MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

Even though May is designated as Mental Health Month, many of us are still unaware of the importance of mental health. Some individuals are unaware that they are suffering from mental illness due to a lack of mental health information. We don't know if the people suffering from mental illness are members of our families, colleagues, classmates, neighbors, or relatives. Our societies are under-informed about mental health problems,  which is why we need to educate people about it. Untreated mental illness can lead to depression, anxiety, and, in the worst-case scenario, suicide.

Mental Illness

Mental illness, also known as mental health disorders, encompasses a broad spectrum of disorders that affect the mood, thought, and behavior. Depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and addictive habits are all examples of mental illness.

Mental disorders may have a significant effect on everyday life if left untreated,  including the ability to function, care for your health, and connect to and communicate with others. There is no shame in having mental illness, just as there is no shame in having diabetes or heart diseases. Support and treatment are available.

Importance of Mental Health Awareness

According to the World Health Organization and World Economic Forum, mental disorder is the world's greatest economic burden today. Just about half of people suffering from mental illness in developed countries receive the care they need, while 90% of people in developing countries go    without treatment. The stigma associated with mental illness, as well as a lack of mental health literacy, exacerbates pre-existing mental health problems.

More help and treatment for those who need it comes with expanded mental health awareness. The public's perception of mental health problems currently has a negative effect onthose who are coping with them, but the public has thepower to change that. People's perceptions of mental disorders, their consequences, and how often they arise are lessened as they are informed about them. Mental health is just as important as physical health, in some aspects it’s more important because you can’t keep your physical health without a healthy mental capacity.


Help and Support

Here are some easy steps we can take to help raise awareness of mental health problems in our communities:

• Communicate with everyone you know. Make sure you listen to one of your relatives or friends when he tells you how he's doing or feeling. Having someone to listen to your worries or concerns will help to relieve some of the stress you are experiencing.

• Be respectful and accepting. When you show someone you support and embrace them, you eliminate a major obstacle to them dealing with their mental illness.

• Promote the use of positive words. When you hear people speak about mental wellbeing in yoursetting, respectfully advise them to think about the meaning of their words. Harsh language can be disruptive, and it can prevent anyone from receiving the assistance they need.

• Increasing mental health awareness. Learning more about mental health helps us to offer supportive support to others in our families, friends, and communities who are suffering from mental illness.