The World Health Organization (WHO) is sounding the alarm: negative stress is the greatest health threat of the 21st century. And depression – currently the fourth most common cause of illness worldwide – is expected to be the most widespread health impairment after cardiovascular disease by 2020. In scientific terms, the soul is identical to the psyche. By definition, psychology refers to the science of how people experience and behave in relation to themselves and to people, events, and objects in the environment.
Balance with oneself and the environment
Sigmund Freud identified a person’s ability to work, enjoy and love as essential to our psychological well-being. This is dependent on the resources of each person. What sources of vitality and zest for life does a person have, and what abilities to deal with problems does he or she possess, in order to be able to optimally nurture his or her mental health.
Nowadays it is clear that not only physical but also mental well-being is important. Those who not only take care of their body’s health, but also sufficiently take care of their mental well-being, can better protect themselves against mental and physical illnesses.
Problems are part of life
Conflicts in relationships, families or at work can lead to severe mental stress. The ideal situation would be if everyone could deal with such conflicts and stresses in such a way that they did not lead to permanent mental disorders. But: mental illnesses, first and foremost anxiety disorders, depression, alcohol and other addictions are among the most common diseases in our society.
Mental distress weighs heavily
A mental illness is harder to recognize than a physical ailment. But it weighs at least as heavily because it can make the soul and body sick. For example, physical symptoms may indicate a mental illness, such as depression or an anxiety disorder, without a physical cause. Conversely, physical illness is often accompanied by mental symptoms.
Most people with a mental illness can be treated effectively today. However, since a mental illness is still a taboo subject today, the targeted help is often not taken up. The physical symptoms are discussed with the doctor, but not the psychological ones. The result is often misdiagnosis and mistreatment.