Get all the facts

About issues that affect our mental wellbeing

Happiness is a positive emotional state characterized by feelings of joy, satisfaction, contentment, and fulfilment. While happiness has many different definitions, it is often described as involving positive emotions and life satisfaction.
Achieving happiness typically involves time.

Key Components of happiness
The balance of emotions: Everyone experiences both positive and negative emotions,
feelings, and moods. Happiness is generally linked to experiencing more positive feelings
than negative ones.

Life satisfaction: This relates to how satisfied you feel with different areas of your life
including your relationships, work, achievements, and other things that you consider
important.

Cultivating happiness
While some people just tend to be naturally happier, there are things that one can do to
cultivate a sense of happiness such as the following:

Build strong relationships
Social support is an essential part of well-being and a good social relationship is the
strongest predictor of happiness. A positive and supportive connections with people that
we care about con provide a buffer against stress, improve health and help one become a
happier person

Gratitude
It involves recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of one's life, has also been
linked to happiness.

Optimism
It refers to a positive outlook on life and the belief that positive outcomes are possible, has
been shown to promote happiness and resilience.

Pursue intrinsic goals
Achieving goals that you are intrinsically motivated to pursue, particularly ones that are
focused on personal growth and community, can help boost happiness. Research shows
that this can increase happiness more than pursuing extrinsic goals like gaining money or
status.

Enjoy the moment
It is important to practice gratitude for the things you have and enjoying the processes as
you go rather than falling into the trap of mindlessly accumulating to the detriment of your
own happiness.

Reframe negative thoughts
When one finds themselves stuck in a pessimistic outlook or experiencing negativity, look
for ways that one can reframe one's thought in more positive way. This helps to have a
more balanced, and realistic look at events.

Regular exercise
Physical activity is good for both body and mind and is linked to a range of physical and
psychological benefits including improved mood.

Healthy aging refers to the maintenance of physical, mental, and social well-being as
people age. It involves adopting healthy habits and lifestyle choices that promote optimal
health and functioning in later life.

Key factors contributing to healthy aging
1. Regular exercise
2. A healthy diet
3. Stress management
4. Social engagement,
5. Adequate sleep

Management
Regular exercise can help older adults maintain muscle strength, balance, and flexibility,
and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. It can also
improve cognitive function and mood.

A healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and
healthy fats can help older adults maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic
diseases, and promote overall health.

Managing stress through activities such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature can
also contribute to healthy aging by reducing the risk of chronic diseases and improving
mental health.

Social engagement, such as volunteering or participating in social activities, can help older
adults maintain social connections and a sense of purpose, which is essential for overall
well-being.

It is a personality disorder characterized by excessive emotionality, attention-seeking
behaviour, and a need for constant validation and approval from others. People with HPD
may have difficulty maintaining relationships and may engage in dramatic or provocative
behaviours to gain attention.

Symptoms of HPD may include:
1. Seeking attention through exaggerated behaviors or dress
2. Using physical appearance to gain attention
3. Being easily influenced by others
4. Shifting emotions rapidly and often
5. Having an excessive need for reassurance and approval
6. Being easily bored with routine or detail-oriented tasks
7. Having a tendency to be overly dramatic or theatrical
8. Using language that is vague, impressionistic, or overly emotional

Treatment
These may include psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychodynamic
therapy, which can help individuals identify and change maladaptive thought patterns and
behaviors. Medications may also be prescribed to manage associated symptoms such as
depression or anxiety.

It is important to note that personality disorders can be challenging to treat, and individuals
with HPD may require ongoing therapy and support to manage their symptoms and
maintain healthy relationships.

Hoarding disorder is a mental health condition characterized by persistent difficulty in discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value.
People with hoarding disorder accumulate and clutter their living spaces to the point where it interferes with their daily activities, causes distress, and poses a safety risk.

Some common features of hoarding disorder include:

  1. Difficulty discarding possessions, even those with no practical value or that are broken or useless. 
  2. Strong attachment to possessions and fear of losing them.
  3. Extreme clutter and disorganization in living spaces, which can lead to unsanitary conditions, fire hazards, and other safety risks. 
  4. Feelings of shame, anxiety, and isolation due to hoarding behaviors. 
  5. Difficulty functioning in daily life, such as difficulty cooking, sleeping, or showering due to clutter.

Treatment
Hoarding disorder can be treated through a combination of therapy, medication, and
support from family and friends. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and
response prevention (ERP) therapy have been found to be effective in treating hoarding
disorder. Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can also be
helpful in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms associated with hoarding.

Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive sleepiness and difficulty
staying awake during the day, even after getting enough sleep at night. People with
hypersomnia may experience difficulty in functioning in their daily lives due to excessive
daytime sleepiness, and may also experience other symptoms such as fatigue, lack of
energy, and difficulty concentrating.

Types of Hypersomnia

  1. Idiopathic hypersomnia: a condition in which a person experiences excessive sleepiness that is not caused by another underlying medical condition
  2. Narcolepsy: a neurological disorder characterized by sudden and uncontrollable episodes of sleep
  3. Sleep apnea: is a sleep disorder in which a person's breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep patterns.

Causes
The causes of hypersomnia are not well understood, but may be related to abnormalities in
the brain or disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle.

Treatment
These may include medication, such as stimulants or wake-promoting schedule or avoiding
caffeine and alcohol.
In some cases, underlying medical conditions may need to be treated to alleviate
hypersomnia symptoms.

HSDD is a sexual dysfunction characterized by a lack of sexual desire or interest in sexual
activity. People with HSDD may experience little to no interest in sexual activity, and may
not initiate or respond to sexual advances from a partner. HSDD can cause significant
distress and can negatively impact personal relationships. It is a condition that can affect
individuals of any gender.

Factors that can cause HSDD
i. Hormonal imbalances
ii. Medical conditions
iii. Medications
iv. Psychological factors such as depression or anxiety

Treatment for HSDD may involve
i. Addressing any underlying medical or psychological issues
ii. Counseling
iii. Therapy
iv. Medication. For some individuals, hormone replacement therapy or testosterone
replacement therapy may be effective in treating HSDD.

This is also known as illness anxiety disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by
excessive worry and fear about having a serious illness, despite no or only mild physical
symptoms. People with hypochondriasis may persistently believe that they have a serious
medical condition, even if medical tests and evaluations show that they are healthy.

Hypochondriasis can cause significant distress and can interfere with a person's daily life,
including their relationships, work, and activities. It can also lead to frequent visits to
healthcare providers, unnecessary medical tests and procedures, and high healthcare costs.

Causes
The exact causes of hypochondriasis are not well understood, but it may be related to a
combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors.
People with a history of anxiety or other mental health conditions, as well as those who
have experienced a traumatic event or illness, may be more likely to develop
hypochondriasis.


Treatment of  Hypochondriasis
Treatment for hypochondriasis may involve a combination of therapy and medication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be effective in helping individuals challenge and
change their negative thought patterns and behaviors related to illness anxiety.

Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may
also be prescribed to help alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms.

It is important to note that people with hypochondriasis should still receive appropriate
medical care and treatment for any physical symptoms they may have, even if their
concerns are not related to a serious medical condition.

A comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical and mental health needs of the
individual is often the most effective in managing hypochondriasis.

Hypomania is a mood state characterized by elevated or irritable mood, increased energy,
decreased need for sleep, and often increased productivity or creativity. Unlike mania,
hypomania does not typically cause significant impairment in social, occupational, or other
areas of functioning.

Hypomania is a symptom of bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterized by
alternating episodes of depression and mania or hypomania. It can also be a symptom of
other mental health conditions, such as cyclothymia or schizoaffective disorder.

During a hypomanic episode, individuals may feel extremely optimistic and confident,
engage in impulsive behavior, and have racing thoughts or rapid speech. They may also
have an increased interest in sex, increased social activity, and decreased inhibitions.

While hypomania can be a positive experience for some individuals, it can also lead to
risky behavior, poor decision-making, and difficulties in relationships and work. It is
important for individuals experiencing hypomania to seek professional help if their
symptoms interfere with their daily life.

Treatment
Treatment for hypomania may involve medication, therapy, or a combination of both.
Mood stabilizers, such as lithium or valproate, are often prescribed to help regulate mood
and prevent episodes of hypomania or mania. Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral
therapy or interpersonal therapy, can also be helpful in managing symptoms and addressing
any underlying issues that may contribute to hypomania.

The term hysteria historically referred to a set of symptoms that were believed to result
from a disturbance in the uterus (hence the term "hysteria," which is derived from the Greek
word for uterus).

Today, the term is no longer used in this way and has been replaced by more specific diagnostic categories.
In modern psychiatry, hysteria is not a formal diagnosis. However, it can refer to a group
of symptoms that are now recognized as being part of other mental health disorders, such
as conversion disorder or somatic symptom disorder.

Conversion disorder, also known as functional neurological symptom disorder, is a
condition in which an individual experiences physical symptoms that cannot be explained
by a medical condition. These symptoms may include weakness or paralysis, seizures,
blindness, or difficulty speaking.

Somatic symptom disorder is a condition in which an individual experiences physical
symptoms that are distressing or disruptive, but cannot be fully explained by a medical
condition. In this disorder, the individual is preoccupied with the symptoms and may have
excessive anxiety or worry about their health.

Treatment
Treatment may involve therapy, medications, or a combination of both, depending on the
specific diagnosis and individual needs.

Compiled by: Dr. Emelda Edem Asem - Ahiablee, Dr. Ramata Seidu, Dr. E. A. Azusong,
Dr. Akosua Dickson, Dr. Matilda Asiedu, Dr. Wendy Muonibeh Bebobru, Dr. Chukwuebuka Emmanuel Ohakpougwu