Written by João Vian – Central Nervous System Psychiatrist | Neural campus
Understanding all of mental life should not be limited to the brain only, which is the most noble organ that allows us to have consciousness, thoughts and emotions. This statement emphasizes the importance of the brain as a central organ in our mental health. When the brain becomes ill, it is natural for our mental health to suffer.
The relationship between mental health and neurological diseases is a constantly evolving field of study. Conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease are often associated with mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety.
One of the challenges that people with mental health conditions face is access to health care. In this sense, CNS – Campus Neurológico, a Portuguese center dedicated to neurological diseases, adopts a personalized, multidisciplinary approach to mental health treatment, involving various medical specialties, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and other health professionals. This approach allows us to focus on the specific needs of each patient and enhance the effectiveness of treatment through a range of therapeutic interventions (medications, psychotherapy, exercise and other interventions).
In addition to the ongoing struggle to access adequate care, the stigma surrounding mental health remains an ongoing obstacle. Many people still face discrimination and bias when seeking mental health help, which can sometimes discourage seeking professional help. These types of obstacles should be avoided through an open and uncomplicated approach to the topic, i.e. viewing mental health as an integral part of our overall well-being and not as something to be ignored or hidden. This is exactly what the slogan for World Mental Health Day tells us: “Mental health is a universal human right.”
On this World Mental Health Day, as every day of the year, it is essential to acknowledge the importance of mental health for everyone. There must be joint action to enhance care and respect for mental health. As scientific research continues to uncover the secrets of mental health and its relationship to the brain, we must remember that we will all deal with mental health problems, whether with ourselves or with the people closest to us.
This perspective on mental health and neurological illness reminds us that we are complex, interconnected beings, and that taking care of our brains is essential to our mental health and overall well-being.
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