Last evening, while taking an evening walk, I saw a respectable woman talking on mobile outside a luxurious bungalow. She was talking to someone saying that “some remedy has to be taken for mental stress.”
This sentence of his had excited me because it is my aim to find a similar solution. In this regard, when the study and data analysis was done, it was felt that “mental stress” is a very serious problem and there is a special need for personal and social awareness in this sequence. Come, let’s talk further in this order
The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Science (NIMHANS) had conducted a survey in 2016 in 12 states of the country. After this, many worrying figures have come to the fore. According to statistics, 2.7 percent of the population is suffering from common mental disorders like depression.
While 5.2 percent of the population has suffered from this type of problem at one time or the other. An estimate was also drawn from this survey that 15 crore people of India need immediate medical help due to one or the other mental problem. According to a 2016 report by Science Medical Journal Lancet, only one out of 10 needy people in India gets medical help.
Sorry, the above data is very old. After this the world has faced many big problems. These problems have increased mental stress at a rapid pace. Therefore, we have to carefully try to understand the seriousness of mental stress and find a solution. Let us understand the basic aspect of mental stress in detail.
Meaning of mental tension
Mental tension refers to a state of psychological or emotional stress or strain that can manifest in various ways such as restlessness, anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, or feeling overwhelmed. It can be caused by a variety of factors including work pressure, relationship problems, financial stress, and personal challenges. Mental tension can have both short-term and long-term effects on a person’s well-being, and if left unmanaged, it can lead to more serious mental health issues such as depression or anxiety disorders. Therefore, it is important to recognize the signs of mental tension and take steps to manage it through relaxation techniques, exercise, therapy, or other appropriate interventions.
Common Symptoms of Mental Stress
Mental stress can manifest in a variety of ways, and the symptoms may vary from person to person. However, some common symptoms of mental stress include:
- Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Physical aches and pains
- Irritability or mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of overwhelm or being unable to cope
- Racing thoughts or constant worrying
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities that were previously enjoyed
- Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
- Increased heart rate, sweating or trembling
- Headaches, stomach aches or other physical symptoms without a clear medical cause.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional or a healthcare provider. They can help you to identify the underlying causes of your stress and develop a plan to manage and reduce it.
Special symptoms of mental stress in women
Mental stress can affect individuals differently, regardless of their gender. However, some research suggests that women may experience certain symptoms of mental stress more commonly than men.
Here are some special symptoms of mental stress that women may experience:
Changes in mood: Women may be more prone to experience fluctuations in their mood due to hormonal changes throughout their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. Additionally, stressors such as work or family responsibilities may also cause emotional distress.
Anxiety and depression: Women are twice as likely as men to experience anxiety and depression. This may be due to a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors.
Physical symptoms: Women may experience physical symptoms of mental stress, such as headaches, fatigue, and stomach problems. Chronic stress can also weaken the immune system, making women more susceptible to illnesses.
Sleep problems: Mental stress can also interfere with sleep, and women may be more likely to experience insomnia or other sleep disorders due to hormonal fluctuations or caring for young children.
Eating disorders: Women may also be more prone to developing eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia as a response to mental stress.
It is important to note that these symptoms are not exclusive to women and can also affect men. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek support from a mental health professional.
Special symptoms of mental stress in men
Mental stress can manifest in various ways and can affect individuals differently, regardless of gender. However, some symptoms of mental stress that are more commonly seen in men include:
Irritability: Men may become easily irritable and have a shorter fuse when dealing with stress.
Physical symptoms: Men may experience physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and digestive issues as a result of mental stress.
Substance abuse: Men may turn to alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a way to cope with stress.
Isolation: Men may withdraw from social interactions and isolate themselves when under stress.
Anger and aggression: Men may become more aggressive and exhibit anger as a coping mechanism.
Difficulty sleeping: Men may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep due to stress.
Depression: Men may experience depression, which can include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed.
It’s important to note that these symptoms are not exclusive to men and can also be present in women. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental stress, it’s important to seek professional help.
Special symptoms of mental stress in women
There are several symptoms of mental stress that are commonly reported by women. Some of these include:
- Fatigue: Women who are experiencing mental stress often report feeling tired all the time, even after getting enough sleep.
- Irritability: Women may become easily irritated or angry, sometimes over small things, when they are experiencing mental stress.
- Anxiety: Women may experience feelings of anxiety or worry, which can manifest as physical symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath.
- Depression: Women may experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in things they used to enjoy.
- Insomnia: Women may have difficulty falling or staying asleep when they are experiencing mental stress.
- Physical symptoms: Mental stress can also cause physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or stomach problems.
- Changes in appetite: Women may experience changes in appetite, such as eating more or less than usual, or having cravings for certain types of foods.
It’s important to note that everyone experiences stress differently, and some people may have different symptoms or levels of severity than others. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and they are interfering with your daily life, it may be a good idea to talk to a mental health professional for guidance and support.
Root cause of mental stress in Indian society
Mental stress in Indian society can have a multitude of root causes, and it’s challenging to pinpoint a single cause. However, some of the common factors that contribute to mental stress in Indian society are:
- Cultural expectations: Indian society has a culture of high expectations, especially from children. There is an emphasis on academic and career success, leading to immense pressure on individuals to perform well. This pressure can lead to stress and anxiety.
- Family dynamics: Family is an essential part of Indian culture, and familial obligations are taken very seriously. However, this can also lead to stress, especially in cases where family members have conflicting opinions or are overbearing.
- Work-related stress: India’s fast-paced economic growth has led to a highly competitive work environment, where long work hours, tight deadlines, and high expectations are the norm. This can result in high levels of stress and burnout.
- Financial stress: Economic instability and poverty are significant issues in India, and financial stress is a common source of anxiety for many individuals.
- Social stigma: There is a social stigma attached to mental health issues in Indian society, which can make it challenging for people to seek help or support. This can exacerbate mental stress and lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Overall, mental stress in Indian society is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. Addressing these root causes will require a multi-pronged approach that includes societal change, increased awareness and education, and better access to mental health resources and support.
What are the symptoms of mental stress that are clearly visible in a person?
Mental stress can manifest in a variety of physical and behavioral symptoms, which may be visible to others. Some common symptoms of mental stress that are clearly visible in a person may include:
Physical symptoms: Headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, and gastrointestinal problems such as stomachaches and nausea.
Emotional symptoms: Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, depression, and decreased motivation.
Behavioral symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, increased use of drugs or alcohol, changes in work or school performance, and social withdrawal.
Cognitive symptoms: Racing thoughts, inability to focus, memory problems, and negative self-talk.
It’s important to note that everyone experiences stress differently, and some people may not exhibit any visible symptoms at all. Additionally, some of these symptoms may be related to other health issues, so it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider if you or someone you know is experiencing persistent or severe symptoms of mental stress.
How to recognize the situation of mental stress when we need professional advice?
Recognizing the signs of mental stress can be difficult, but it’s important to know when to seek professional advice. Here are some common signs of mental stress:
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Changes in appetite
- Irritability or anger
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Persistent worrying or anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, or stomach problem
- Substance abuse
- Social isolation or withdrawal
If you notice any of these symptoms, it may be time to seek professional advice. You can start by talking to your primary care physician, who may refer you to a mental health professional. There are also many online resources available, including virtual counseling services and self-help resources, that can be helpful. It’s important to take care of your mental health and seek help when you need it.
Please pay attention-
In this article, we have talked about the basic things related to mental stress. Other points will be discussed in the next issue.