information, diagnosis and treatment. Telemedicine offers you the ability to reach out to healthcare practitioners, including counsellors and psychiatrists, via phone, text or video call. The following are a few benefits of utilising telemedicine for mental health care.

Privacy — with mental health being a sensitive topic for many, being able to access care remotely from the comfort and privacy of your own location is a huge benefit. This may be particularly supportive for patients who experience social anxiety and may find discomfort in waiting rooms and face-to-face interactions.

Increased accessibility — Those living in rural or particularly inaccessible areas may not have many mental health resources available to them. Telemedicine ensures that you are still able to gain access to quality mental health care anywhere in the island you might be located, as long as you have access to the Internet.

Follow-up and treatments — through telemedicine you can gain access to a physician, get assessed for mental illnesses, get diagnosed and, if required, be treated with medication. None of these processes will be compromised by using an online platform. However, many mental health disorders may become emergent and thus require in-person treatment. Your doctor can guide you more on what is most appropriate for your context through telemedicine consultations.

Prescriptions — Patients who seek to take medication for the treatment of their mental health issues will be able to get prescription refills conveniently through platforms like MDLink. These prescriptions can be sent directly to the pharmacy of their choice and then delivered straight to them all while eliminating the inconvenience of an in-person visit solely for a prescription refill.

Your mental health should remain a priority to your overall health and telemedicine is just one tool that allows you to stay on top of this with your busy and ever-changing lives.

Dr Ché Bowen, a digital health entrepreneur and family physician, is the CEO & founder of MDLink, a digital health company that provides telemedicine options. Check out the company’s website at www.theMDLink.com. You can also contact him at drchebowen@themdlink.com.