Faces Behind the Mask: Unveiling Mental Health Among Dental Professionals
Course Number: 687
Course Contents
Introduction
Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stressors of life, feel self-assured with their abilities, learn and work competently, and contribute to their community. Regarded as an integral component of one’s physical health and well-being, it strengthens our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, allows us to build relationships, and shapes the world we live in. Mental health is a “basic human right,”4 whereas every person is entitled to mental well-being and should have access to the necessary living and working conditions, resources, and services to achieve and maintain sound mental health.
Mental and emotional health concerns manifest through a wide range of signs and symptoms. Five common warning signs that may indicate someone is struggling with mental illness include withdrawing from friends and social activities, changes in eating or sleeping habits, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, lack of interest in self-care or personal hygiene, and increased use of drugs or alcohol.5 Common symptoms of mental illness include excessive anxiety, a depressed mood or a mood that fluctuates excessively, disturbing thoughts, and behaviors that are harmful or disturbing to oneself or others. Additional symptoms may include memory problems, changes in sleep patterns, seeing or hearing things that are not perceived by others, changes in personality, withdrawal from personal hobbies and interests, extreme sadness or unhappiness, and or work-family burnout.3
Hence, the first step is to recognize you may be struggling with a mental health challenge, which is often the toughest task to undertake. The second step is to learn about your mental health and be aware of the signs and symptoms that may be negatively affecting your mental, emotional, and physical health. Lastly, seeking professional help is crucial for addressing and treating mental health challenges, and for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Figure 1. Mental Health Word Cloud