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Mental Health

Mental health refers to an individual’s overall psychological well-being and the ability to function in everyday life. It encompasses a wide range of factors, including emotional, psychological, and social aspects of a person’s life.

Mental health can be affected by various factors, such as genetics, environment, lifestyle, and experiences. When these factors are disrupted, it can lead to mental health problems, such as anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and schizophrenia.

Maintaining good mental health involves developing healthy coping mechanisms, such as stress management, positive self-talk, social support, and seeking professional help when needed. Mental health problems are treatable, and seeking professional help is essential for successful treatment.

Mental health problems can manifest in various ways, including changes in mood, behavior, and cognition. Some common symptoms of mental health problems include persistent sadness, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, low energy, insomnia, substance abuse, and social withdrawal.

Mental health disorders can significantly impact an individual’s daily life, relationships, and work performance. Seeking appropriate treatment and support can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

With aging, mental health can be impacted affecting how patients think, feel, and act. It can have direct correlations with how to handle stress, relate to others, and make everyday decisions.

At the Pacific Brain Health Center, Dr. David Merrill is a geriatric psychiatrist who specializes in helping patients with these conditions.

Depression and anxiety can affect everyone and may manifest in addiction disorders to alcohol, drugs or prescription medications. Dr. Keith Heinzerling is an addiction medicine specialist who treats adults of all ages. Patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, end-of-life distress, chronic pain, drug/alcohol problems, and other conditions may be eligible for psychedelic-assisted therapy with ketamine.


If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889. All calls are confidential. Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media updates or dial 911 in an emergency. Learn more on the Lifeline’s website or the Crisis Text Line’s website.

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We are a highly specialized team of medical professionals with extensive neurological and cranial disorder knowledge, expertise and writing experience.
Last updated: March 24, 2023