Inability to speak openly can be a sign of mental health problems: Study

If you or someone close to you is not able to express their thoughts and feelings properly, then there is no bad intention behind it. There may also be a condition related to mental health. 

Communication is a basic human need. Its absence can have a negative impact on mental health. When a loved one does not respond to our sadness or happiness in the way we expect, the experience is frustrating.

But according to psychiatry, if these communication problems happen repeatedly with the same person, it may not be due to their lack of good intentions. It may be a sign of a possible social cognition change. Recent  research at McGill University in Montreal has made it clear that there is a link between social cognition and various mental health disorders. 

Social cognition is the ability through which we understand the emotions of others and assess their intentions and beliefs. 

Mental health can reduce your ability

Mental health disorders can lead to a decrease in the ability to understand others' feelings and communicate openly. Research has shown that this decrease is seen in many mental health disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Effects on everyday life

Recent studies have also shown that deficits in social cognition in people with bipolar disorder affect their ability to function in daily life. This deficit results in difficulties in expressing emotions, forming relationships with others, and participating in social life.

Preventive measures

Several interventions have been developed to improve social cognition. These include various exercises that focus on improving social cognition and memory. For example, patients can be given exercises to identify what another person's feelings are. Additionally, social cognition can be developed through stories where the characters' intentions are gradually revealed.

Technological initiatives

During the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers conducted online group sessions for people suffering from mental health disorders using digital tools.

Important information for families

It is important for family and friends to know that when someone is suffering from a mental health disorder, they are not intentionally hurtful. Special programs are available to improve communication, which helps family members maintain relationships with each other.