Understanding mental health conditions

A mental health condition, or mental health disorder, is a physical illness of the brain that disrupts thinking, behaviour, energy, or emotions, that making it challenging to cope with life's ordinary demands. Research is gradually uncovering the complex causes of these conditions, which can include genetic factors, brain chemistry, brain structure, trauma or having other medical conditions like heart disease.

Mental health affects every aspect of our lives. It significantly influences our emotional, psychological and social functioning. Our mental wellbeing shapes the way we think and feel, and consequently, our behaviour. A healthy mental state is crucial for effectively handling stress, making sound decisions and maintaining positive relationships.

What causes mental health conditions?

Mental health conditions are generally thought to be caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors:

• Inherited traits. Mental health disorders tends to run in families. If your blood relatives have a history of mental health issues, you may be at higher risk. Certain genes may increase your risk of developing a mental health condition, and your life circumstances may trigger it.
• Environmental factors before birth. Exposure to stressors, inflammatory conditions, toxins, alcohol or drugs while in the womb can sometimes be linked to mental health conditions.
• Brain chemistry. Neurotransmitters, which are natural brain chemicals, carry signals within the brain and body. When these neural networks are disrupted, nerve receptors and nerve systems malfunction, leading to conditions like depression and other emotional disorders.

Who is at risk of developing a mental health disorder?

There's no certain way to prevent mental health disorders. At any one time, a variety of individual, family, community and structural factors can combine and affect your mental health. Many people are resilient, but people who are exposed to adverse life events like financial hardship, domestic violence, illness, disability and traumatic experiences are at higher risk.

The two most common types of mental health conditions

Anxiety disorders

Each year, more than 19% of adults struggle with some type of anxiety disorder, including:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Panic disorder (panic attacks)
• Generalised anxiety disorder
• Specific phobias.

Mood disorders

Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar depression, affect nearly 10% of adults each year and are characterised by difficulties in regulating your mood.

Who can help me manage my mental health condition?

• Tsogo Sun Group Medical Scheme

Tsogo Sun Group Medical Scheme has carefully crafted benefits to help you and your family access the help you need. Our benefits give you and your healthcare provider access to tools and benefits to monitor and manage your condition to make sure you get high quality and coordinated healthcare. See the Member Guide for more information.

• Other

There are several organisations that provide support for mental health conditions.

• The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) | www.sadag.org | 0800 567 567
• PsychMatters Centre | www.psychmatters.co.za | You can call 011 450 3576 or email info@psychmatters.co.za for psychotherapy, parental guidance and group or family therapy. They also offer the Living Legend Teen Empowerment workshop to empower your teenager with life skills.
• Lifeline | www.lifeline.co.za | 0861 322 322