Latest News

  • Neglected Mental Health: The What, Why & How

    Mental health is a growing concern in the world right now. Did you know according to studies conducted in 2017 almost 279 million people were suffering from some sort of mental health problem? Do you know someone who is suffering from Mental Health issues or perhaps you are, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Like any other illness, the right care and medication can help you recover from it. Agan, like any disease or illness, the first step is the diagnosis. So in this article, I will try to explain what mental health is, why is it important, how it can be prevented, why is it being neglected and more! 

    What is Mental Health?

    According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 

    “mental health is a state of well being in which the individual realises his/her own abilities, can cope with the normal stress of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”

    But in actuality, it’s a simplified definition of mental health disruption that people go through in their daily lives. Mental health issues are much more complicated and can have several causes.

    Why is mental health important?

    Mental health is important at all stages of life, from childhood to adolescence and throughout adulthood, because this is when the largest disruptions in an individual's life occur. Stable mental health encompasses our emotions, psychological well and social well-being. It also influences how we deal with stress, our interactions with people, and make life decisions. The word "mental health" is frequently used to denote the absence of “mental disorder”.

    Factors affecting an individual’s mental Health

    First, you need to understand that mental health issues are completely different from mental illness, people often confuse the two which makes individuals suffering from mental health issues sceptical of diagnosis. According to the CDC (centre of disease control) “mental illness refers to conditions that affect a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, or behaviour. These can include but aren’t limited to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.”

    The most common factors affecting mental health are 

    • Biological factors

    Biological variables include everything physical that might have a negative impact on a person's mental health. Genetics, parental trauma, infections, chemicals, brain malformations or traumas, and substance addiction are examples of biological factors. Many mental health professionals feel that the biology of the brain and nervous system is the root cause of mental health issues.

    • Life experience and environmental factors

    These are stressors that people face on a daily basis. These pressures vary from financial problems to low self-esteem. Some other factors that I should mention are -

    Life Events and Emotional Stress

    Poor Parenting, Abuse and neglect

    Adverse childhood experiences

    Relationships

    Social Expectations

    Poverty

    • Psychological and individual factors

    Some mental health practitioners feel that psychological factors alone are responsible for mental illnesses. Others argue that mental health problems might be explained by a combination of social and psychological variables.

    Why mental health is neglected by people?

    People all across the globe talk about free health care, but there is an equally vital problem that is frequently overlooked: Mental Health. Even in most nations, it is a taboo subject and those who claim mental health difficulties are believed to be strange and that there is something wrong with them. In most countries, it is considered a luxury good, and if you claim that you are suffering from mental health issues it just means that you are spoiled and lazy.

    People often sympathise more with obvious ailments and health concerns, even when it comes to donations from the privileged as a health aid. While it is considerably easy to photograph bodily ailments or material needs, it is far more difficult to photograph mental health. As a result, mental health is frequently overlooked.

    How can you prevent Mental health issues?

    Even though you might wonder how is it possible to solely fight against mental health disruptions, you are the only one that can make the biggest difference in fighting this problem. The first and foremost thing is to value yourself and love yourself. Know that you are unique and that deserves to be appreciated. Apart from valuing yourself, exercising and eating healthy will help you elevate your mood and it is also a great idea for your overall health. During times of vulnerability, surround yourself with people who appreciate you and love you. Additionally, you can volunteer to help others who are in need and support each other. Meditation is said to help a lot to calm your mind and body, try to meditate twice a day at least. And if you need help don’t shy away from therapy, psychologists are there to help you. Seeking help or going to therapy does not make you weak or weird. Most importantly, avoid substance abuse it might feel good at first but it will take you down a hole of bad decisions.

    To summarise, even though mental health is neglected in most parts of the world today, help is always available to those who ask for it. And no matter what, never give up on yourself. If you need help, remember to consult a psychologist or talk to a loved one.

     

    .