Caring for your mental health is crucial

Mental health problems affect women and men equally, but some are more common among women. For instance, women are twice more likely to develop fatal heart complications from mental stress than men. This condition occurs when mental stress causes a reduction in blood supply to the heart. Several other complications such as failure to conceive, miscarriages may also be a result of mental stress.

Stress affects all aspects of your life. According to Kizito Wamala, a clinical psychologist at African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims, no part of the body is immune to stress and is likely to affect your emotions, behavior, thinking ability and physical health.

Causes
Different people have different causes of stress but the commonest include financial obligations, lack of employment, divorce, loss of a loved one and failure to meet expectations.
“Women in their mid-20s to late 30s are more vulnerable to these problems. This is a child bearing age where the society expects so much from such a woman. For instance, this is the time this woman is expected to be married, have children, pursue her job career, and take care of her parents and siblings if any…”

The fact that women have multiple roles in society and the fear that they may not be able to fulfill all the obligations makes them become anxious and when they fail to fulfill these responsibilities, they sometimes become stressed.
Sitting for a long time can lead to a decline in mental ability. He says, “If you sit too much, your brain could look just like that of someone with dementia.”

Social isolation and loneliness are risk factors for poorer mental performance, depression, and faster cognitive decline. People who have friends, even a few close friends, are less likely to develop brain decline and depression. They are usually happier and more productive.
Amanda Tumwebaze, a freelance nutritionist says a diet rich in processed foods with added salt, sugars and fats may lead to poor mental health and aggravate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

How do you know?
Symptoms of stress vary in different people because they have different causes and experiences. According to Dr Edward Ssempiira, a psychologist at Hope and Beyond rehabilitation centre, the most significant symptoms include having difficulty relaxing and quieting your mind, feeling depressed. You may get a headache, rapid heartbeat, low energy, forgetfulness and nervousness.
Ssempiira says, “Stressed people easily become agitated, frustrated and moody. They often lose control of their emotions and sometimes avoid being in the presence of their friends. Some people find it hard to sleep due to constant racing thoughts.
Some people may increase their drinking, bite nails, are unable to focus, change in appetite, procrastinating and avoiding responsibilities.

Solutions
Stress is a part of almost everyone’s life but how you handle it matters most. If you think it is hard for you to handle a particular situation, talk to a trusted friend or seek advice from a professional psychologist or therapist that will help you in handling.
It is very important to manage your time efficiently. Make preparations for events and avoid procrastination because it will keep your work piled. This will be achievable if you maintain a self-health care routine with set objectives and ensure you have me-time.

“Have a positive thinking about life and accept who you are. Try crying because it is as healthy as laughing; the two are tagged to different emotions in life. Do not inhibit the tears because they are part of a healing process,” Wamala says.
He also advises you to go for exercises that need meditation such as yoga. You may also choose to take leave and keep in company of the people you love.

Complications
If you get stressed about something and then it disappears soon, there is no reason for you to worry according to Dr Edward Ssempiira, a psychologist at Hope and Beyond Rehabilitation Centre However, you have chronic stress; it may trigger many serious health problems, including:
• Menstrual problems such as scanty, irregular or missed periods
• Failure to conceive due to absence of ovulation and menstrual cycle
• Stress during pregnancy can hurt your unborn baby
• Mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and personality disorders
• Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks, and stroke
• Skin and hair problems, such as acne and permanent hair loss.

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