Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:
* Mental health: It involves a disruption in the individual's thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and overall well-being.
* External event or situation: This could be a traumatic experience like a natural disaster, an accident, abuse, violence, or even a prolonged stressful situation.
* Negative change: This can manifest in various ways, including:
* Symptoms of mental disorders: Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobias, panic disorder, etc.
* Functional impairments: Difficulty concentrating, problems with relationships, inability to work, etc.
* Emotional distress: Feeling overwhelmed, experiencing sadness, anger, guilt, or fear.
It's important to note that:
* Not everyone exposed to a traumatic event develops a psychological injury. Individual resilience, coping mechanisms, and support systems play a role.
* The term "psychological injury" is often used interchangeably with "mental health injury" or "psychological trauma."
* Diagnosing a psychological injury requires professional evaluation by a mental health professional.
Here are some additional points to consider:
* The severity of the injury can vary widely. It can range from mild to severe and long-lasting.
* Treatment is often necessary to manage the symptoms and help individuals recover.
* Psychological injuries can be recognized and supported in various settings, including workplaces, schools, and legal contexts.
If you or someone you know has experienced a traumatic event or is struggling with their mental health, seeking professional help is crucial.