Mental Health and Mental Illnesses
Mental health is an essential and integral component of general health
and well-being. It is a state in which an individual is able to realize his or
her abilities, is able to work productively, cope with the normal stresses
of life and is able to contribute to his or her community.
Mental illnesses or mental health disorders include a wide range of
disorders that affect our behaviour, emotional regulation and thinking.
Broadly these disorders can be divided into common mental disorders
and severe mental disorders. Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder,
Panic Disorder, Specific Phobias, Social Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder, Drugs and Substance Use Disorder are some of the
common mental disorders. The severe mental disorders include Bipolar
Affective Disorder and Psychotic Disorders including Schizophrenia.
Mental Health Condition is a broad term which includes Mental Illnesses
as well as various other mental states that cause distress, increased risk
of self-harm or impaired functioning.
How common are Mental Illnesses
According to the World Health Organization, in 2019, 1 in every 8 people
around the world were living with a mental illness with anxiety and
depression being the most common.Both these disorders are relatively
more common in females as compared to males.
In 2020, as the world was fighting with COVID-19 pandemic, the rates of
anxiety and depression rose by about 26% and 28% respectively.[World
Health Organization I 2022]. Nearly 15% of Indian adults need active
intervention for one or more mental health conditions. Depression
affects 1 in 20 Indians and is a significant contributor to global
disability.[National Mental Health Survey I 2015-16] The National Mental
Health Survey, conducted in India reported prevalence estimates of
various other mental health disorders, with drugs and psychoactive
substance use disorders contributing significantly to the morbidity. The
lifetime prevalence rates of mood disorders, schizophrenia & other
psychotic disorders and depressive disorders were around 6%, 1.4% and
5% respectively.
Myths and Facts about Mental Health
Over the recent years, mental health has slowly moved out of the
shadows and our mental well being is gradually receiving more of the
attention it deserves. But the myths still persist. Dispelling myths about
mental health not only helps break the stigma but also encourages
people to reach out and seek support when they need it.
- Myth: Mental Health Problems are uncommon and they won’t affect me
Fact: Mental Health Problems are quite common and can affect anyone.
Various genetic and environmental factors can further increase the risk.
- Myth: Children, adolescents and elderly are not affected
Fact: Mental Health Problems can affect anyone and rather present
themselves for the first time during adolescent years. OCD is one such
disorder. Early warning signs of Mental Health Problems may show up
early in very young children, but unfortunately only half of them with
diagnosable conditions receive the treatment they need.
- Myth: People with Mental Health Problems are violent and unpredictable.
Fact: Most people with mental illnesses, even those with severe mental
illnesses like Schizophrenia are not violent. Its true that some people
suffering from severe illnesses can become violent, but they are in
minority. Rather these people are often victims of abuse and violence.
- Myth: Mental Health Problems are a sign of weakness. If they were strong they wouldn’t have this condition
Fact: Mental Illnesses have got nothing to do with willpower or being
weak. These illnesses are multi-factorial and various factors can
contribute to it like biological factors, family history, environmental
factors etc.
- Myth: They can’t work and contribute to the community
Fact: Majority of the people with Mental Health Problems are as
productive as individuals without them. Proper medical treatment can
decrease rates of absenteeism, medical costs and increase productivity.
- Myth: Those who suffer from Mental Illnesses never recover and there is no hope for them.
Fact: Recovery is a process in which a person can live, learn, work and
participate in their communities. With timely treatment and
intervention, most people are able to recover and function adequately.
- Myth: Those wh Myth: If someone with Mental Illness visits a Psychiatrist or seeks help, they will be admitted in hospitals, prescribed medications which are addictive and given shock therapyo suffer from Mental Illnesses never recover and there is no hope for them.
Fact: If someone is struggling with Mental Health issues, reaching out for
help is a courageous step. Psychiatrists are doctors who have expertise
in diagnosing and managing Mental Health Problems. Depending upon
the diagnosis and severity of the condition, your doctor will decide a
plan of management. The patient and family members are always
involved in the decision making process. Not all patients require
hospitalization. Psychiatric medications are prescribed to people with
diagnosable conditions. They are not addictive, rather beneficial in
management of the underlying condition when prescribed judiciously for
an indication.
- Myth: I can’t do anything for a friend or family member with Mental Health Problems
Fact: Loved ones can make a huge difference. They can offer support
and help. Let them know that you are available, help them access the
available services, share facts about Mental Health Problems that you
come across and treat them with love and respect rather than calling
them crazy or mad.
Mental Health Problems are much more common than we think.
Fortunately, acknowledgement of the important role it plays has begun
in the recent years. Depression is one of the leading causes of disability
and suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in the 15-29 year age
group. These conditions can be treated effectively yet a lot of people do
not approach for help. Stigma and discrimination further makes the
situation worse. It is also important to note that the duration of
untreated illness (defined as the interval between the onset of a
psychiatric disorder and the administration of the first medication
treatment) negatively influences the clinical course and outcome of
these mental illnesses. This emphasizes the importance of early
intervention and management.
So, if you or any closed one is struggling with any mental health issue,
reach out for help today.
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