MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

 Mental health awareness

                                    by hotri shrimali

Before discussing about mental health awareness importance let's understand first what are mental health problems...

what are mental health problems?

Mental health problems are difficult experiences that make it harder for us to get on with our lives. They include the painful feelings and thoughts that we all have at times including periods of sadness, hopelessness and fear.

Mental health problems are not a weakness they are just responses to what is happening, and what has happened, to us and around us.

for example, we might feel tense, worried and afraid a common experience often described as anxiety. this might affect our sleep, eating, work, studies and dealings with people in our lives, as well as alcohol and drug use. Other people might not know how we are feeling unless we tell them.

Some mental health problems cause us more serious distress and problems with our lives, and may continue for years. For instance, hearing and seeing things that others can't see or believing that other people. As a result, we may loose jobs, friends, children, housing and even our liberty and lives.

Diagnosing mental health problems: pros and cons

Mental health problems are not like cancer or heart diseases where scientific tests can reveal what is wrong. With mental health problems, it's our painful feelings and thoughts and their effects on our lives. There's no hidden part  that only experts understand.

Some people find it helps them to have a mental health diagnosis. It can come as a relief and help them understand and accept themselves and also help others to do so. In addition, a  diagnosis can help with getting benefits, support at work or with studies and treatment from health professionals.

Other people feel harmed by diagnosis. They feel worse about themselves as a result of the label they have been given or fear it will make others wary of them potential employers, friends, partners, mental health professionals for instance.

The importance of mental health awareness

Mental health illness affect 19% of the adult population, 46% of teenagers and 13% of children each year. People struggling with their mental health may be in your family, live next door, teach your children, work in the next cubicle or sit in the same church pew.

However, only half of those affected receive treatment often because of the stigma attached to mental health. Untreated mental health illness can contribute to higher medical expenses, poorer performance at school and work, fewer employment opportunities and increased risk of suicide.

What exactly is a mental illness

A mental illness is a physical illness of the brain that causes disturbances in thinking, behavior, energy, emotion that make it difficult to cope with the ordinary demands of life. Research is starting to uncover the complicated causes of these diseases which can include genetics, brain structure, experiencing trauma or having other medical condition.

There are two most common mental health conditions 

1.ANXIETY DISORDERS- More than 18% of adults each year struggle with some type of anxiety disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder(OCD), panic attacks and specific phobias

2.MOOD DISORDERS - Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar depression, affect nearly 10% of adults each year and are characterized by difficulties in regulating one's mood.

What you can do to help

By showing individuals respect and acceptance.

Advocating within our circles of influence.

By learning more about mental health.

Survey on mental health and well being